Court Appointed Special Advocates set for move to Rainsville

News

Friday, 27 January 2023 09:21

Court Appointed Special Advocates (C.A.S.A.) of North Sand Mountain, serving the children of Jackson and DeKalb counties, is currently undertaking a move of their headquarters to Rainsville from their current location in downtown Scottsboro. Life Church of Rainsville recently offered one of their buildings to C.A.S.A. at no charge. Their only stipulation will be that any incurred utility expenses over $200 will be the responsibility of C.A.S.A.

C.A.S.A. volunteers provide advocacy, comfort, reassurance, protection and guidance to children navigating the legal system and procedures. There is a formal 30-hour training program, and advocates are sworn in by a judge and are qualified to be assigned to a child (or case) by the court system.

This program is open to people like you and me, and can be done at a time of your choosing. The caseloads are overwhelming, and each volunteer is allowed only five cases at one time. That leaves a lot of children with no one to speak for them in the judicial system and proceedings. More can be done for these children who are helpless up against their circumstances, and you could be the one to give them a voice and lend them strength and comfort.

As a non-profit 501(c)3, they are dependent upon grants and the good will of others in the form of monetary donations. Your funds go directly toward the training and outreach of more volunteers and the sustainment of this organization.

You can find their fundraising/volunteering group, Hope’s Circle, on Facebook or contact Sarah.casansm@gmail.com. If you are interested in donating or becoming a volunteer yourself, contact Kelly at kelly@alabamacasa.org or 205.478.8389. Donations should be mailed to 304 South Market Street, Suite 200, Scottsboro, Ala. 35768 for the time being. A new mailing address will be posted once one is established for the organization. There is also a wealth of information available at casaofnorthsandmountain.org or alabama.casa.org.