Dear CASA-EP Supporter —
I hope this email finds you on your way to a joyous and restful holiday season. As I reflect on the past year, I feel grateful to have witnessed the unwavering commitment of our community to the children, youth, and families we serve. Your dedication has made a real difference in their lives.
Our collective commitment to the mission of serving children and youth has allowed us to make incredible progress in 2023. Your dedication and partnership have helped make the following possible:
- Our Program Grew in 2023. In the pursuit of serving every child across the Eastern Panhandle, we staffed and supported 87 volunteers, and we are now serving over 400 children and youth.
- We Trained and Empowered Advocates. To prepare volunteers for the complex issues they will face, CASA-EP provided 140 hours of comprehensive and relevant pre-service training to 25 new volunteers and facilitated over 30 hours of continuing education training.
- We Strengthened the Quality of Programs. Through strong governance and controls, we strengthened operations and strategically expanded programs to better meet the needs of vulnerable children we serve and bring support to our under-resourced child welfare system. We are dedicated to alignment with National CASA/GAL program standards. As reported in annual surveys, 90% of volunteers believe they are making a significant difference in the lives of the children we serve. We continued to earn accolades through our independent annual audit with 95% of all operating funds supporting direct program costs. Positive feedback continues to be received from our local judges, child welfare colleagues, and community stakeholders who highlight the professionalism and competency of our incredible mission-driven staff team and the dedication of our volunteer advocates.
- Sixty youth are receiving comprehensive advocacy, mentoring and educational programing. Our Fostering Futures program works with youth 13+ over who are on track to “age out” of the child welfare system. Through one-on-one supportive relationships and group programs—including our annual Youth Leadership Summit– youth build essential life skills, improve their social emotional wellness, and feel less alone with connections made with peers.
- Our 20th Anniversary Gala was a great success, raising $100,000 through contributions, live auction “experiences,” and the kick-off of our Scholarship Fund that provided support this year to two college-bound youth from our Fostering Futures program. The Superhero Challenge added to our community-building efforts where participants earned a total of 8,453 miles for CASA-EP all matched with donor designations.
- And last but not least, CASA-EP is bringing holiday cheer to more than 175 children through our annual gift drive made possible by the Eastern Panhandle Charitable Foundation. The wrapping of over 500 gifts took place at our annual Wrap and Rave Holiday Party, generously sponsored by ARGOS Martinsburg. During this event we took the utmost pleasure in naming Rosa Clark as the 2023 Val Smith Volunteer of the Year for her steadfast commitment and tireless efforts advocating for our community’s most vulnerable children and youth.
Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation to you for your contributions to making all of this possible. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. Thank you for an amazing year of working together to support children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect. We couldn’t have done it without your tireless efforts and enthusiasm.
Wishing you a happy holiday season and much health and happiness in the new year.
With gratitude,
