May is National Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month, a time to focus on the significant roles that people from all areas of child welfare play in supporting children, youth, and families.

This year’s theme is Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities. It is critically important to recognize and address the challenges faced by young people transitioning from living in foster care and provide support to help them navigate their journey to adulthood.

Our Fostering Futures program for youth ages 11 to 18 champions engagement and support and helps to prepare youth to transition out of care to adulthood and independent living. Alongside their CASA volunteers, youth develop life skills, set goals, and explore education and career opportunities. In 2023, 45 youth participated in this program, which is the largest number to date.

In June of 2023, we expanded our Fostering Futures program to include a transition aged youth (TAY) pilot program for former CASA youth/young adults ages 18 to 23 who have aged out of the foster care system or had child protection in their childhood.

Our goal for the TAY Program is to empower young adults ages to thrive and become self-sufficient through a relationship with a mentor, assisted by CASA staff. Our TAY program began with 2 young adults and has expanded to 11 young adults who are working closely with mentors.

Together, we are making a difference!

2024 WPS Volunteer Awards

On April 25, CASA volunteers along with staff, attended The Volunteer Center of Brown County 2024 Wisconsin Public Service Volunteer Awards.

This inspiring celebration brings together over 600 volunteers in the area who give themselves and their time to area nonprofit organizations whose mission they aim to fulfill. CASA of Brown County volunteers were nominated in various award categories!

Adult Award Nominee:

• Mary Rowan – Runner Up

Small Group Award Nominee:

• TAY Mentors – Runner Up

o  Wendy Berdnt

o  Mecan Budzinski

o  Rachel Charles

o  Janet Hathaway

o  Charles Jacobs

o  Julie Kopling

o  Lois Sauberlich

o  Al Schmitz

o  Jennifer von der Ruhr

Volunteer Leadership Award Nominee:

• Mary Jane Selinsky

Heart of Gold Lifetime Achievement Award Nominee:

• Linda LaRock
• Margene Marcantonio

Mary Rowan stated, “From the bottom of my heart to the tips of my toes I wish to thank you all for your support, and for always being so welcoming to me when I'm at the office. That means so much! Receiving the WPS Volunteer Award was such an honor and a complete surprise. Being a CASA is an important part of my life. Thank you.”

Congratulations to ALL of our nominees, and congratulations to our amazing CASA volunteers! Your hard work and dedication is invaluable!

Join us for the CASA Classic for Kids Golf Outing!

Join us on Monday, August 19 for a fun filled day on the links at the Brown County Golf Course for our annual Classic for Kids Golf Outing!

Proceeds raised directly sustain our work to recruit, train, and support CASA volunteers to advocate for more children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect and under court protection in Brown County.​ Together, we are all FORE the kids!​

If you interested in sponsoring or have any questions, please contact Philanthropy Director Marissa Heim at marissa@casabc.org.

CASA Presents Photos

In case you missed it, photos from the 2024 CASA Presents special event have been uploaded to our Facebook page and website. Check them out!

• Youth Director Taylor Connell celebrated her 10-year work anniversary!

• Youth Director Taylor Connell and Youth Advocate Coordinators Cassie Bevers and Guadalupe Dorado attended the The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families 2024 Youth Services Conference.

• Philanthropy Director Marissa Heim graduated from Leadership Green Bay, a program of the Greater Green Bay Chamber.

Together, we are changing stories!