2025 Annual Nebraska CASA Association state CASA Conference
The 2025 annual Nebraska CASA State Conference was held at the Younes Conference Center, Kearney. CASA staff and volunteers from across Nebraska came together to learn, fellowship with other CASAs from across Nebraska and to be recharged as we continue to be the voices for children in foster care. This year CASA Connection had 5 of our AWESOME Advocates and both staff members attend.
Highlights of the conference included speakers Julia Cook, Matt Elwell, a new CASA pop-up shop and music bingo & so much more. Next year's conference will be held at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln.
2025 Summer Outreach
This summer, our Outreach Coordinator, Lisa Rosendahl and a couple of our volunteers took part in a couple outreach events. Lisa, along with Jean Britt, had an outreach table at one of the downtown Frankfort Square's "Beats & Eats" event. This event featured a concert by a local rock group Freedom Road and several food trucks. Thank you to everyone who stopped at our table to ask about CASA Connection and what our volunteers do.
Schuyler Back to School Bash
In July, volunteer Gabriela Guevara, joined Lisa at the Schuyler Public Schools Back to School Bash at the Schuyler Elementary School
2025 Columbus National Night Out
August gave us a chance to participate in the Columbus Police Department's National Night Out family event at Frankfort Square. The weather was just right for families to enjoy the inflatables, a street sprinkler, chance to get an up-close look at the various vehicles and equipement used by our fire and police departments and treats from the food trucks.
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
