Hi *{{Informal Name}}*,

We hope you are staying cool during this heat wave in Mid Missouri! With school starting this month, we are thinking about that transition for children and teachers. There will be excitement and maybe some nerves as everyone starts a new school year. There also might be some relief for students who look forward to an environment that is predictable and safe. Teachers will see children day after day, and sadly, if they notice signs of abuse and neglect they will have the weighty job of making a hotline call. For many of these children the journey through foster care will begin after that call is made. We want to be there for them and provide them with the consistent care and powerful advocacy of a CASA as they navigate a new world. We want them to know they are seen, cared for, and worthy of a bright future that isn't defined by their current pain. Thank you for partnering with us so we can do this important work. Let's keep going. There are more kids who need us!

Angela Carson

Development and Marketing Mangaer

Heart of Missouri CASA

Join us for Frozen Custard for CASA!

New Volunteers Sworn In

9 new CASA Volunteers were sworn in at the end of July and beginning of August! They have put in the hard work and completed 5 weeks of training. They are now official Court Appointed Special Advocates! They will have the great privilege of knowing, caring for, and speaking up for a child's best interest while they navigate foster care. We are thankful to have these amazing volunteers on board! We want to welcome Susan Byrne, Ethel Evans, Gloria Fishman, Kathryn Fishman-Weaver, Tricia Hantke, John Howe, Laura Koch, Beth McWilliams, and Kathryn Morehouse.

Impact Moment

At a recent FST meeting a boy in foster care was participating by phone so he could hear what was being discussed and ask questions. His CASA, Mark, was also at the FST. Mark has done virtual visits with him and has also driven 3 hours one way to see him in person. He has worked hard to build a relationship with this young man and earn his trust. At the end of the FST the caseworker asked the teenager if he had any questions. He said, "Yes, I do. Mark, when are you going to come and see me again?" Trusting adults isn't easy for him, so this was a remarkable moment. It shows that he trusts and values his relationship with Mark.

Join Our New Volunteer Training

Are you ready to take the next step and become a CASA? Our next class will be IN PERSON and is set to begin on October 5th! Class size is limited! For more information, call us at (573) 442-4670, email us at hello@homcasa.org, or register for one of our no-obligation information sessions.

10/5/2021: Training Kick-off 5:30 – 6:30pm
10/12/2021: In-person Session 1: 5:30 – 8:30pm
10/19/2021: In-person Session 2: 5:30 – 8:30pm
10/26/2021: In-person Session 3: 5:30 – 8:30pm
11/2/2021: In-person Session 4: 5:30 – 8:30pm
11/9/2021: In-person Session 5: 5:30 – 8:30pm

Training is made up of 15 hours in-person and 15 hours online. The in-person sessions will be virtual.

If you are ready to apply now, you can do so on our website!