CASA of Central Oregon is calling on compassionate community members to step up and make a life-changing difference for children in foster care. The nonprofit organization is launching a new accelerated volunteer training program starting July 15 in Redmond, offering a condensed four-week course to prepare advocates more quickly to serve children in need.
The summer training will be held in Redmond, Oregon, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Designed in response to popular demand, the schedule compresses the typical eight-week course into just one month which allows new volunteers to begin their vital advocacy work sooner.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are specially trained community members who speak up for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are navigating the child welfare system. Working alongside attorneys, caseworkers, educators, and families, CASAs ensure that each child’s unique needs are heard in court and in the community, and that they have the best possible chance at a safe, stable, and permanent home.
“Right now, there are 90 children in Central Oregon who don’t have a CASA volunteer to advocate for them,” said Heather Dion, Executive Director of CASA of Central Oregon. “We need more community members to step up and help close that gap and we’re hoping this summer training makes it easier and faster to get involved.”
Volunteers do not need a legal background, just a commitment to children and a few hours a week. All training and ongoing support are provided.
If you’re ready to make a difference in a child’s life, apply today at casaofcentraloregon.org/volunteer. The deadline to apply for the summer training class is July 11th.
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About CASA of Central Oregon:
CASA of Central Oregon is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. Established in 1992 and serving Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, CASA of Central Oregon is committed to ensuring that every child in foster care can transition into a safe and permanent home. For more information, visit casaofcentraloregon.org.
