Large group of CASA volunteers, lawmakers, supporters come together at Ohio Statehouse for “CASA Day in Ohio” 2025

05.02.2025 Ohio CASA News Press Release

Large group of CASA volunteers, lawmakers, supporters come together at Ohio Statehouse for “CASA Day in Ohio” 2025

The largest group of CASA supporters yet gathered at the Ohio Statehouse for “CASA Day in Ohio” on April 30.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers, lawmakers, program supporters, and child welfare professionals attended the Ohio CASA/GAL Association’s annual event, designed to honor the impact of CASA programs statewide and discuss the future of the Ohio CASA Network.

“CASA Day in Ohio” 2025 comes just after a funding announcement from the National CASA/GAL Association (NCASAA). Tara Perry, NCASAA Executive Director, recently shared that NCASAA was one of many groups issued a notice of termination of federal grant awards by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Perry shared that NCASAA is actively appealing this termination.

Ohio CASA, and the network of local CASA programs in Ohio, are, in general, not negatively impacted by NCASAA’s circumstances. The few local Ohio programs directly impacted are receiving additional support from Ohio CASA.

Ohio CASA staff continues to serve the Ohio CASA Network with quality assurance and standards support, training resources, marketing and recruitment support, and financial backing. As the celebration at the Ohio Statehouse demonstrated, Ohio CASA and local programs will continue to serve Ohio’s children in need effectively and passionately.

The celebration, kicked off by Columbus City Schools’ West High School Color Guard, featured remarks from a variety of CASA program supporters.

Students from the West High School Color Guard kick off CASA Day in Ohio.

CASA volunteers and supporters gather at the Ohio Statehouse Rotunda.

Ohio CASA Executive Director Doug Stephens leads remarks at the Association’s annual event.

Ohio CASA Executive Director Doug Stephens led the remarks.

Stephens was joined by Ohio CASA Board Secretary and retired Senator Jay Hottinger, Montgomery County Juvenile Court Judge Helen Wallace, Huron County Commissioner Harry Brady, Columbus Bar Association Executive Director Jill Snitcher, Esq., and Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs Director Ruchelle Pride.

“For us, every day is CASA Day,” said Pride. “How you see people is how you serve people.”

Huron County Commissioner Harry Brady shares his support for CASA volunteers, also telling the crowd about his experience in foster care as a child.

CASA volunteers and Ohio CASA staff were interviewed by various Central Ohio journalists about “CASA Day” and the impact of this work.

Franklin County Office of Justice Policy and Programs Director Ruchelle Pride shares a resolution on behalf of the Franklin County Board of Commissioners.

CASA of Portage County Volunteer and Board Member Marquice Seward closed the event, encouraging people to support CASA programs across Ohio. She said everyone has the power to positively impact Ohio children.

“That someone is a CASA volunteer. That someone is you,” said Seward.

A large crowd of supporters gathered. Portage County Juvenile Court Judge Patricia J. Smith smiles with CASA volunteers.

CASA of Portage County volunteer and board member Marquice Seward talks about the impact of CASA volunteers.

CASA volunteers and program leaders traveled from across Ohio to take part in the CASA Day celebrations.

A new feature for 2025, Ohio CASA hosted watch parties to allow CASA volunteers and staff members to take part in the CASA Day celebrations virtually. CASA of Allen and Putnam Counties and the CASA/GAL Program of Summit County hosted large groups at their offices. These watch parties were projected on a large screen inside the Statehouse Rotunda.

“To have such a large turnout is encouraging and appreciated,” said Stephens. “The Ohio CASA Network is strong, and we will continue to support local CASA programs and the Ohio children they serve.”

Ohio CASA Executive Director Doug Stephens talks with Board Member and retired Senator Jay Hottinger. Both shared remarks alongside supporters from across the state.

CASA volunteers, supporters, and program staff from Summit County and Allen & Putnam Counties “attended” CASA Day virtually. Both programs hosted watch parties.

Members of the CASA/GAL Program of Summit County wear blue ribbons for Child Abuse Prevention Month. Juvenile Court Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio also attended their watch party.

If you would like to learn more about the Ohio CASA Network or support our work, please visit our Mission page.