August 17 is National Nonprofit Day, a tremendous opportunity to recognize, acknowledge and celebrate the positive impact nonprofits have on communities across the country.

It is a privilege to serve as CEO of the National CASA/GAL Association for Children, a nonprofit with a 44-year history of advocating for our nation’s most vulnerable children. I am grateful to work for an organization that serves over 271,000 children who have experienced abuse or neglect. I am especially thankful to our staff, 950 state and local programs and 93,300 volunteers who work every day to ensure that these children feel supported, heard and cared for.

National CASA/GAL is one of nearly two million nonprofits in this country. Nonprofits address some of society’s toughest issues; in fact, for nearly every issue there is a nonprofit. Whether it’s a program for the underserved, meals for those who desperately need them, health care, arts, education or advocacy, nonprofits do it all. Nonprofits are the heart and soul of the community, and I believe that CASA/GAL programs demonstrate this every day.

Though this year has been one of the most challenging most nonprofits have faced in some time, we have weathered challenges in innovative ways. I have been inspired by so many stories of our CASA/GAL staff and volunteers continuing to provide support to children through creative and thoughtful approaches. Some people are using skills they didn’t realize they had, we’re using technology in new and different ways, and we’re finding ingenious ways to get things done. I am so encouraged and deeply moved by the resilience, ingenuity and creative fundraising and operational strategies I’ve seen—and the love shown by people who make extraordinary sacrifices to help others. These have been challenging times for all of us, and I am thankful for your commitment and care for one another and the children and families we serve.

Today and every day, we celebrate the phenomenal work of those in the trenches who are impacting their communities, including all of the CASA/GAL network’s staff and volunteers. National Nonprofit Day is a great reminder that nonprofits impact society in positive ways too numerous to count. Thanks for all you do to impact the lives of children in your communities, and for your tremendous dedication to our work!

With deep gratitude,

Tara Perry
CEO, National CASA/GAL Association for Children