Ohio CASA programs make headlines statewide

It has been a busy summer leading into fall for many Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs across Ohio.

From swearing in new volunteers to launching efforts to assist volunteers in their work, program directors and volunteers shared their stories.

The CASA staff of Ross County assembled and unloaded dozens of duffel bags Thursday, August 24 for children in the foster care system. That work was featured in multiple publications throughout Ohio, including The Chillicothe Gazette, Columbus’s WSYX ABC6-TV and The Columbus Dispatch print edition.

“This will mean everything for them to be able to put their name down and take it with them. It belongs to them,” said Ross County CASA Volunteer Barbara Lawhorn.

You can read more of the emotional account about that effort from the Ohio CASA staff.

The Northwest Ohio CASA program welcomed a new volunteer. This volunteer was sworn in at the Paulding Juvenile Court in August. This new volunteer wanted to advocate for children in the court system, a story featured in the Paulding Progress.

That same program was also featured earlier as the Northwest Ohio CASA team spoke with the Kiwanis Club of Paulding County in July. This effort was highlighted in the West Bend News.

Information about the new Tuscarawas and Harrison County CASA program was featured in the Times Reporter. The staff there is busy recruiting and training new volunteers.