These new members of the local nonprofit Columbia Gorge CASA include Katja LaPierre, Jordan Clymer, Jennifer Nydahl, Angella Heiber, Liz Hartge, Autumn Brodie, and new bilingual advocate supervisor Katia Rodriguez.
These new members of the local nonprofit Columbia Gorge CASA include Katja LaPierre, Jordan Clymer, Jennifer Nydahl, Angella Heiber, Liz Hartge, Autumn Brodie, and new bilingual advocate supervisor Katia Rodriguez.
THE GORGE — On Friday, April 11, Judge John Olson swore in seven new CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers to serve as advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. These new members of the local nonprofit Columbia Gorge CASA include Katja LaPierre, Jordan Clymer, Jennifer Nydahl, Angella Heiber, Liz Hartge, Autumn Brodie, and new bilingual advocate supervisor Katia Rodriguez.
These seven individuals come from diverse backgrounds and bring with them a shared commitment to supporting children in the child welfare system. LaPierre said, “I chose to become a CASA because I see the need in our community. I want to support kiddos who are going through some challenging times.”
As official CASA volunteers, they are now responsible for advocating for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers complete extensive screening and training to prepare for this vital role, helping ensure that each child has a dedicated advocate in court.
“We are excited to welcome this new cohort of volunteers to our growing team of advocates. I’m confident they will do an excellent job at advocating for our community’s children,” said Executive Director Christopher Janetzko. “Right now, we have a waitlist of about 30 children who need advocates. We’re working hard to ensure that every child who needs a volunteer has one.”
Columbia Gorge CASA serves children in Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco counties, and will begin a new volunteer training series on May 15 at the CASA office in Hood River. The training will include six classes held on consecutive Thursdays from 12:30-4 p.m.
If you are interested in becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children, please visit gorgecasa.org or email training@gorgecasa.org.
Columbia Gorge CASA is partially funded through 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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