As we enjoy the beautiful holiday season that is upon us, we give thanks for our many blessings at CASA. Because of our wonderful volunteer team and the amazing community we serve, we have so much to be thankful for! The day-to-day efforts of our advocates have a profound impact on the well-being of the children we serve; furthermore, their advocacy has the potential to completely change the trajectory of a child’s life. We are honored to serve alongside families, caseworkers, attorneys, and more to help bring kids HOME to a lifetime of safe and happy holidays! Thank you for what YOU do to support our mission!
Allow us to introduce you to Marie Allen – CASA’s most recent Advocate of the Month.
Marie has a big heart for the little people in her life and it shows in the way she advocates for them. Marie has been an advocate with our program since February 2024, and she was a CASA elsewhere before moving to Huntsville.
The case Marie is assigned to is complicated and highly emotional, and we cannot overstate the amount of support and encouragement she has provided to the family along the way. While being supportive of the family, she has also kept the best interests of the children foremost in her mind. She has continuously pointed out to all parties when the children needed something different than they were getting, whether it involved counseling services, educational services, or placement concerns. Marie has gone above and beyond in her advocacy by regularly conversing with her supervisor, keeping CPS and attorneys updated, visiting the children multiple times per month in various settings, and spending hours each month talking with, and listening to, the caregivers.
Thanks to Marie’s persistence, this family, and one of the children in particular, are finally being heard and CPS is taking action to accommodate their special circumstances. It has been an emotionally taxing process, but Marie can be proud of the part she has played in getting them the help they need.
Throughout her time on the case, Marie has been open to suggestions, willing to listen to the thoughts and ideas of others, and has been a team player in every sense of the word. Her work is not over; in fact, in some ways it has just begun. It is comforting to know that Marie is committed to seeing this case through to its conclusion. These children have someone in their corner who will always stand up for what is right for them, and that is indeed a powerful notion.
We at CASA are extremely thankful for Marie and advocates like her who are willing to give so much of themselves for hurting children and families in crisis. Marie is a Difference Maker and a blessing to our program.
Our 2024 Parade of Playhouses event is better than ever! It has brought us so much joy to host this fundraiser again this year. For a chance to make your playhouse dreams come true, raffle tickets are still available – $25 each of 5 tickets for $100. More information about the playhouses, display locations, and ticket sales can be found on the CASA website. The drawing will be held 12/11/24 so get your tickets TODAY
Giving Tuesday (December 3) is a global day of generosity and a great day to support the work of CASA! Your contributions allow us to provide resources, training, and support to our CASA advocates, and ultimately provide advocacy and support to the families that they serve.
While Giving Tuesday is a special day to kick off the season of giving, these contributions are valued year-round. Each gift is meaningful and makes a difference in a child’s life.
Children and families involved in our state’s child welfare system face many difficult challenges. You can be a part of The CASA Difference by making a donation today!
Applications are still being accepted for those interested in joining CASA’s Board as an associate (advisory) member. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday evening of every month and board members commit to attending meetings, supporting CASA’s fundraising and outreach efforts in the community, and serving with other CASA committees. If accepted, the new associate’s one-year term will begin January 2025. If interested in learning more about this important role at CASA, email information@casaofwalkercounty.org or call the CASA Office and ask for Kim.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH – FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY: featuring Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee at McWilliams Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing (9:00a-1:00p)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH-Sam’s Table Restaurant (All Day)
