Lift up a child’s voice, become a CASA volunteer

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Berks County invites you to attend their upcoming informational sessions to learn how CASA makes a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children. Court appointed special advocates are volunteers empowered by the courts to advocate for children in foster care, to help protect their rights and safety and to guide them through the child welfare system.

There is no other nonprof it organization in Berks County that duplicates CASA’s efforts. For many abused and neglected children, their CASA volunteer is the only consistent adult presence in their life. And, often, that single volunteer can be enough to break the cycle of violence and neglect, not just for one child, but for generations to come.

The impact that volunteer advocates make on children in foster care is substantial. Children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to succeed in school and to find a safe, permanent home; substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care; and half as likely to re- enter foster care.

CASA of Berks County is grateful for its 11 volunteers who stand up for the most vulnerable chil- dren in our community. But many more children are waiting for advocates of their own. If you want to make a child’s voice heard, consider learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer by attending one of our informational sessions or calling 610-301-8634.

Informational sessions will be hosted at the CASA office located at 845 Park Rd., Suite 307, Wyomissing. RSVP is required due to limited seating. Our program will not exceed 60 minutes. Sessions will be held: Wednesday, July 13, 6 p.m.; Friday, July 15, 12 p.m.; Tuesday, Aug. 16, 12 p.m.; and Wednesday, August 17, 5:30 p.m.