CASA of the Arkansas Delta gives a voice to the voiceless

Court Appointed Special Advocates serve Delta area’s many foster children

ralphhardin@gmail.com CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of the Arkansas Delta, a program partner of Mid-South Health Systems, serves the children in the region’s foster care system. CASA volunteers speak up and advocate for abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings as part of Arkansas CASA a network of programs that recruit, train and support volunteers to represent the interests of these children.

CASA is integral to making sure the voices of all children are heard. There is no yellow brick road for children in abusive and neglected environments to find a way out. A CASA advocate is there to listen, help, and most importantly, speak up. Children in these situations have a lot to say, but they need someone to help them have their voice heard CASA advocates help fulfill one of society’s most important missions, to make sure each child in our community has access to a safe environment.

CASA director Chloe Harrison said the organization plays an important role in the lives of these children and she is looking to raise awareness of their needs.

“I want to get our name out there and share with people what we do,” said Harrison. “It’s hard to do it right now due to the virus.” CASA undertakes many efforts to improve the quality of life for foster children, such as last year’s “CASA Snuggles” fleece blanket drive, fundraiser prize drawings for the “Ultimate Razorback Fan” with a prize pack of Hogs memorabilia, the annual CASA Superhero 5k, and Operation Santa Storm, a toy drive that helps to fill the Christmas wish lists of area foster kids.

Want to be a part of the CASA family but can’t commit to being an advocate? Become a “Friend of CASA” today and donate your time and talents with event planning, financial gifts, gift boxes, supply donations, gift cards, or volunteer is ongoing programs to help CASA kids.

For more information about how you can be a part of the great things happening at CASA, visit arkansascasa. org, find CASA Arkansas Delta on Facebook, or stop by Mid-South Health Systems during regular hours, at 905 N. 7th St., in West Memphis.

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