2024 End of Year Campaign for Athens-Oconee CASA

It has been an exciting year at Athens-Oconee CASA. We have experienced challenges and successes, but as the year draws to a close, I reflect on the incredible support and encouragement we have received from our community members and supporters. I am filled with gratitude for all those who have generously given—as volunteers, donors, and partners-to assist children who have suffered abuse or neglect in our community. We are thankful for you and deeply appreciate your support of our mission. 

As I consider how scary change can be, I can't help but think about the children experiencing foster care in our community. Do they feel they have the support of a listening ear? Do they have someone to encourage them on their tough days when uncertainty is looming and they don’t quite know where they belong? We desperately want the answer to be yes. This fear drives us to continue our mission to ensure every child in foster care in Clarke and Oconee counties has a voice. Every three minutes, somewhere in our country, a child enters foster care. Most children experiencing foster care will face constant changes in their homes, schools, with their social workers and other professionals, all while processing the trauma of abuse or neglect and being separated from their families. For these children, a CASA volunteer can help improve their odds of positive outcomes and make a life-changing impact. 

Our focus remains on the incredible work being done by our CASA volunteers. I am pleased to announce that this year we had 93 CASA volunteers who served 175 children in Clarke and Oconee counties. Throughout this holiday season, our volunteers will continue to support children in foster care, helping them to see a brighter future. Through their dedication of time and advocacy, our CASA volunteers navigate complex systems and provide hope for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. When a child has hope, they are more likely to succeed in school, exhibit greater self-control, have increased optimism, and a higher overall sense of well-being. 

As we end 2024, there are still 111 children who don’t have a voice. These children need our help. You can be a part of their journey toward stability and sense of belonging by making a gift today. By providing a financial contribution to Athens-Oconee CASA, your donation ensures that more children in our community can receive essential support. 

We at Athens-Oconee CASA are committed to ensuring that every child in our community who has experienced abuse or neglect has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home. However, we cannot achieve this goal alone. Your generous support makes our advocacy on behalf of these children and youth possible. 

Please consider helping us reach more children by giving a gift today. Together, we can make a difference in a child's life. 

Warmly,

Emily Dant, Executive Director