CASA of the Arkansas Delta fall focus

Court Appointed Special Advocates looking for volunteers

ralphhardin@gmail.com CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the Arkansas Delta, a program partner of Mid-South Health Systems, serves the children in the region’s foster care system. CASA volunteers speak up and advocate for abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings as part of Arkansas CASA a network of programs that recruit, train and support volunteers to represent the interests of these children.

CASA is integral to making sure the voices of all children are heard. There is no yellow brick road for children in abusive and neglected environments to find a way out. A CASA advocate is there to listen, help, and most importantly, speak up. Children in these situations have a lot to say, but they need someone to help them have their voice heard CASA advocates help fulfill one of society’s most important missions, to make sure each child in our community has access to a safe environment.

“We had the pleasure of having Mayor Marco McClendon at our Volunteer meeting last week,” said CASA director Chloe Harrison. “We were able to sit down and talk about our CASA kids’ needs, why the volunteers believe in CASA, and how we appreciate his support for our program.”

Harrison thanked Mayor McClendon for “making positive changes in our community to better the future of all the children in Crittenden County.”

CASA is taking some direct steps to improve the quality of life for foster children, such as the “CASA Snuggles” fleece blanket drive. Now through Dec. 6, CASA is collecting flees throws to give to kids to help them keep warm this winter.

They are also having a fundraiser prize drawing for the “Ultimate Razorback Fan” with a prize pack of Hogs memorabilia.

Tickets are on sale now ($2 each, or three for $5), and can be bought at Mid-South Health Systems in West Memphis. The drawing will be held on Oct. 18.

Want to be a part of the CASA family but can’t commit to being an advocate? Become a “Friend of CASA” today and donate your time and talents with event planning, financial gifts, gift boxes, supply donations, gift cards, or volunteer is ongoing programs like Operation Santa Storm, the annual toy drive for CASA kids.

For more information about how you can be a part of the great things happening at CASA, visit arkansascasa.org, find CASA Arkansas Delta on Facebook, or stop by Mid-South Health Systems during regular business hours, at 905 N. 7th St., in West Memphis.