CASA volunteers can make a real, measureable difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.

How? By getting to know children in foster care and advocating in court for safe, permanent homes for them. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

“Children are pulled into the foster care system through no fault of their own,” said Emily Heglund, executive director of CASA of Trinity Valley in Athens. “They are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect by their parents or caregivers.”

Though Freestone County is not currently served by a CASA chapter, there are two local programs to the east and north: CASA of Trinity Valley, serving Anderson, Cherokee and Henderson counties, and CASA of Navarro County, headquartered in Corsicana. Both are separate nonprofit organizations that share the same mission – and both have an urgent need for new volunteers to serve children in their areas.

“If you are looking to change a child’s life for the better, please consider becoming a CASA volunteer,” said Jenny Bratton, executive director of CASA of Navarro County. “Children with positive adult role models are much more likely to be successful in life.”

Together, CASA of Trinity Valley and CASA of Navarro County are advocating for nearly 1,000 East Texas youth ages birth to 18.

“This is remarkable because we serve a very rural area,” Heglund said. “We have many children waiting to be assigned a CASA volunteer.”

Advocates must be at least 21 years old and able to pass criminal and CPS background checks. CASA provides all new volunteer training and materials.

Those interested in volunteering in Anderson County should contact CASA of Trinity Valley through the main office at (903) 675-7070 or www.casaoftv.org. Ellen Torres, recruiter and trainer for Trinity Valley, can be reached directly at (903) 393-1524 or by email at casaellen@casaoftv.org. Those interested in volunteering in Corsicana should contact CASA of Navarro County at (903) 872-3772 or www.casanav.org. Navarro County recruiter Shannon Gallagher can be reached at sgallagher@casanav.org.