News Release 

WARSAW – During the month of June, CASA of Kosciusko County is setting out to raise a total of $30,000 in 30 days in celebration and recognition of their 30th anniversary.

With the generosity of a grant from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation and other donors, up to $12,500 of donations made to CASA of Kosciusko County in June will be matched. This matching grant is made possible through support from Kosciusko County Community Foundation, K21 Health Foundation and Dekko Foundation.

CASA of Kosciusko County recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who speak on behalf of children who have been abused or neglected and are now entangled in our local court system, through no fault of their own.

CASA of Kosciusko County graduated its first class of 18 volunteers in 1992 and currently has 60 volunteers. CASA volunteers spend countless hours getting to know the children as well as their family members, educators, service providers, and more to ensure the judges have all of the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child and that the children get all of their needs met. 

In 2021, CASA of Kosciusko County saved the county approximately $378,000 in court-appointed attorney fees while serving over 160 abused and neglected children. Without CASA volunteers, who advocate for free, the courts would have to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) or a court-appointed attorney to each child.

Research has shown that children who have a CASA are more likely to find a safe and permanent home, to succeed in school, and to get more services to help them through their trauma. Additionally, children with a CASA are half as likely to re-enter the foster care system. 

If you wish to learn more about CASA and support them in this 30th-anniversary fundraising endeavor, please visit casachildren.com/donate or call 574-372-2401.