News

The challenges of youth in the family court system and foster care are well known. We stand beside them in being trusted adults, advocates for their best interest and champions for their medical, educational, and behavioral health needs.  CASA volunteers make a life-changing difference because all children deserve a hopeful future, support and to know…

CASA has earned Platinum Status, the highest level possible, for transparency with Candid (formerly GuideStar). Transparency includes providing information on our mission, leadership, and finances. “We are proud to provide this high-level transparency to our donors about CASA,” said Executive Director Melissa Protzek, Esq.   Candid is an information services specializing in reporting on US nonprofit…

I am writing to share some important news: the National CASA/GAL Association has announced the termination of its federal funding by the US Department of Justice. That announcement can be found by clicking here. While this news may be unexpected, it’s important to know that this will not disrupt or change the work of CASA…

In the past few weeks, I’ve received questions about the potential impact of federal budget and staffing changes on our organization and the children we serve through CASA. While the full effects remain uncertain, I’d like to share some thoughts on how these shifts could influence critical services, particularly in education. First and foremost, CASA…

Santa’s Wish for Vulnerable Children During the cold fall and winter months we, at CASA, often seen heightened attention to at-risk children. Kind-hearted souls want to know how the holidays can be made merry and bright for children whose families are in crisis and for whom poverty has been mistaken for neglect. Santa has been…

On December 3, Giving Tuesday 2024, twenty-three (23) thoughtful donors contributed $6,350 to support at-risk children in our community. Our heartfelt thanks for giving hope, stability and support to children who face unimaginable challenges. The kids didn’t create the problem, yet they are caught up in a system that struggles to keep them safe and…

Change is necessary and change can be a good thing. While we identify and validate how the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult and destructive, one of the positive outcomes we can point to is our community’s ability to adapt and respond to so much uncertainty and need. Agencies, governmental bodies and entire sectors of the nonprofit…

By Mandy Mohrbach In August, a small and passionate group of CASA volunteers participated in an impactful training called “Interrupting Racism for Children” at the Pittsburgh Zoo. Led by Jill and Jenny from Child Advocates of Indianapolis, this condensed session, usually spread over two days, was held in just one five-hour session. The energy in…

October 21st  – 27th is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, and CASA of Allegheny County wants to help you make the most of it!   Having a plan in place to protect your loved ones and your assets is a powerful way to show you care. It also can protect your loved ones and support the…

Thanks to the generosity of the Nina Baldwin Fisher Foundation and an anonymous donor, on August 19th more than 100 backpacks and school supplies were distributed to CASA families to kids from pre-school to high school. Kids chose their backpacks from the wide variety of colors. They, then, received a bag full of school supplies…