THE GORGE — Columbia Gorge CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is inviting community members to learn more about how they can make a difference in the lives of children in the child welfare system. The nonprofit will host two upcoming CASA 101 and Happy Hour events at local venues, where attendees can discover how to become involved in advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
The first event will be held at Sunshine Mill Winery in The Dalles on Tuesday, March 25, from 5:30-6:30 pm. The second event will take place at Ferment Brewery in Hood River, Thursday, April 3, from 5:30-6:30 pm. Each event is a standalone session, so you can attend the one that is most convenient for you.
During these informal gatherings, Columbia Gorge CASA staff will explain the organization’s mission and how community members can help by volunteering as advocates for children in the foster care system. The evening will include free snacks and drinks, as well as the opportunity to meet current volunteer advocates who will share their personal experiences and discuss what their advocacy has meant to them.
“Being a CASA volunteer means making a profound difference in a child’s life,” said Outreach and Retention Coordinator Carol Hayes. “By becoming a volunteer advocate, you’ll be supporting children who have experienced some of the hardest challenges in life — helping them feel seen, heard, and supported. Our information sessions are a chance for people to learn more about how they can step in and become that critical voice for a child.”
Columbia Gorge CASA is dedicated to advocating for children in the child welfare system by providing each child with a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASA volunteers are trained to advocate for the best interests of children in court, offering a powerful and consistent presence during a difficult time in their lives.
RSVP is requested, but not required. For more information or to RSVP, contact training@gorgecasa.org. For more information about Columbia Gorge CASA, visit www.gorgecasa.org.
Columbia Gorge CASA is partially funded with grants from the State of Oregon, United Way of the Columbia Gorge, Ford Family Foundation, Roundhouse Foundation, James and Shirley Rippey Family Foundation, Trust Management Services, and The Healy Foundation.
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