Heart of Missouri CASA

With our newest case assignments this week, we are proud to let you know that we have served 325 children in foster care this year. This is a huge accomplishment, and we want to thank our volunteers, staff, board, and generous supporters. Our 2021 goal is to serve 350 children. Providing a financial gift will help us reach that goal: https://www.homcasa.org/support-casa/donate/

Don't forget to sign up for a recurring gift membership this month! To recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month, anyone who signs up for a recurring gift membership will get a pinwheel planted in our website's virtual pinwheel garden. Signing up for Circle of Hope, Powerful Voices, or Round-Ups are all options for recurring gift memberships at Heart of Missouri CASA. These recurring gift memberships will directly support CASA volunteers and the children they advocate for. Many of these children are victims of some form of abuse, so it is crucial that we help these children navigate one of the most challenging times in their lives. Sign for a recurring gift membership today: https://www.homcasa.org/support-casa/pinwheel-garden/ #ChildAbusePreventionMonth

LAST CALL! If you or someone you know is interested in our open Development & Marketing Manager position, please submit your cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to Kelly Hill by Monday April 12th! View full posting and details here --> https://www.homcasa.org/who-we-are/employment-opportunties/

You might see some of our CASA Yard Signs popping up around town this month! We are doing a yard sign campaign this April, Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month, to increase awareness of CASA. We have some wonderful organizations that let us use their spaces for signs. We'll highlight a few each week! Thank you to Mizzou Kappa Alpha Theta, Unity of Columbia MO, Woodlandville United Methodist, Callaway County Courthouse, and Farmers' Mutual Insurance of Callaway County!

Volunteer Spotlight time! Continuing to make children a priority in her life after teaching for 34 years is Linda Williams’ mission and purpose in life. It has been my life’s passion to make a difference in the lives of children. As a retired educator, being a CASA volunteer has allowed me to continue working on behalf of children of all ages and backgrounds. CASA volunteers advocate for and ensure a child’s right to a safe, nurturing and happy life. My hope is that through ...my work as a CASA volunteer, I cannot only speak for a child whose voice often goes unheard but also help them to believe in themselves and their unique gifts and talents and provide support as they experience a very difficult time in life. Working with children is what I have been called to do, and I am so honored to have the opportunity to be doing so as a CASA volunteer. Linda swore in during October 2016 was instrumental is seeing six children being reunified with a biological parent. She is currently advocating for six children and is hoping to change their life story. Linda has been a part of the Callaway County community for 37 years teaching for Fulton Public Schools and is currently an adjunct professor for Westminster College’s education department. Linda and her husband Doug were blessed with two beautiful children, a daughter, Nicole, and a son, Ike. Heart of Missouri CASA and the Callaway County community are both fortunate to have Linda working with their children. https://www.homcasa.org/volunteer/become-a-casa/

What better to way to start Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention Month than with a full class of new CASA volunteer trainees! Last night was our kick-off, and we are excited for this group of new advocates-in-training. If you want to join our Community of CASA volunteers, our next class starts in June! But you don't need to wait until June to start the process. Visit our website today - https://www.homcasa.org #ChangeAChildsStory #CASAShowsUp #ChildAbusePreventionMonth

According to Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child, The single most common factor for children who develop resilience is at least one stable and committed relationship with a parent, caregiver, or other adult. For children who have experienced abuse or neglect, having stable, committed, caring relationships with adults, like those with CASA volunteers, is even more important. Thank you Paul Pepper for having Kelly back on your show to talk about Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention month and the need for more advocates! Get involved today - https://www.homcasa.org