Blog | CASA of the Eastern Panhandle

Honoring Kinship Care: Nancy Haines’ Journey with CASA

September was National Kinship Care Month, a time to recognize the countless grandparents, relatives, and close family friends who step in to raise children when their parents cannot. Across the country—and right here in the Eastern Panhandle—kinship caregivers provide love, stability, and hope to children navigating incredibly difficult circumstances. At CASA of the Eastern Panhandle […]

Welcoming Sarah Arzt: CASA-EP’s New Community Outreach Coordinator

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CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is proud to welcome Sarah Arzt as our new Community Outreach Coordinator. With a lifelong dedication to supporting children and families, Sarah brings a unique combination of experience, compassion, and community spirit to her role. Though she admits she wasn’t actively looking for CASA, she says she’s “really glad” the […]

Remembering Valerie Smith: CASA-EP Co-Founder and Lifelong Champion for Children

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It is with the heaviest heart that CASA of the Eastern Panhandle shares the passing of our beloved co-founder, Emeritus Board Member, and dear friend, Valerie “Val” Smith. Val’s vision and fierce determination helped turn CASA-EP from an idea into a powerful force for children and families across our community. Her heart of gold and […]

A Night of Legacy and Hope: CASA-EP’s 2025 Garden Gala

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CASA of the Eastern Panhandle’s Garden Gala Raises $300,000 to Support Vulnerable Children Shenandoah Junction, WV — CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) hosted its third annual Garden Gala on September 6 at Rose Hill Farm, raising $300,000 in support of children who have experienced abuse or neglect across Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties. The […]

Fostering Futures: A Summer of Connection, Learning, and Growth

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This summer was an unforgettable season for CASA of the Eastern Panhandle’s Fostering Futures program. From leadership development to digital safety and even a splash in the pool, our youth had opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with one another in meaningful ways. Youth Leadership Summit In June, we welcomed more than 20 youth to […]

CASA-EP Welcomes New Advocates Committed to Changing Lives

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Sandy Camilletti Snook, Priscilla Rodd, and Sharon Forrester (Jefferson County) were sworn in by Judge Bridget Cohee at the Jefferson County Courthouse as the newest class of Court-Appointed Special Advocates. In addition, CASA’s newest staff members, Breanna Koopman and Sarah Arzt, were also sworn in. Following the ceremony, members of CASA-EP and the new advocates […]

Supporting Educators, Supporting Youth: CASA Attends New Teacher Welcome Events Across the Panhandle

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As the new school year approaches, CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is once again showing up in classrooms—this time, to connect directly with the teachers who play such an essential role in our children’s lives. Recently, CASA delivered more than 260 welcome packets to new teachers across Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties. Each packet included […]

Helping Kids Stay Safe Online: CASA Launches Internet Safety Training

A group of participants attend an indoor workshop or training session in a blue-walled classroom with a presenter, whiteboard, and digital display.

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, online safety is no longer optional—it’s essential. That’s why CASA of the Eastern Panhandle has officially launched a new Internet Safety Training as part of its ongoing Fostering Futures Forward initiative, helping prepare youth in care for real-world challenges. Led by Andrew Gordon, a network engineer and cybersecurity expert—and one […]

Fostering Futures: CASA’s Long-Term Commitment to Youth in Transition

A group of participants seated at tables during an indoor workshop or training session in a bright, well-lit room with presentation equipment.

For young people in foster care, the path to adulthood is often filled with uncertainty—and very few safety nets. The transition out of care can be overwhelming without the support, resources, or guidance that many of their peers take for granted. At CASA of the Eastern Panhandle, we believe that when the court case ends, […]

Breaking Cycles, Building Futures: Inside CASA-EP’s 5th Annual Youth Leadership Summit

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Each summer, the Fostering Futures Youth Leadership Summit brings something powerful to life—connection, hope, and a space where youth in foster care can imagine a future beyond their current circumstances. This year, CASA of the Eastern Panhandle proudly hosted its 5th annual summit at Shepherd University, welcoming more than 20 teens for a weekend of […]