Spring 2026: CASA volunteers and Ohio programs in the news
From the ballpark to the ballroom, support and awareness for the Ohio CASA Network continued to make headlines across the state this spring.
For the second straight year, the Wives and Families of the Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians are stepping up to the plate to support the Ohio CASA Network with a series of fundraising events and awareness efforts, first announced in the Reds newsletter.
For example, the Reds Families hosted a special sale of player autographed items during the June 15 & 16 games in Cincinnati and they will be playing in a charity softball game with the Guardians Families in July. Brooke Lodolo of the Reds Wives shared her excitement to be able to do this with WLWT 5.
“It’s truly remarkable knowing that a community through baseball can be so large. Whether you think it’s through the men, through the women, through our families, however you want to look at it, it’s just, it’s amazing,” said Lodolo. “It’s amazing to be able to do this.”
The Reds are offering other opportunities to support the Ohio CASA Network. You can read more about their initiative here.
Both Wives and Families of the Reds and Guardians first teamed up for CASA in 2025 to raise awareness and critical funding for the Ohio CASA Network. Their efforts generated a combined $18,500, which you can read more about here.
Staff and volunteers from both Ohio CASA and the Pickaway County CASA program spoke to Spectrum News 1 about the need for more CASA volunteers across the state. They highlighted how CASA volunteers step up for children experiencing abuse and neglect by speaking up for their best interest in court.
Pickaway County CASA volunteer Pam Moody also shared how rewarding it is to serve children who need it most.
“My saying is it makes your heart dance,” Moody said. “It satisfies you, it makes you feel wonderful when they do get a good home and know that they’re cared for.”
From dancing hearts to the dance floor, local CASA programs helped shine a light on advocacy efforts by putting the spotlight on the stars.
Two programs, Shelby County CASA and CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties, hosted their own “Dancing With the Stars” fundraising events. As reported in the Sidney Daily News and the Sandusky Register, both events raised over $30,000 each to help support CASA volunteers and the children they serve.
Other fundraising efforts were also highlighted across the state.
As part of Child Abuse Prevention Month, A Child’s Place CASA in Jefferson County held its annual “Light of Hope” event, covered by WTRF. This year’s fundraiser doubled as a watch party to celebrate CASA Day in Ohio 2026.
You can see all of CASA Day in Ohio 2026’s highlights here.
Preble County CASA was also featured as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month for their efforts to keep children in the community safe. As reported by The Register-Herald, the initiative reflects the program’s mission of supporting and empowering trained community volunteers to advocate in court for children experiencing abuse and neglect.
Local programs also continued to spread the word about the urgent need for more CASA volunteers.
Clinton County CASA addressed the Wilmington Rotary Club about this need. As reported by the News Journal, director Elizabeth Biggane spoke about the critical work of CASA volunteers and how community members can step up.
While community members hear the need, they’re also hearing about CASA volunteer work on a personal level.
Erie County CASA volunteer John McKinnon was featured in the Sandusky Bay City Lifestyle. The article details his work serving the local children who need it most.
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