Creating a Space of Support and Belonging

At CASA of San Bernardino County, we are committed to fostering a trauma-informed environment where everyone—volunteers, youth, and staff—feels safe, seen, and supported. This welcoming space will serve as a hub for connection: a place where volunteers can gather, youth can engage meaningfully, and events can bring our community together. Whether it’s for advocacy meetings, quiet reflection, or collaborative celebrations, this space is being designed to uplift every person who walks through our doors.

We’ve recently moved into a larger location—growing from 1,800 to 4,300 square feet in the heart of San Bernardino County. With this new space comes our first opportunity to create an intentionally trauma-informed environment, thoughtfully designed to support everyone involved in our mission.

What this new space will offer:

Calming, private areas for CASA volunteers and youth to meet
Quiet, sensory-informed rooms for rest and emotional regulation
Creative spaces for art, writing, conversation, and expression
Resource areas with books, technology, and comfort items
Dedicated rooms for volunteer trainings, staff collaboration, and community events

Why It Matters

Until now, we’ve never had the space—or the resources—to build an environment that truly reflects the needs of the people we serve and work alongside. For youth in foster care, for the volunteers who advocate for them, and for the staff who support both, this space will offer something many have never experienced: safety, consistency, and a sense of belonging.

Our Goal

We’re raising $20,000 to help transform this new location into a trauma-informed, people-centered space that nurtures connection, healing, and hope.

Together, we’re creating more than just a larger office—we’re building a stronger foundation for the work ahead. A true space of support and belonging.

CASA of San Bernardino County's Vision:

To advocate on behalf of all abused and neglected children and youth throughout San Bernardino County.

History:

The CASA concept was first envisioned in 1977 when a Seattle Washington Juvenile Court Judge believed that trained and sworn volunteers could provide children and youth in the child welfare system with the advocacy, they needed in order to avoid languishing in inappropriate group or foster homes.

By 1984, the benefits of the program reached Judge Patrick Morris with the San Bernardino County Juvenile Dependency Court, who established “Child Advocates of San Bernardino County” a CASA program to serve the growing numbers of children entering the County’s child welfare system. Since then, advocacy services have expanded to include both healthcare and education systems advocacy.

CASA of San Bernardino County volunteers have positively impacted the lives of thousands of at-risk youth since its founding – assuring children’s voices are heard in the courtroom; those decisions made about them includes their input; that their physical and mental health are top priorities; and that their educational rights are at the heart of their school experience. And, because of our long history and solid reputation in the community, we are also heavily involved with a variety of child-serving groups and agencies which ensure that child welfare youth have a voice at the decision-making and policy levels.

CASA of San Bernardino County recruits, screens and trains community members just like you to serve as CASA volunteers for children and youth currently living in foster care. CASA volunteers provide stability and hope to abused and neglected children by adding a powerful voice in their lives. A CASA volunteer:

Establishes a strong and stable relationship with a child, gathers information, writes reports, and make recommendations in the best interest of the child. Advocates to ensure the child receives the appropriate resources that he or she deserves

You too can be the voice for children who need it the most.

A Space to Heal. A Place to Hope.

Your gift builds more than a space. It builds resilience, trust, and a future full of hope.