By Marilyn Miller
It’s that time of the year again! “Volunteers for Youth Justice” need your help with the 2023 CASA Christmas Program.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is looking for people throughout Webster Parish who will volunteer to help make this Christmas a special time for more than 50 children in foster care.
“CASA children have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect from someone in the family and then placed in the foster care system,” said Sandra Samuel, Webster Parish CASA supervisor. “Your contribution to our annual CASA Christmas Program will help to make this holiday one to remember and cherish during a time that is so difficult for them.”
There are many ways for people to contribute. You can sponsor a child by fulfilling their “Wish List,” you can make a monetary donation, or you can donate products and/or services.
“We ask that gifts be placed in gift bags this year,” Sandra said.
The CASA program utilizes volunteers who are appointed by a judge and assigned to a case to advocate and speak up for the best interests of an abused and/or neglected child in court. These children come from the foster care system.
“The CASA volunteer does this by gathering information regarding the child and speaking to all parties involved with the case,” Sandra explained. “The volunteer then appears in court and makes recommendations as to what is in the best interests of the child.”
“The goal is to ensure that the child is placed in a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible,” she stressed.
“Please consider helping our smallest victims of abuse and neglect have enjoyable memories of this Christmas season,” Sandra entreated.
There are several ways to contact the CASA office, which is located at 805 Broadway in downtown Minden. Sandra can be reached at 318-371-0722 or sandra.samuel@vyjla.org. For your records, the CASA TIN number is 72-1057695. CASA is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
