Despite Federal Cuts to National CASA/GAL, CASA of Allegheny County Reaffirms Strength and Stability

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 of Allegheny County, nor will it disrupt the work of other CASA programs in Pennsylvania.

Our CASA program is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We govern our own budget, fundraising, and day-to-day operations and do not rely on the National CASA/GAL Association for funding or operations, nor do other programs in Pennsylvania. 

Instead, we are incredibly fortunate and grateful to recognize our primary support is local – it comes from local foundations, local businesses, community support, individual donors, as well as a county allocation administered by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services and a small state allocation administered by Pennsylvania CASA.

Over the past several years, Pennsylvania CASA has taken steps to strengthen our statewide network of CASA programs. As a local program, we have collaborated with PA CASA on many of these efforts, including data collection and analysis, continual quality improvement, attendance at the PA CASA Conference, as well as legislative advocacy efforts. These initiatives are designed to equip local programs to serve at-risk children effectively.

The role of CASA is also codified in Pennsylvania law, and we benefit from broad support in the Pennsylvania legislature, which underscores the critical nature of our work. Since 2022, Pennsylvania CASA received state funding, much of it passing through to local programs, with strong support from both the Governor and the legislature.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at mprotzek@pgh-casa.org or 412-506-6051. The staff remain here to support our CASA volunteers and the children for whom they advocate. In the last year alone, over 1,000 CASA volunteers advocated on behalf of more than 2,000 children in Pennsylvania.

In Allegheny County, our 69 volunteers served 128 children, and the demand for our service has only grown every year since the pandemic. This essential work—the work of our program that you support —remains as strong and necessary as ever. Together, we will continue to give a voice, stability and support to children who deserve justice, safety and a hopeful future.

Thank you for your advocacy and your support.

Melissa Protzek, Esq.
Executive Director