Winter 2023/24: Ohio CASA, programs make headlines

From swearing in new volunteers to sharing information about the important impact of CASA programs, Ohio CASA and county programs across the state made headlines throughout the winter season of 2023 and 2024.

Here are a sampling of news stories about CASA in Ohio:

Programs across the state shared information with community members about the need for volunteers. CASA of Mahoning County talked with WFMJ about the role of a CASA volunteer, and CASA of Franklin County shared information about the impact CASA volunteers can make in the community with NBC4.

Newer CASA programs in Ohio swore in their first class of volunteers. CASA of Madison County swore in 6 community members to serve as a voice for children as documented by the Columbus Messenger and Ohio CASA.

“Even just the training makes you more aware of what families go through on a daily basis and some of the struggles kids have,” Austin Hill, who was sworn in as a CASA of Madison County volunteer, told Ohio CASA.

The CASA Program of Tuscarawas & Harrison Counties swore in their first volunteers, described by judges as a “historic” day.

“This is one of the more meaningful volunteer opportunities that I have come across,” said Dave Schaffer, who was sworn in as a CASA volunteer. “I am really looking forward to the singleness of the purpose of the program: to advocate for children.”

CASA of Allen and Putnam Counties also furthered their efforts to serve the community by swearing in more community members as CASA volunteers, shared by Your Hometown Stations.

The CASA program of Wayne County shared information with the Daily Record about a software tool they will utilize to further serve local children in need.

Programs like Northwest Ohio CASA and Tuscarawas & Harrison Counties participated in different community events.

Summit County CASA leaders also talked with Ohio CASA about the importance of CASA, in a special interview, “Generations of Service: Family demonstrates decades-long commitment to CASA and children in need,” that you can read here.

“It’s probably the most powerful volunteer job you will ever do,” said Amanda Carroll of Summit County CASA. “I kind of live on the theory of, you can get overwhelmed with all the problems in the world, but, you can do your part to make your bubble just a little bit better.”

CASA of Portage County teamed up with community groups for a charity drive, as documented by the Record-Courier.

Lucas County CASA shared information and numbers with 13ABC about the impact of Toledo-area volunteers, as well as more about the need for additional volunteers.