A mix of clouds and sun this morning followed by increasing clouds with showers developing this afternoon. High 56F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..
Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 41F. SSE winds shifting to W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected.
Updated: December 16, 2025 @ 11:12 am
New CASAs Vandie Benson, Cheri Hill, Rachel Fuller, Judge John Olson, Carl Coolidge, and Deborah Phillips.Contributed photo
Columbia Gorge CASA
THE GORGE — Columbia Gorge CASA has sworn in its newest Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers: Carl Coolidge, Rachel Fuller, Cheri Hill, and Deborah Phillips, along with newly hired advocate supervisor Vandie Benson. The ceremony was officiated by Judge Olson, with AJ Harmon scheduled to be sworn in at a later date.
CASA volunteers receive specialized training from Columbia Gorge CASA staff to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. These volunteers often provide consistency, support, and a crucial voice in court during some of the most uncertain moments in a child’s life. “I am excited to start working with kids and being of service to kids in the foster care system,” Fuller said. “I am looking forward to continuing to learn more about the child welfare system and the ways in which we can support kids in the community and each other.”
This new class steps into service at a critical time. More than 20 local children are on waitlist and could benefit from having a CASA volunteer. While the need for advocacy remains strong, funding for nonprofits is increasingly uncertain. In response, Columbia Gorge CASA is developing a strategic plan to help ensure that every child that has experienced abuse or neglect in Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco counties has an advocate — but community partnership will be essential to making that vision a reality. “A shortage of volunteers is one of the primary barriers to serving all appointed children. Our next volunteer training begins in January, with another session planned for the spring,” said Executive Director Christopher Janetzko. “Donations also play a vital role in strengthening our program.”
Thanks to Jeff and Milessa Rippey’s matching challenge, up to $10,000 in year-end donations will be matched. Those interested in supporting CG CASA can learn more at gorgecasa.org.
Columbia Gorge CASA is partially funded through grants from the State of Oregon, United Way of the Columbia Gorge, the Ford Family Foundation, the Roundhouse Foundation, the James and Shirley Rippey Family Foundation, and The Healy Foundation.
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