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What is CASA?

Court Appointed Special Advocates® (CASAs) are community volunteers, just like you, who speak up for abused and/or neglected children.

Our CASA program belongs to a network of nearly 950 community-based programs that recruit, train and support citizen-volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and/or neglected children in courtrooms and communities.

  • Children in care in Washoe County on an average day 2024
    Children in care in Washoe County on an average day 2024

    635

  • Children served by CASA volunteers in 2024
    Children served by CASA volunteers in 2024

    107

  • You can be the ONE we need!
    You can be the ONE we need!

    1


News & Notes

Registration is NOW open! Join us today, and you can help change a child's story!

Did you know 1 in 7 children were victims of abuse or neglect last year? In Washoe County, over 600 children are in foster care because it's no longer safe. CASAs ensure these vulnerable children have someone fighting for their best interests.

Now, you have a chance to be part of this vital mission by teeing off for a cause on Friday, July 25th! The Washoe CASA Foundation is hosting its inaugural Charity Golf Tournament and hope you'll join us for this amazing cause! All levels are welcomed and encouraged to participate!

Sponsorship opportunities are STILL available! Become a Community Partner today! Contact us directly or by complete the interest form here: https://forms.gle/AH2dTXBYLwxeXZK66

FLASH SALE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! Register today and get $100 OFF Team Pricing!

Did you know 1 in 7 children were victims of abuse or neglect last year? In Washoe County, over 600 children are in foster care because it's no longer safe. CASAs ensure these vulnerable children have someone fighting for their best interests.

Now, you have a chance to be part of this vital mission. Join us! Friday, July 25th, as we Tee off for a Cause! You can help change a child's story!

Get involved today! Visit our event page: https://washoecasafoundation.com/events-news/events.html/event/2025/07/25/charity-golf-tournament/521863 or contact us directly!

washoecasa@gmail.com
☎775-574-8820

Did you know? At least 1 in 7 children in the U.S. have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year. Child abuse and neglect can be prevented! Prevention starts with access to resources.

The Washoe CASA Foundation held its 4th annual Biggest Little Easter Egg Hunt on April 12 in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. It was heartwarming to see so many happy kids with their baskets, eyes wide with excitement as they searched for colorful eggs.

The event wasn't just about the kids. Caretakers had the invaluable opportunity to connect with over 70 incredible child welfare organizations. It was a fantastic chance to gather information, resources, and support from the dedicated individuals and groups working to spread awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month.

BIGGEST LITTLE EASTER EGG HUNT!

Join us for the Biggest Little Easter Egg Hunt and Resource Fair!

Happening on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Truckee Meadows, located at 2680 E. 9th Street in Reno.

The event is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are required.

The Resource Fair opens at 9 a.m. for a sensory-friendly hour to accommodate individuals who thrive in quieter environments.

The event will feature games, face painting, and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny.

Caregivers can take advantage of free hearing, vision and dental screenings, and vaccinations for children.

For those attendees with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivities, a calming room will be available.

This event helps raise awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. It’s time to remember that we each play a part in promoting the social, physical and emotional well-being of children and families in our community.

New Book Teaches Children About CASA and Family

“Oscar’s Family” is a new children’s book.

When a child first gets a CASA/GAL volunteer, they may have a lot of questions. They may already have a bunch of unanswered questions about their situation, too. Now, CASA/GAL volunteers have a new tool that can help children better understand what’s going on: “Oscar’s Family” is a new children’s book that introduces the concept of a CASA/GAL volunteer in words kids understand. And along the way, it teaches them just how expansive the word “family” can be! 

The 36-page color picture book was written by Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington in central Kentucky; and illustrated by Matthew Walden, a graphic design artist living in Lexington. “’Oscar’s Family’ makes CASA relatable even to very young kids. At the same time, the focus is on understanding what it means to be part of a family, which makes it a fun read for any child, whether they are involved in the family court system or not,” Jamison said. “This book teaches children that all families look different — and that’s a good thing! It’s such an important message for them to get and hopefully this book helps spread that message — and awareness of CASA — far and wide.” 

Walden, who has also created numerous superheroes for CASA of Lexington’s CASA Superhero Run fundraiser, created the colorful, imaginative art that brings “Oscar’s Family” to life. “Telling the visual side of ‘Oscar’s Family’ was an exciting opportunity, because I was given much freedom with style, colors, and design, as well as the interpretations of characters and the emotions underlying their words and actions,” Walden said. “Illustrating ‘Oscar’s Family’ was also an opportunity to use my time and talents to help put something good into the world, to add beauty that might enrich the lives of others and inspire them to think in new ways about what love and family mean. It’s my own way to join in the kind of work which CASA does so well.” 

The book tells the story of Oscar, a young school-aged boy who has foster parents and a “first mom,” his biological mother. At school, Oscar and his classmates all draw pictures of their families, which leads Oscar to talk with his foster mom about who is in his family. Oscar discovers he has a lot more people in his family than he thought, including his CASA/GAL volunteer, Liz, and her courthouse facility dog, Matilda. 

While all the other characters are fictional, Liz and Matilda are both real-life members of the CASA of Lexington staff — Liz Noffsinger is a Volunteer Manager and Canine Handler and Matilda is Kentucky’s only certified courthouse facility dog, now in her fourth year of service. 

“Matilda has helped countless Kentucky children, whether they have CASA volunteers or not,” Noffsinger said. “She has traveled all over the state, helping kids testify in court and going on home visits to help put children at ease. Matilda is a helper at heart, and now she gets to help every kid who reads 'Oscar’s Family!’” 

Jamison said she hopes “Oscar’s Family” can help CASA/GAL volunteers and the children they serve across the U.S. “The CASA volunteer is there to get to know the child and advocate for their best interests. This book can help the child get to know their CASA volunteer a little better, which can make the volunteer’s job that much easier,” she said. “I hope ‘Oscar’s Family’ can build connections for CASA volunteers everywhere and help them be even more effective.” 

All proceeds from sales of “Oscar’s Family” will benefit CASA of Lexington in its mission to ensure all children in central Kentucky have a safe, permanent home. CASA of Lexington is on Facebook and Instagram as @CASAofLexington. Walden is on Instagram as @mdaileywalden. 

"Oscar's Family" is available for purchase directly from CASA of Lexington at https://bit.ly/oscarsfamily or on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3QGGeYz