2026 Volunteer Appreciation gathering
On April 23 our staff, several members of our board of directors along with most of our advocates along with their guests—took a break from our busy schedules to simply enjoy each other's company during our annual Volunteer Appreciation Social. This year, the event was held at the Barrel House Bar, with food provided by Zeekyz Pork in a Boat food truck along with desserts from board members and staff. It was an evening filled with great food, better conversation, and a lot of gratitude. It was a great to see each other in person and not just on the occassional Zoom screen; there was lots of conversation and laughter flowing.
CASA Connection volunteers are the incredible backbone of our community, standing as a steady voice and a source of hope for children navigating the foster care system. Their dedication ensures every child is seen, heard, and supported on their journey to a safe, permanent home. We are so grateful for the passion and heart these advocates bring to their work—as you can see from the smiles and spirit captured at our recent gathering!
Our volunteers show up every day with compassion, dedication, and a powerful commitment to children who need a voice. We are so grateful for all that they do to give children in our communities a voice, hope and brighter happier futures.
Do you need a guest speaker for your group or organization? We can help with that: our staff would love to come be a presenter for you
CASA Connection is seeking adults, ages 21 and over, to volunteer with our program. CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities. These CASA volunteers are trained citizens who are appointed by a judge to speak in court for the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children.
No special background or experience is needed. You don’t need to know about court proceedings or have legal experience to become a CASA. Also: you don’t have to have a professional background as a caseworker or counselor to help a child. You will be able to rely on your training and the support of CASA staff members In the same vein, CASA volunteers come from all walks of life. More than half of all CASA volunteers are employed full-time.
Volunteer advocates—empowered directly by the courts—offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care. Volunteers stay with children until they are placed in loving permanent homes. For many abused children, a CASA volunteer is the only constant adult presence in their lives. CASA Connection staff provides all training our volunteers need and we set the training around their schedules. volunteers are well-trained and supported by competent and professional staff.
- Children with a CASA volunteer spend an average of four fewer months in out-of-home care than children without a CASA volunteer.
- Judges, attorneys, child protective workers, and parents overwhelmingly report that CASA volunteers make a difference with the children they serve.
- Cases involving a CASA volunteer are more likely to be permanently closed. Fewer than 10% of children with a CASA volunteer re-enter the foster care system.
CASA Connection needs YOU to become a CASA volunteer.
You can make a lasting impact a child’s life by
becoming a CASA volunteer.
Volunteers in Platte and Colfax counties are especially needed.
Call our office: 402-563-4944
or email Lisa Rosendahl: lrosendahl@plattecounty.ne.gov
New CASA Advocate Sworn-in
Congratulations to Lisa Wemhoff, CASA Connection's newest volunteer advocate. Lisa Wemhoff was sworn in today by the Honorable Denise Kracl, Platte county judge. Lisal is now ready to advocate for the children in our community who deserve a big-hearted adult willing to be their voice in the juvenile court system. Please welcome her to the CASA Connection team.
To learn how YOU can join our team of volunteer advocates give our office a call:
402-563-4944
