Six new CASAs are ready to advocate for abused children

Six new community members became Court Appointed Special Advocates (or CASA volunteers) when they were sworn in as officers of the court by 4th Judicial District Judge Catherine Mitchell Helton at the El Paso County Courthouse on Tuesday.

Congratulations new advocates Justin Arenas, Natalie Eichelberg, Rick Johnson, Erin LaBrec, Page Regan, and Heidi Vielhaber.

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 Volunteer Information Sessions:

  • 25 from 5:30 – 6:30: Virtual Volunteer Info Session
  • March 5 from 12-1: In-Person Volunteer Info Session
  • March 15 from 10-11: Virtual Volunteer Info Session
  • March 19: Virtual Volunteer Info Session
  • April 17 from 5:30-7:30: “Dudes & Brews” Male Volunteer Info Session

RSVP to any CASA Volunteer Information Session here: www.casappr.org/volunteer.