CASA volunteers provide a voice in court for victims of child abuse and neglect and spend thousands of hours each year speaking on behalf of innocent children. As the eyes and ears of the court, CASAs make sure that each child receives the services they need and has a voice within the system.
The Heart of Childhood
Childhood. For most of us, the word brings forth memories of classroom friends, summer days, and the love and safety of home. For others, childhood memories are those of pain and fear and a heavy sense of hopelessness that things will never get better. For 3-year-old Hailey childhood was a series of broken dreams with no end in sight.
Abandoned by her mother, and severely abused by her father, Hailey went to live with a family member in a strange new home. Without the ability to express her pain and frustration in words, Hailey's feelings began to transform into negative behaviors. Frightened for the safety of the other children in the home, Hailey's family member decided she could no longer stay.
As a social worker came to get Hailey, she tightly clutched her only possession, a small and ragged teddy bear. Her lip quivered, but no one would see her cry. Tears didn't come easily in Hailey's world anymore. Hailey went to a new foster home that day, but she wouldn't be there long. Unprepared for the level of trauma the young child had endured, the foster home asked that she be removed from their care after one month. Childhood can mean facing things alone.
Placed in her third new home, Hailey's life began to spiral into sadness and anger. Within two weeks the foster home contemplated returning Hailey to DHS. They couldn't help her and thought maybe Hailey was beyond repair. In childhood, people may give up on you.
Hailey didn't know that help was on the way in the form of a gentle smile and a heart that would never give up. Bearing a long title that Hailey couldn't quite pronounce, her court-appointed special advocate, or CASA, appeared one day bringing just the faintest glimmer of hope. Sensing that Hailey's wounds ran deep, the advocate focused attention on her need for counseling. When told the wait was too long to get an appointment, the CASA volunteer spent 6 hours in a waiting room with Hailey until she could be assessed. As the child's voice in court, Hailey's CASA made sure the judge knew how she was doing and what she needed. Hailey no longer had to face life alone and she began to heal. Childhood means there are people who will protect you.
Now, at the age of six, Hailey has added a new dream to her memories, her adoption. The CASA volunteer stood in the courtroom during the adoption and as she watched Hailey laugh she knew her days of broken dreams were in the past. New memories would replace the old, and for Hailey, childhood would now mean hope.
*Name changed to protect confidentiality.
The mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates of Mesa County is to provide a voice in court for children who are victims of abuse and neglect.
Since its inception in 1997, CASA of Mesa County has been a beacon of hope for children caught in the shadows of the foster care system. Born from the urgent need to address the staggering number of children experiencing abuse and neglect, our program serves as a vital lifeline, advocating for the well-being and futures of these vulnerable youth.
In 1998, Colorado recognized the importance of our mission by enacting legislation that mandated CASA programs in every judicial district. CASA of Mesa County has embraced these laws and guidelines and is firmly committed to providing unwavering support to children in need.
What sets us apart is our dedication and resilience; we operate without state funding, relying solely on the generosity and compassion of our community. As a proud member of the Colorado State CASA Association and the National CASA Association, we have positively impacted the lives of over 5,000 children and youth since our journey began.
Your support is crucial. By contributing to CASA of Mesa County, you are not just donating; you are helping to break the cycle of trauma and providing a voice for those who desperately need it. Together, we can create lasting change and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving environment. Join us in our mission to uplift and empower the most vulnerable members of our community — because every child deserves a champion.
Organization name
CASA of Mesa County
other names
CASAMC
1997
Tax id (EIN)
84-1409144
Category
Human Services
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Colorado State Tax Credits
Colorado Child Care Credit
Address
2139 North 12th Street, Suite 5Mesa County, CO, US
