Our Impact

The impacts our CASAs have made and continue to make span thousands of hours and miles.  Read just a few of the stories of the positive impact we’re having in the lives of families in our area.

855 hours, 2,500+ miles & visits every 10 days…

Over an 18-month time period, a CASA volunteer spent 855 hours, with over 2,500 miles logged, advocating for the best interest of a little girl. The child was initially reluctant to let anyone get close to her, as she lacked trust and dependability in adults. Therefore, the volunteer worked hard to build a positive relationship with her, which meant making the conscious decision to visit her once every 10 days. The CASA became the reliable, consistent person in the child’s life. She attended extracurricular events, school conferences, meetings with the child’s attorney, first day of school milestones, and even a personalized field trip to the courthouse. The volunteer became a confidant to the child who had suffered a lifetime of adverse experiences. She set appropriate boundaries and taught the young lady an abundance of healthy skills and effective coping mechanisms, based on her personal and professional experiences in working with children. The bond they shared is evident. The little girl didn’t want the advocate to take on any future cases, as she wanted to keep her all to herself.

Mentoring both the parent & the child towards successful re-unification…

After being a voice for a young man for 16 months, the case closed with a successful reunification. This volunteer not only advocated for the child’s well-being, but was also a parent mentor for the mother by helping her seek out resources and by simply providing a listening ear when she needed someone to talk to. The family continues to remain in contact with the CASA to date.

Seven families, 14 children from newborn to teenagers…

A veteran CASA volunteer has made a difference in the lives of seven families since 2013. She has been a voice for 14 children, ranging in age from newborn to the sometimes, tumultuous teenagers. Her experience as an educator has been extremely advantageous in working with kids. She has played an integral role in providing positive reinforcement for single mothers, while always keeping the best interest of children at the forefront of her mind. She has served on in-home safety plans and continues to be a reliable source of support for those, from past cases, who need it most.

Over four years through seven placement changes, the boys still look forward to seeing their CASA…

An advocate has dedicated over four years to two young boys who endured extreme neglect and were victims of sexual abuse. With seven placement changes, one of which was in another state, she continued to advocate for their needs. Over the duration of the case, there have been many transitions involving numerous counselors, different DSS workers, several daycare providers, various caregivers, and new school districts. However, one thing has always remained the same—the CASA volunteer. She has been vocal regarding the children’s needs and recommended services to help them address their trauma. Her extensive reports to the Court have consistently been praised by attorneys and judges. The boys always look forward to their next adventures with their CASA.

Positive rapport with family through over eight years of service…

A veteran volunteer was ready to retire after nearly eight years of service. However, a child came back into care after a disruption in the home. Since the CASA had previously established a positive rapport with the mother and the toddler, it made sense to have her reappointed. She traveled 400 miles, one-way, to visit the family. Her experience as a mother, grandmother, and advocate has made an enormous impact on the families she has served.

His calming demeanor and caring, gentle personality exudes in everything he does…

The Spirit of CASA award highlights an individual who demonstrates an exemplary commitment and dedication to the children they serve. Recipients of this award are engraved on a plaque displayed in the NHCASA office. The award winner from 2022 has been an active part of our organization since April 2019 and has overwhelmingly surpassed the requirements of a CASA. He has displayed a genuine interest in the children he has served. He has been a positive male role model and has shown youth how to excel in the world. His calming demeanor and caring, gentle personality exudes in everything he does. He has set an example to the community about what a CASA volunteer can be and has earned the utmost respect from everyone involved in his cases. Shortly after he completed his first appointment, he started on another. After his second one concluded with an adoption, he agreed, without hesitation, to advocate for three teenagers in three different placements, one of which is 400 miles away. The DSS worker on his second case noted, “The CASA genuinely cared for this young man and advocated for his every need. The volunteer is an important part of the child’s life and his journey.”