New Court Appointed Special Advocates ready to speak up for kids

Eight new Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA volunteers) were sworn in as officers of the court by 4th Judicial District Magistrate Pearson at the El Paso County Courthouse on Tuesday.

Congratulations to all the new advocates! From left to right in the photo are Emma Gallagher, Vonderell (Von) Nelson, Elizabeth (Liz) Layton, Cheryl Kim, Elizabeth (Beth) Carpenter, Loni Jones, Klellene (Ellie) Kretzer, Jennifer (Jenn) Santos, and Magistrate Pearson.

Taking the oath is the final step for new CASA volunteers after completing two weeks of training on trauma, resiliency, poverty, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and other topics. The new volunteers will now be assigned to an open Dependency & Neglect case within the 4th Judicial District and will advocate for the best interest of an abused or neglected child.

There are about 800 kids in El Paso and Teller Counties who need a CASA volunteer each year due to abuse or neglect. These are children who are involved in the family court and child welfare systems due to being mistreated by people who are supposed to take care of them.

Last year, CASA of the Pikes Peak Region had 353 volunteers who advocated for 572 children. More volunteers are needed to provide this life-changing advocacy to every child in need.

Anyone who wants to make a difference for a child in this capacity can learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer at one of these upcoming Volunteer Orientations

  • August 25th from 5:30 – 7:00 PM “Friends Recruiting Friends” Orientation
  • September 5th from 10:00 – 11:00 AM Virtual Volunteer Orientation
  • September 12th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM In-Person Volunteer Orientation
  • September 17th from 6:00 – 7:00 PM Virtual Volunteer Orientation
  • September 25th from 5:30 – 6:30 PM In-Person Volunteer Orientation

Learn more and RSVP to an orientation here: www.casappr.org/volunteer.