Martinsburg, W.Va. – Court Appointed Special Advocacy of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) is proud to announce its 20th anniversary of advocating for children in the judicial system. Since April 2003, CASA-EP has been changing the trajectory of children’s lives, reuniting families, and helping youth build resilience in adulthood.
Led by the vision of co-founders Val Smith and Joan Piemme Ergin, CASA-EP volunteers provide a voice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in dependency court proceedings. Since its inception, roughly 800 CASA volunteers have been a voice for the best interests of children in foster care in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, providing critical direction to the court to help guide decisions about their future.
CASA-EP believes that each child who has experienced abuse or neglect deserves to have a dedicated adult speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in our community. To accomplish this, CASA-EP educates and empowers diverse community volunteers who ensure that each child’s needs remain prioritized in an overburdened child welfare system.
Over the past 20 years, CASA-EP has made a significant impact on the local community. In that time, more than 5000 children have had a CASA volunteer by their side, nearly 2000 of whom have received support in the last five years alone. The organization has expanded its reach and services, growing from a volunteer staff of one to a highly trained group of almost 100 staff and volunteers.
“It’s so important to acknowledge the village that has raised CASA-EP into what it is today,” said Susan Caperton, president of the CASA-EP Board of Directors. “This organization has been a labor of love for individuals, families, businesses, and community partners. The enduring theme throughout the years has been a profound community commitment to serving children in need.”
CASA-EP kicks off its twentieth birthday on its incorporation date of April 11th. Festivities will continue throughout the year, including a 20th-anniversary summer gala, the launch of a new fundraising initiative, and a child welfare symposium to be held later this year. Events will feature guest speakers, volunteer recognition, and stories of impact from children and families who have been served by CASA.
“We are excited to celebrate this milestone and recognize the incredible work that has been done over the past 20 years,” says Michelle Sudduth, CASA-EP executive director. “However, our work is far from over. There are still hundreds of children in our community who need our help every year. We hope that this anniversary will inspire more people to get involved and support our mission.”
In commemoration of its twentieth birthday, CASA-EP has also launched the Circle of Hope monthly giving initiative.
Supporters can commit a small, recurring monthly contribution designated to the Make It Happen Fund which helps CASA-EP respond to the urgent or significant needs of the children they serve. This funding can help the teen who needs a special medical appliance to learn to self-manage their condition, the foster parents looking for bunk beds for the siblings they took in late last night, or the myriad other unforeseen situations that CASA kids endure on a regular basis.
“CASA children need us to share our time or treasure with them. Just twenty hours or twenty dollars a month really makes an enormous difference in the impact that volunteers can have on the future of our children and youth,” said Sudduth.
The CASA Movement focuses on small but regular contributions, and the constant presence of at least one caring adult over the course of a year or two has often been said to completely change a child’s life.
“CASA-EP volunteers serve as a lifeline for so many children. They are often the only dependable adults in their lives during a difficult time. CASA-EP volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that children are safe, taken care of, and hopefully set on a path towards a happy life,” said founder Val Smith.
According to CASA’s founder, she believes the program has been successful because it relies on incredible teamwork that has saved many children from bad situations. “I’ve achieved something. I’ve helped someone,’ they can say–and that’s a great feeling.” Smith believes that helping others is important: “I’m very proud to think that I’ve left something that has helped people. I believe everyone should aspire to do the same.”
CASA-EP is always looking for volunteers to join its team. Volunteers complete a rigorous training program and commit to at least one year of service. CASA also relies on donations from individuals and organizations to fund its programs and services. Through increased community awareness and corporate and individual donations, more people have come to learn about CASA and how to help support its mission.
“CASA volunteers and strong community support are what allow us to keep going. This year, we look forward to celebrating our shared passion and purpose that has led us here, which continues to give us great hope for the future,” said Sudduth.
For more information about court appointed special advocacy in the region, or to become a volunteer or supporter, please visit www.www.mycasaep.org.
Apply, donate, or learn more at www.www.mycasaep.org, call 304-263-5100, or find CASA of the Eastern Panhandle on Facebook.
