A Powerful Voice in a Child's Life
Make A Difference In Cowley County Today
What is CASA?
CASA provides trained community volunteers to advocate for children in the court system. Court Appointed Special Advocates ensure:
-Children receive representation in court
-Children are placed in safe and permanent homes
-Services are obtained for the needs of the children
-Services are provided to parents to help them gain knowledge and skills for adequate parenting.
"All children in Cowley County, Kansas, will grow up in safe, permanent, nurturing home."
Make A Donation
#Raising30kfor30years
Become a Volunteer
The mission of the CASA volunteer is to monitor and follow a child’s case through the juvenile court system; to provide an independent voice from the community who speaks up for the best interests of their assigned child; to help ensure that the child is in a secure, secure, supportive, permanent home.
Requirements
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Must be a citizen of the United States.
- Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
- Complete a written application, including three references other than relatives.
- Complete a personal interview
- Pass background screenings
- Participate in at least 30 hours of a 35-hour training.
- Observe court sessions for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Will be able to commit to serving as a CASA volunteer for at least 1 year.
Duties
- Advocate at all times for the best interests of the child.
- Meet with child at least once a month in person.
- Attend all court hearings and scheduled case planning conferences pertaining to the child.
- Remain actively involved in the case until a permanent solution has been reached or the court dismisses the case.
Apply to be a Volunteer:
APPLY NOW!
CASA Volunteers
Linda Hessee
Volunteer since 1995
"Many times children have the smallest voice in the room but have the greatest need. Becoming a CASA volunteer gives me the ability to amplify a child's voice."
Carol Hearne
Volunteer since 2018
"I believe children need to know they are important and valuable. They need to be assured people care about them. Children are our future. WE need to give them all the help we can for them to succeed."
Kara Larimore
Volunteer since 2019
"I became a CASA volunteer to give an unbiased voice to the children in the system. Children who are not able to speak for themselves at court. "
Amy Shipman
Volunteer since 2021
"I became a CASA volunteer because I am passionate about all children having the opportunity to grow and develop in a positive, loving, and safe environment."
Carol Galliart
Volunteer since 2021
Jennifer Shockey
Volunteer since 2022
Sheryl Erickson
Volunteer since 2022
Shelley Dixon
Volunteer Since 2024
Amanda Evinger
Volunteer Since 2024
Pam Ireland
Volunteer Since 2024
Charles Jennings
Volunteer Since 2024
Angela Miller
Volunteer Since 2024
Richard See
Volunteer Since 2024
Become a Member
The Board of Directors is the legal authority for CASA of Cowley County, Inc. As a member of the Board, a Director acts in a position of trust for the community and is responsible for the effective governance of the organization.
Requirements
- Commitment to the mission of the organization.
- Knowledge and skills in one or more areas of Board governance: policy, programs, personnel and advocacy.
- Willingness to serve on committees.
- Attendance at monthly board meetings.
- Attendance at meetings of assigned committees.
- Support of and participation in all fundraising events.
- Support of and attendance at yearly appreciation event.
- An annual financial gift.
TERM
Directors are elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting. Directors serve a three-year term and may be elected to two consecutive terms.
Apply to be a Board Member:
https://forms.gle/28sdc1norkoXfS9K6
Board Members
MaKayla Shields
Executive Director
Since 2020
Jess Mitchell
Office Administrator
Since 2024
Brianna Brooks
President
Member since 2020
Billie Swanson
Treasurer
Member since 2023
Amanda Conrad
Secretary
Member since 2023
Krysta Wood
Member
Member since 2020
Haylee Harris
Member
Member since 2021
Kaitlyn Terry
Member
Member since 2024
Events
Join us to kick off the holiday season with a fundraiser to support CASA of Cowley County! You can expect food, a cash bar, desserts, door prizes, raffles, silent auction, and a live auction. 100% of proceeds go to CASA to allow us to continue advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Cowley County.
Join us for a night of Bingo fun! This event is open to all ages. 100% of the proceeds made go to CASA of Cowley County to continue training volunteers to advocate for children in need.
Join us for at The Burford in Ark City for a night of Bingo fun! This event is open to all ages. 100% of the proceeds made go to CASA of Cowley County to continue training volunteers to advocate for children in need.
Join us for a night of Bingo fun! This event is open to all ages. 100% of the proceeds made go to CASA of Cowley County to continue training volunteers to advocate for children in need.
Purchase your ticket for a chance to win a Kansas Star Stay and Play Package entitling the winner to: -Dinner for two (2) at the Woodfire Grille (Dinner Package does not include alcohol, gratuity or exceed $100/reservations recommended) -$100 Boyd Play -One (1) standard room at the Hampton Inn & Suites located at the Kansas Star Casino (based on availability)
Join us to kick off the holiday season with a fundraiser to support CASA of Cowley County! You can expect food, a cash bar, desserts, door prizes, raffles, silent auction, and a live auction. 100% of proceeds go to CASA to allow us to continue advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Cowley County.
Join us for a night of Bingo fun! This event is open to all ages. 100% of the proceeds made go to CASA of Cowley County to continue training volunteers to advocate for children in need.