Fall 2025: CASA volunteers and Ohio programs in the news
This fall, The Ohio CASA Network’s impact was widespread, making headlines across communities statewide.
Following the 30th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference, several of Ohio CASA’s yearly award winners were recognized by local media for their dedication to children and families.
Pamela Moody, a longtime CASA volunteer in Pickaway County, was featured in The Scioto Post after being named Ohio CASA’s 2025 Pro Star Volunteer of the Year.
Moody has served as a CASA volunteer for 12 years, advocating for 46 children. In addition to her courtroom work, she raises awareness of CASA’s mission throughout the community and online.
Learn more about her tireless dedication:
Another award winner, Megan Ward, was highlighted by the Richland Source. Ward, a CASA volunteer in Richland County who was sworn-in last November, was named Ohio CASA’s 2025 Rising Star Volunteer of the Year.
In less than a year, Ward represented the best interest of more than half a dozen children, demonstrating the immediate impact new CASA volunteers can make.
Learn more about her work that’s helping to change lives:
Recognition also extended beyond individual volunteers. The Child Advocate of the Year was highlighted by the Cincinnati Reds in their Unity in the Community page. This year, the award was presented to Jordyn Pagán & Families of the Cincinnati Reds and Samantha Kwan & Families of the Cleveland Guardians.
Together, the groups raised $18,500 for the Ohio CASA Network, providing critical support to local CASA programs while raising awareness statewide.
Local leadership and staff were also recognized this fall. Athens County CASA Volunteer Coordinator Carly Ferguson was honored by the Athens Area Chamber as the Young Professional of the Year.
The award goes to individuals under 40 who have excelled in their professional lives and made an impact on their community. Ferguson is noted for her compassionate and dedicated work in child welfare.
CASA of Tuscarawas and Harrison Counties welcomed a new group of CASA volunteers during a swearing-in ceremony, marking the second new class of 2025 for the program. Among them is Julie Pizon, who learned about CASA after recently moving to Tuscarawas County.
“I was interested in meeting people in the community while also finding a meaningful volunteer opportunity, and CASA seemed to align perfectly with those goals,” Pizon told Your Ohio News. “With over 20 years of experience as an educator and counselor, I hope my skills and background will be valuable in supporting the children of my new county.”
Community support for CASA programs continued across Ohio. Northwest Ohio CASA received a $4,000 gift following Defiance’s Witches Brew for CASA event, with the check presentation featured in The Crescent-News.
That same region also saw continued outreach efforts. Northwest Ohio CASA interim executive director Jennifer Porter spoke to a group of retired teachers in Henry County, an event covered by the Northwest Signal, sharing how CASA volunteers advocate for children.
In Hancock County, CASA made the news for its creative community engagement. CASA of Hancock County announced its Paws with a Cause event on WFIN, teaming up with a nonprofit that trains therapy and service dogs. The Courier attended alongside community members eager to learn more about CASA while meeting therapy dogs.
CASA programs also used media to educate and recruit volunteers. CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties was featured on WTTF, where Assistant Director Michelle Hess spoke about volunteer training and more.
You can listen here:
CASA of Allen and Putnam Counties made a call for more CASA volunteers in LimaOhio.com. The same website also featured the program’s training for prospective volunteers, learning about how to advocate for children experiencing abuse or neglect.
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