Brewing Hope: Give A Cup for CASA

Most people who know CASA know the most visible part of our work: a trained volunteer standing beside a child, getting to know their story, speaking up for their needs, and helping ensure that the court has the information it needs to make decisions about that child’s future. That is the heart of CASA.

But behind every volunteer advocate is an entire network working to make that advocacy possible. Across Louisiana, local CASA programs recruit and train volunteers, supervise cases, build relationships with judges and community partners, and serve children in their own communities. Behind those local programs is Louisiana CASA Association, working every day to strengthen and support the statewide network. That is why our Give a Cup for CASA giving campaign matters. The idea is simple. By donating the cost of a cup of coffee, you can help support the statewide infrastructure that makes strong local advocacy possible.

Louisiana CASA does not provide direct advocacy services to children. Our role is different, but it is essential. We provide training and technical assistance to local programs. We help strengthen boards and organizational leadership. We support quality assurance and accountability. We develop resources and tools programs can use in their daily work. We represent the CASA network with statewide partners, policymakers, courts, and funders. And when a program encounters a challenge, needs guidance, or is working to improve, our team is there to help.

In many ways, our work is the work behind the work. A volunteer may be the person sitting beside a child in court, but that volunteer is supported by a supervisor. That supervisor is supported by a local program. And that local program is part of a statewide network that must remain strong, connected, and prepared.

Supporting Louisiana CASA means supporting that entire system. It means helping ensure that programs across our state have access to the resources, training, guidance, and support they need to serve children well. It means investing not only in what CASA is doing today, but in the strength and sustainability of CASA across Louisiana for the future.

One cup may not seem like much. But when people across Louisiana give a cup, those small acts of support add up. They help us continue building a stronger network for the advocates, programs, courts, and most importantly, the children who depend on CASA.

This month, I hope you will consider giving a cup for CASA and inviting someone else to do the same.

Because strong advocacy starts with strong programs, and strong programs need a strong statewide network behind them.

Amanda Moody

Louisiana CASA Association Executive Director

Louisiana CASA State Director