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Annual Report2023
The year 2023 has been a testament to the commitment of our CASAs to advocate forthe best interests of children involved in the court system due to abuse or neglect.Through the collaborative efforts of our passionate volunteers and the support of ourcommunity, we have made significant strides in fulfilling our mission and moving closerto our goal of a CASA for every child.The dedication of our CASA volunteers remains a cornerstone of our organization'ssuccess. Furthermore, we are pleased to report that our financial position remainsrobust, thanks to the generous support of donors, public funding, grants, andcommunity fundraisers. As we look to the future, our commitment to the well-being andbest interest advocacy of the youth in our community remains steadfast. We areactively exploring opportunities to enhance our program's reach, effectiveness, andsustainability.We express our deepest gratitude to all who have contributed to the success of ourCASA program over the past year. Your support has been instrumental in creating abrighter future for the foster youth of Linn County.The complete Annual Report is enclosed for your review, and we welcome any feedbackor questions you may have. We are excited about the possibilities that the coming yearholds and are eager to build on the achievements outlined in this report.Thank you for your continued support of CASA of Linn County.Sincerely,Leslee Mayers Greg AnableExecutive Director President, Board of Directors Dear Friends,
CASA of Linn County’s mission is to serve every abused and neglectedchild who is a dependent ward of the Court in Linn County; provideprofessional training, support and supervision to volunteer advocates;and engage the community in reducing child abuse through educationand awareness strategies.Greg AnableRebekah BrownTom HatleySusan Marie AlmquistEmily HarfoucheSylvia EbbertCrystal HarrisBrenda WamplerValerie DeckerVision & LeadershipMissionBoard of DirectorsVisionA CASA for every foster youth in Linn County.
Meet Our StaffLESLEE MAYERSEXECUTIVE DIRECTORKAYLA COLON- GOMEZOFFICE ADMINISTRATORHANNAH WAKEFIELDADVOCATE SUPERVISORJENNIFER CABRAL-IRELANDPROGRAM MANAGERLACEY BOLDUCADVOCATE SUPERVISORFELICITY COMBSADVOCATE SUPERVISOR
What is a CASACourt-Appointed Special Advocates (or CASAs) are trained andcommitted volunteers who ensure that each child’s individualneeds remain a priority in an over-burdened child welfare system. CASAs are citizens from all walks of life. They are dedicated topromoting the needs of children who have been removed fromtheir parents’ care due to neglect or abuse.
CASA by the NumbersYouth served163Donors supporting our work146New volunteersonboarded11CASA Volunteers64Youth achieved permanency41290PJS given to youth in Linn Countynew children assigned a CASA29
AccomplishmentsCASA of Linn County has experienced significant growth and stability in the past year.Amidst the unprecedented challenges over the previous two years, brought about by thepandemic and changes in leadership, our organization demonstrated remarkableadaptability. Navigating through these transitions, we emerged resilient and fully staffed atthe beginning of 2023, driven by a shared motivation to expand our volunteer base andenhance our fundraising efforts through engaging events.With the appointment of a new Executive Director and the achievement of one of ourAdvocate Supervisors becoming a trained facilitator for our CASA pre-service trainingcurriculum, we began the year with renewed vigor. Our outreach team tirelessly dedicatedover 150 hours to being present at key community events, raising awareness about CASAand the urgent need for volunteers.We revived our impactful I AM FOR THE CHILD luncheon, absent since early 2020, andexpanded our fall event. Both occasions not only met but exceeded our fundraising andattendance goals. As we embark on the journey into 2024, we are enthusiastic about sustaining themomentum gained in 2023. Our waitlist still includes 118 youths, so we are still workingtowards our goal of a CASA for every child. Together, we remain committed to advocatingfor the foster youth and ensuring a brighter future for those we serve.
Our VolunteersOur volunteers are the backbone of our organization and we are gratefulfor each one of our volunteers.Amanda ThompsonAndrew BeanAudrey McHugh BrittonAudrey StephensBarb GoeringBecky HumphreyBonnie VickersBrady BennettBrenda RappBrenda WamplerCassandra HeadleyConnie ShroutDani ChanceDeanna LarsonDebbie MyersDebi BakerErin McCarthyFelicity CombsHannah WakefieldJackie HastingsJana BasdenJeanette ShermanJeanie PerryJeannie DavisJennifer Cabral-IrelandJered GoodwinJessica PerezJo Ann McQuearyJoe HamlingJosiah BlaisdellKaitlin HobbsKaren BostromKaryn EltonKathryn SandovalKathy JensenKeith KendrickKelly Tedeschi-BowmanLacey BolducLeslee MayersLinda LarsonLori RobinsonMaKenzie JamesMichelle FiefMichelle LaCasseMichelle WilkinsonMike MayersMike RansomNancy PorterPaul BrittonPriscilla Mendes-BroekeRebecca WolthuisRose PedaRyan MattinglySandy BaumgartnerSarah ErhardtShari Melcher-SmithSherri StrandySuzanne StriteThomas PeaceTracy KaroTwila LehmanWayne AndersonYaVon Kerins
Our volunteers come into many children’s lives amidst chaos and unknowns. Theirmission is to focus on the child and the needs of the child and make sure that thischild doesn’t get “lost” in the system. “Best Interest Advocacy” looks at all sides of achild’s life and helps ensure that the child is able to live a life where they are loved andcan thrive.One such extraordinary CASA, has been a steadfast advocate for a sibling group offour young children. The connection they established with this family was immediateand, with the upmost compassion and empathy this CASA has navigated a challengingand complex situation. Through many years this CASA has been the consistentpresence in these children's lives, providing stability and support as they enduredmultiple placements and changes in their environment. Many times, our CASAs can bethe only consistent person in a foster child’s life while they are part of the system.In another inspiring instance, a dedicated CASA has taken on the challenging case of ayouth who, after years of instability, found themselves virtually alone in the world. Withno siblings and no legal parents, this child faced an uncertain future. However, theirCASA stepped in as a guiding light, advocating for them through various placements,coordinating with caseworkers, counselors, and schools, and actively participating incritical meetings around school and medical care discussions. Through an unwaveringcommitment, this CASA worked to secure a loving and skilled adoptive family for theyouth, ensuring they have the chance to thrive in a stable and nurturing environment. Additionally, the power of collaboration and teamwork shines through in the efforts ofour co-CASA teams. Together, one of these teams advocated for a sibling group ofthree. One of their biggest successes was in building relationships with parents,relatives, and caregivers in order to create the best supports for family success. As aresult, the children were successfully reunified with their parent. ImpactDo you know someone who is passionate about youth and wants to make adifference? We offer monthly informational sessions for people to learnmore about serving as a CASA volunteer. We find most of our volunteerscome to us by way of word of mouth from our fabulous supporters aroundthe county. We hold pre-service training 3 times a year, which includes 35hours of instruction and education about being a CASA. Please considersharing this opportunity with people in your network. linncasa.org/volunteerYou can make a difference!
Grants/Foundations49%State Funding35%Donations & Fundraising15%Interest1%FinancesPrograms & Services83%Operations & Admin11%Fundraising6%RevenueExpenses
Sponsors for our FundraisersThank you to our sponsorsTables Sponsors for our LuncheonBudget Blinds of Albany & CorvallisTakena KiwanisCitizens BankJeff King ContractorGreg AnableTom HatleyBoshart TruckingOptimist Club of AlbanyTrendy Threads & TreasuresJim & Val DeckerPaynewest InsuranceJo Ann McQuearyIndependent Merchant BrokersRuss HedgeUmpqua BankSweet Home Police DepartmentCascade Timber ConsultingDala's Blue AngelsEdward Jones- Doug PhillipsWestern UniversityCity of Sweet HomeShelly LarsonEXP Realty- Broker Duo & NancyKruseGillot Home TeamEriksen Insurance Agency-Country FinancialAmerican Legion Auxiliary AlbanyUnit 10Joyce KanoffThe Oaks at LebanonSpecial Thank you to those that have hosted drives and donated gifts or booksCooper Rock RealtyLeah Olson RealtyClayton HomesHealing Motion Physical TherapyThe Gillott Home TeamCountry Financial- Adrienne Irwin Home town Comfort StationCentral Willamette Credit Union Northwest Community Credit Union Selectemp Employment ServicesWillamette Valley BankAbove the CollarThe Mad PlatterAmerican Legion Post 10Brookdale Senior LivingHangry SolutionWestern UniversityUmpqua BankFigaro’s PizzaAltrusa InternationalMid-Willamette YMCAOregon National Guard
JOIN US for our annual luncheon to hear how Court Appointed SpecialAdvocates (CASA) make a difference in the lives of foster youth in LinnCounty and how with your support we can reach our goal of a CASA for every child. STAND UP FOR ACHILDDoors open at 11:30Program: 12:00-1:00Boulder Falls InnLebanon, OregonYou are Invited to: March 13, 2024We are currently seekingtable sponsorships, if youor your business areinterested please connectwith us.
541- 926-2651admi n@linncasa.orglinn casa.orgAmplify their voiceWe need fearless andcompassionatepeople who want tobe trained advocatesfor children in fostercare.Grow our networkHelp us sustainLike us on Facebookand InstagramAttend our eventsInvite us to presentMake a gift to supportCASA's vital work.Check out our AmazonWish List on our websiteand help with everydayneeds.Ways to Continue Your Impact