Voices for CASA Children - Scottsdale, AZ

2nd place winner and $5,000 grant recipient  

Nominated by: Candy Mayhew

As a court appointed special advocate (CASA) in Maricopa County, Arizona, I volunteer on two separate cases by looking out for the welfare of children living in foster care and in the custody of the Arizona Department of Child Safety.

The support that hundreds of CASA's across the state receive from Voices for CASA Children is immeasurable. Voices for CASA Children provides the volunteers with opportunities to attend events with our kids; supports volunteers with books, supplies and training opportunities; provides essential needs for the children with supplies; and helps CASA's find resources to support the kids as they navigate the child welfare system. 

One key component is the training opportunities provided by Voices for CASA Children that allows for CASA's to continuously learn how to better support and advocate for children in the welfare system.  Some of the training classes they offer include: behavior management, stress management, trauma and managing trauma behavior, human trafficking and advocating for LGBTQ+ youth. 

I have found my experience as a CASA volunteer to be a meaningful way of giving back to my community, and Voices for CASA has made it possible for me to learn and grow through the experience.

To read more about the other winners, please click on the links below:

1st place winner and $10,000 grant recipient

Alpha Omega Veterans Services – Memphis, TN

3rd place winner and $2,500 grant recipient

The Arc Gateway – Pensacola, FL

***Photo published by permission of National CASA/GAL Association for Children