Join Me! Ohio CASA Debuts First Statewide Commercial

The Ohio CASA/GAL Association has launched its first-ever statewide commercial campaign designed to raise awareness and inspire more Ohioans to become Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to serve children experiencing abuse and neglect.

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

At the center of the campaign are three CASA volunteers from different parts of the state: John Collins from CASA of Franklin County, Marquice Seward from CASA of Portage County, and Austin Hill from CASA of Madison County.

Additionally, some of the other individuals featured in the commercials have ties to the Ohio CASA Network, including the CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties program. These details add to the campaign’s authenticity and reinforces that these stories are rooted in real experiences and real communities across the state.

Each CASA volunteer shares what motivates them to step up for the children who need it most. Their stories highlight the powerful, everyday impact of CASA volunteers across Ohio.

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

“This campaign is about CASA volunteers inviting others in their community to make a difference,” said Ohio CASA Executive Director Doug Stephens. “There’s something powerful about hearing a real story from someone who has stepped into this role. Local CASA programs from across the state came together to make this commercial possible.”

CASA volunteers are community members from all walks of life. After completing a background check and comprehensive training, CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge or magistrate to advocate for a child’s best interest in court.

Volunteers complete at least 30 hours of training and in-court observation before being assigned a case. CASA volunteers get continued support and complete annual training.

There is always a need for more volunteers.

Ohio CASA’s goal is to serve every child in all 88 counties. In 2025, CASA volunteers in 61 counties advocated for 9,177 children—just a portion of the roughly 14,000 in foster care at any given time. With enough volunteers, programs could reach about 85% of children in need.

“Every day, there are children in the state’s foster care and child welfare system that need someone to speak up for them,” said Stephens. “Many don’t have a consistent adult in their life. CASA volunteers help make sure a child’s voice is heard and considered in the decisions that affect their life.”

Ohioans can expect to see the commercials airing on certain local Nexstar television stations throughout the state, like WJW Fox 8 News in Northeast Ohio.

The commercials are also airing statewide across all Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) networks, as well as premium streaming platforms including Paramount+, HBO Max, Discovery+, and Peacock.

Viewers can also watch the commercials online through the Ohio CASA YouTube page, making it easy to learn more and spread the message to others.

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