Every June, communities across the country observe Pride Month. It is a time to recognize, celebrate, and affirm the dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals and families.
At CASA of the Eastern Panhandle, Pride Month is also a time to reaffirm something central to who we are: we are here for every child.
Our Mission Has No Exceptions
Children in the child welfare system come from every kind of family and every kind of background. They represent every community in our region. Some have LGBTQ+ parents or caregivers. Some are youth who are themselves beginning to understand their own identity.
What they all share is a need for safety, stability, and someone who will speak up for them.
That is exactly what CASA volunteers do. Our advocates are trained to see the whole child and to prioritize that child’s well-being above all else. We do not judge the families children come from. We focus on where children are going and how we can help them get there.
Volunteers Come From Every Walk of Life
Our volunteer advocates are as diverse as the communities they serve. They are parents and grandparents, teachers and retirees, business owners and first responders. They are people of different faiths, backgrounds, and life experiences.
Some of our most committed advocates are members of the LGBTQ+ community. They bring the same compassion, dedication, and care to this work as every other volunteer. And like every advocate, they show up because they believe every child deserves a voice.
We are proud to have them on our team.
Inclusion Is Part of How We Serve Children Well
When children see advocates who reflect the full range of human experience, it sends a message. It tells them that people from all walks of life care about what happens to them. That message matters. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth in foster care face elevated risks of instability, rejection, and poor outcomes. Having a consistent, nonjudgmental adult advocate in their corner can make a real difference.
CASA-EP is committed to ensuring that every child we serve feels seen, respected, and supported. That commitment extends to the volunteers and community members who make our work possible.
Join a Community That Believes in Every Child
If you have been considering becoming a CASA volunteer, we want you to know that there is a place for you here. We welcome people from all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. What matters most is a willingness to show up, listen, and advocate for a child who needs you.
This Pride Month, we celebrate the volunteers, donors, and community partners who help us serve children across Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties. We are grateful for the full, diverse community that makes this mission possible.
Every child deserves an advocate. We are here to make sure they have one.
Learn more and apply to become a volunteer at mycasaep.org.
