Spring 2025: CASA volunteers and local programs in the news
From expansion across Ohio to honoring local programs and volunteers, the Ohio CASA Network made headlines in the Spring season of 2025.
The Ohio CASA Network grew to 48 programs, now serving children in 62 Ohio counties.
CASA of Southern Ohio expanded into Lawrence County. Executive Director Cortney Brumley, Lawrence County Juvenile Court Judge Patricia Sanders and CASA volunteer Julie Cannon spoke to WSAZ-TV about how they’ll be supporting and advocating for abused and neglected children.
There will soon be an active CASA program in Medina County, housed within The Children’s Center of Medina County. The director of the Children’s Center, Ashley Krause, told Cleveland.com this effort is in collaboration with the Medina County Juvenile and Probate Court, Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kevin Dunn, and the Ohio CASA/GAL Association.
“Our team is honored and excited to launch a CASA program in our community,” Krause said in another article. “There is a need for caring adults to speak up for children, many of whom are in the foster care system.”
Many CASA programs welcomed new volunteers. A swearing-in ceremony for the CASA of Tuscarawas & Harrison Counties was highlighted by The Times Leader. Four new community members make up the first CASA volunteer class of 2025.
The Lucas County CASA/GAL program also had 13 new volunteers sworn in during a ceremony covered by The Toledo Blade.
More CASA volunteers are always needed. That need was highlighted by WTOL when Ohio CASA Director of Communications Haley Nelson and CASA volunteer Lori Hook spoke about how volunteers and the programs make a difference.
Shelby County CASA/GAL Director Bridgett Davis also spoke about the need for more volunteers to become a crucial voice for children in an event covered by The Sidney Daily News.
As programs grow, “CASA Day in Ohio” saw the largest group yet of volunteers, lawmakers, and supporters gather at the Ohio Statehouse. The annual event highlighted by ABC 6 and Fox 28 honored the impact of programs statewide, the importance of CASA volunteers, and the future of CASA programs in the state. NBC4 also covered CASA Day in Ohio.
Many CASA volunteers were also honored in their communities, including those in Greene County.
During an awards recognition dinner, Doris Lopez was honored as she retires after 22 years as a CASA volunteer, serving 68 children. CASA program Director Greta McKenzie was also honored ahead of her retirement after 25 years of service.
The dinner, highlighted by The Xenia Daily Gazette, features a list of the other volunteers recognized.
CASA volunteer Marisa Huss with CASA of Seneca, Sandusky & Wyandot Counties shared her passion about what she does with The Advertiser-Tribune, hoping to inspire others to get involved.
“I love being a CASA because my sole focus is the best interest of the child — nothing else,” Huss said. “It doesn’t matter what the lawyers think or what other parties want — what matters is what’s truly best for the child. Being a CASA allows me to be that steady, active voice for children who need it most. Knowing I can help make a difference during what is often an unfamiliar, scary and confusing time for a child drives me to keep going.”
Huss encourages people thinking about becoming a volunteer to stop by the office, talk to staff, attend an information session, or hear directly from a young person whose life was positively changed by a volunteer.
A Lima native shared his story of overcoming childhood abuse and neglect in a special event that included the CASA/GAL of Allen & Putnam Counties. Seth Gehle was highlighted by Hometown Stations.
Many local CASA programs took time in April to recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month in order to shed light on the importance of protecting children and supporting families. It included planting pinwheel gardens to raise awareness. The displays and support were covered statewide by WTOV 9, WFIN, The Register-Herald, The Xenia Daily Gazette, and Hometown Stations.
Northwest Ohio CASA is now receiving additional support through the proceeds from sales of “The Giver” mattress, developed by high school students as part of a lesson about giving back.
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