Winter 2025-2026: CASA volunteers and Ohio programs in the news

The Ohio CASA Network continued to build momentum this winter, as programs expanded their reach for children in need and a new statewide television campaign rolled out.

For the first time, The Ohio CASA/GAL Association has launched commercials designed to raise awareness and inspire more Ohioans to become CASA volunteers.

The commercials began airing in March across television and streaming platforms in all 88 counties, allowing communities to hear directly from CASA volunteers themselves.

The commercials center around the voices of three CASA volunteers from different parts of Ohio: John Collins from Franklin County, Marquice Seward from Portage County, and Austin Hill from Madison County.

Each CASA volunteer shares why they step up for children experiencing abuse and neglect, highlighting the vital role CASA volunteers play in advocating for a child’s best interest.

At the heart of every message is a simple but powerful invitation: Join me in becoming a CASA volunteer.

Be on the lookout for the commercials on your local television stations and streaming platforms, or watch here on the Ohio CASA YouTube page.

Ohio CASA continued the on-air push for more CASA volunteers.

Ohio CASA Director of Communications Haley Nelson and CASA of Franklin County Director Kevin Greenwood appeared on Columbus Living, which airs on NBC4 in Central Ohio counties.

They discussed the important role CASA volunteers play in advocating for children experiencing abuse and neglect and the need for more volunteers.

“We hear from a lot of programs across the state: everybody needs CASA volunteers right now,” said Nelson. “There are a lot of kids that could use that one, consistent, caring adult in their corner.”

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, start your journey on the Ohio CASA website.

Nelson kept the ball rolling, spreading awareness to sports fans. She appeared on The Tim May Show Featuring Clay Hall to share CASA’s mission.

As an Indiana alum, Nelson was a guest during the leadup to the National Championship game between the Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes, sharing excitement about both the Indiana football program and CASA programs statewide.

CASA programs across the state also hit the airwaves to raise awareness about their programs and what CASA volunteers do.

CASA of Columbiana County Director Juli Johnson appeared on WFMJ to share the program’s history in the county and their goal to get more CASA volunteers moving forward.

On the radio, CASA of Logan County Director Erica Cluck sat down with WPKO to discuss her program as she prepared to relaunch the program in February. Cluck spoke about the renewed efforts to recruit, train, and support CASA volunteers.

The advocacy efforts also hit the radio waves in Tiffin, where WTTF welcomed CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties. Program Assistant Abby Needles shared more information about upcoming events and how people can help the children in need in the community.

One of those events included the program’s inaugural Ink for Impact. It was a chance for the program to team up with local artists to speak with community members about the role of CASA volunteers.

“We were thrilled with the turnout and the conversations that happened throughout the event,” Needles told The Advertiser-Tribune. “Events like Ink for Impact allow us to connect with people in a creative and welcoming way while sharing how they can make a difference in a child’s life.”

Programs also used newspaper ink to call on community members to step up and learn about CASA.

CASA of Allen and Putnam counties had their annual Spring preservice training announced in the Bluffton Icon, while the News Journal shared training opportunities for Clinton County CASA.

The aforementioned program also received several gifts. The local Kiwanis Club donated birthday cake kits to Clinton County CASA to ensure every child the program serves has the opportunity to celebrate their birthday.

“Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting children during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” Clinton County CASA Director Elizabeth Biggane told the News Journal. “Donations like these help create positive experiences and build trust, while also supporting our educational and engagement efforts.”

The program also received dozens of sets of dice which CASA volunteers can use for an icebreaker game that was introduced by Charlie Appelstein during his featured speech at the 2025 Celebrate Kids! Conference.

Several CASA programs joined in celebrating their own birthdays.

A Child’s Place CASA marked 25 years with a celebration in December, an occasion covered by The Weirton Daily Times and WTRF. The program was established in West Virginia in 2000 and later expanded to Jefferson County in 2016.

Advocates for Families, which oversees the CASA programs in Ashland and Knox Counties, reached its 40th anniversary in November. The Ashland Source attended a celebration that took place at Ashland University, which included a proclamation presented by a local city councilman.

A major milestone was celebrated in Medina County, where one of the newest programs welcomed its inaugural class of CASA volunteers.

14 community members were sworn in before a packed courtroom and The Medina-Gazette.

“It has been so exciting to walk alongside our 14 CASA volunteers in this inaugural training class,” said CASA of Medina County Program Director Erin Grohe. “They have demonstrated such commitment to the children of our county already through their training efforts. I know they will be a powerful force for the best interest of children on their cases.”

With the new class sworn in, CASA of Medina County is ready to begin accepting case appointments from the court.

Some CASA programs looked back at a successful year of advocacy. Shelby County CASA shared their accomplishments in 2025 with the Sidney Daily News, pointing out how they’re keeping the momentum in making a difference in the lives of local children.

One CASA program will be making a difference from a new space. The CASA of Miami County program relocated to the Hobart Building for County Government in Troy, topped off by a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of a large crowd attended by Miami Valley Today.

This new office includes dedicated volunteer workspaces, as well as a resource center stocked with activity bags, donated books, and materials to support children and families.

Awards and recognition capped off the winter season.

A generous gift was given in Circleville. Pickaway County CASA was chosen as the winner of the local 100 Men Who Care event, receiving a $100 donation from each member, as reported by the Circleville Herald.

A probation officer in Preble County was highlighted for receiving a major award. Ashleigh Cravens was named Ohio CASA’s 2025 Child Welfare Professional of the Year.

This honor received coverage on WDTN, in the Daily Advocate, and on the frontpage of The Register-Herald.

Preble County CASA nominated Cravens for the honor, describing her as a vital resource to the program.

If you have an article or news to share with Ohio CASA, please contact us.