Martinsburg, WV – CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) proudly welcomed a new class of volunteer advocates during a recent swearing-in ceremony held at the Berkeley County Courthouse. The Honorable Judge Delligatti administered the oath, marking the beginning of each advocate’s journey to speak up for children involved in abuse and neglect cases.
Newly sworn-in advocates include:
- Amanda Hardy – Berkeley County
- Dana Real – Berkeley County
- Debra Wachter – Morgan County
Following the ceremony, advocates, staff, and supporters gathered for a celebratory luncheon at Café Del Sol in Martinsburg to recognize this meaningful milestone.
CASA-EP recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates serving children in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties. These advocates meet regularly with the children they serve and connect with teachers, medical providers, foster families, and counselors to ensure each child’s needs are fully understood. They then provide informed recommendations to the court to help guide decisions that support each child’s safety, stability, and well-being.
Volunteer advocates play a vital role in strengthening an overburdened child welfare system. Their involvement leads to better outcomes for children, including improved academic success, a greater likelihood of finding a safe and permanent home, and a reduced chance of re-entering foster care.
With the addition of this new class, CASA-EP now has approximately 70 active volunteer advocates serving children across the Eastern Panhandle, continuing its mission to ensure every child who has experienced abuse or neglect has a dedicated advocate by their side.
As the need for advocates continues to grow, CASA-EP encourages community members to get involved in this impactful work. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit:
https://www.mycasaep.org/volunteer
