WHAT WE DO.
A Voice for Abused and Neglected Children in Court
Every year more than 500,000 abused and neglected children are in need of safe, permanent, nourishing homes. Too many spend years moving from one temporary home to another. They have no family to call their own. They are more likely than other children to face homelessness, unemployment, even prison as adults.
That's where CASA steps in. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was created in 1977 to make sure the abuse and neglect these children suffered at home does not continue as abuse and neglect at the hands of the system.
As trained advocates, CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court. The result is they are placed into safe, loving homes where they can thrive.
WHO WE ARE.
Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things
CASA volunteers are ordinary people who are committed to doing what is best for a child. As a CASA volunteer, you will be able to work with confidence. All of our volunteers are thoroughly trained in courtroom procedure, social services, the juvenile justice system, and the special needs of abused and neglected children.
We welcome volunteers from all cultures, professions, and ethnic and educational backgrounds. We have a particular need for men and people of color.
WHY WE DO IT.
Be a Powerful Voice in a Child's Life
Become a local CASA volunteer and be rewarded with some of the most powerful and fulfilling experiences you can find.
You can also become a powerful voice in the life of a child by donating to the CASA program in your community. You will be supporting the volunteers who advocate for our most vulnerable children.
For more information about the program or to become a CASA volunteer call Frances Alsup, Program Director, at 228-762-7370 or 228-326-2036 or email her at casa@co.jackson.ms.us
*This project partially funded by United Way.
YOUR TURN.
Here's what the Volunteers are saying
"In reply to your request, the reason I joined CASA, as previously stated, was due to my having first read about you, CASA, the children involved in bad situations, I knew right then that being a representative for them was what I wanted to do; what I needed to do. I felt God placed this calling before me to help my fellow man and what better way to do that than with our future (our children). I want to be able to make their lives more rewarding. No child should have to endure a hardship. If only we can get the parents to see this. Being a blessing to our children is my aim with CASA." - Bill McChester, CASA Volunteer
"Our adult class at church wanted to reach out to vulnerable children in a tangible way, and I came across CASA. Making the call to CASA was the best thing I could have done to come face to face with children in need." - Al Sturgeon, CASA Volunteer
"I signed up with CASA in California after seeing pictures in our local newspaper of the filthiest house I had ever seen in my life. Even when the police arrived they gagged at the stench and especially when they found two small children living there. I said to myself, "How can any 'parent' allow children to live in such squalor so I asked around where I could help to prevent such abuse and I was lead to CASA. Their overwhelming concern for improving children's lives thru the court and social service by becoming an extra set of eyes was definitely an area I could be of help. I have seen how the programs in Mississippi benefit families through counseling and education as the goal ALWAYS is to reunite families when possible." - Mary Ellen Spalding, CASA Volunteer
"I came from an abusive home. It was sometimes mental, physical and often emotional. As a child, many times, I felt helpless to do anything. As an adult with friends and family going through similar situations I felt "What could I do?" Watching tv one day, I saw a commercial for CASA. I didn't know if it was THE answer but I knew it may be AN answer. After speaking with the director I knew I wanted to give CASA a shot. I thought maybe this was a chance to help others while helping myself heal old wounds. It was also a chance to be the voice of the scared child I used to be. We as volunteers could say enough is enough and wrong is wrong. But more than that, it was a way to at times make a family whole. As an adult, I still get emotional when I see a father with his arm proudly around his daughter and wonder what she must feel like. As a CASA volunteer we sometimes get to make that happen for someone else." - Shelia Robertson, CASA Volunteer