2025 Annual "I'm a Little Baby Contest will be Saturday, August 9
CASA Connection’s annual “I’m a Little Cutie” Baby Contest will be held Saturday, August 9, 8:30 a.m. at the Frankfort Square stage, downtown Columbus.
This event is open to children from birth to 18 months.
REGISTRATION FEE: $15.00. Pre-registration is required.
ALL REGISTRATION FORMS & FEES MUST BE TO THE CASA OFFICE BY 5:00 pm on August 7th. NO EXCEPTIONS
REGISTRATION FORM
For more information, contact Susie Jarecki at 402-563-4944
New CASA Connection Advocate Sworn-in
Congratulations to Megan Ohnoutka, CASA Connection's newest volunteer advocate.
Megan was sworn in on May 23rd, by the Honorable Denise Kracl, Platte County judge. Megan 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. We are thrilled to have her on the CASA Connection team of amazing adults dedicated to helping foster children in Platte, Colfax, and Nance counties.
Every year at their Annual Meeting, the Columbus Area United Way acknowledges the incredible volunteers who go above and beyond to help their partner agencies, including CASA Connection, do what they do best. This year, CASA Connection volunteer advocate, Julie Anderson, was one of the volunteers who were recognized. Julie has been a volunteer with CASA Connection since 2019 and has advocated for eight children. We appreciate all she has done for the children she's advocated for and for being part of our team of volunteers.
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
