CASA of Santa Cruz County was awarded two grants to assist them in reducing the number of children on its waiting list and training 80 new volunteer Advocates in the coming year. The National CASA Association, a non-profit organization, awarded CASA of Santa Cruz a $40,000 grant to assist in the recruitment of new volunteer Advocates over the next year. In addition, a $25,000 general operating grant came from the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County (www.cfscc.org).
CASA of Santa Cruz County is a child’s voice in dependency court, providing advocacy, stability and hope to children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Last year over 600 children in Santa Cruz County entered foster care due to abuse, neglect or parental loss. Thankfully, 214 of those children had a CASA – a Court Appointed Special Advocate – who stepped in and became the child’s trusted friend, mentor, and voice in court.
“I spent 17 years of my life as a foster child,” said one of CASA of Santa Cruz’s Advocates. “I wanted to be a good Advocate for someone who has to navigate a life change they did not choose. Spending time with “my” child is the most rewarding experience ever. She is such a bright light in my life.”
For more information on CASA of Santa Cruz County, visit their website at www.casaofsantacruz.org