Advocates/guardian program needs some new volunteers

Athens CASA relies on our extraordinary team of community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children within our court system. As officers of the court, CASA volunteers are empowered to make a lifelong difference to kids who enter the judicial system simply because they are not safe in their own homes. Our volunteers typically handle one or two cases at a time and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a protective, permanent home. In these times of limited public resources and overburdened social agencies, the time and attention our volunteers donate is of immeasurable value to our community, and a priceless gift to our county's children. For children whose pasts have been chaotic and whose futures are uncertain, Athens CASA volunteers provide the guiding light needed to flourish.

The Athens CASA/GAL Program invites the Athens community to our Open House/Open Heart event to celebrate our refurbished offices and provide information about volunteering with Athens CASA, including our upcoming fall pre-service training. Athens CASA volunteers must have a desire to help kids in need, be at least age 21, pass a background check, and be willing to donate an average of 10 hours per month for 12 to 18 months to the organization. The Open House/Open Heart will be held on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on the second floor of the Athens County Courthouse. Please join us. Our volunteers are an amazing force for good, but we need more of them. Our vision is that every child who needs a volunteer will have one. With your help, we can reach that goal.

Rebecca Robison-Miller, Director, Athens CASA/GAL Program
Linda Wicke, Volunteer Coordinator, Athens CASA/GAL Program