CASA of Southwest Missouri

We are thrilled to celebrate Vanessa L. Scavuzzo for winning Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year at the AFP Awards Ceremony! Vanessa pours her heart into everything she does — advocating for the kids we serve as a dedicated CASA volunteer and stepping up time and time again to support our mission through events and outreach. Her creativity and passion shine especially bright in the event she dreamed up herself, Just Between Friends, returning this March! Thank you, Vanessa, for your unwavering commitment, your compassion, and the countless hours you give to ensure every child’s voice is heard. This recognition is so well-deserved!

Congratulations to CASA's Employee of the Month - Shelby Blakley! Shelby is our incredible Training Coordinator; she works hard bringing in new CASA advocates and trains them to serve the area's children in foster care with confidence and compassion. Thank you, Shelby, for your hard work and commitment to making sure our advocates feel supported and equipped to help our most vulnerable. We're so lucky to have you on the CASA team! #CASASWMO #EmployeeOfTheMonth #TeamCASA #ThankYouShelby #ForTheChild

Happy 8th CASA-versary to our Executive Director, Laura Farmer! For eight incredible years, Laura has led CASA of Southwest Missouri through remarkable growth. From expanding our advocacy program and launching the first-of-its-kind CASA Clubhouse, which now serves thousands of children and families each year, Laura has changed the lives of so many children in our region. Through every challenge, Laura has guided and inspired hundreds of volunteers to be the umbrella in a child’s storm, offering pathways forward, hope, and advocacy when it’s needed most. Laura, thank you for your unwavering leadership and dedication to helping children in foster care find safety, stability, and brighter futures. We’re so grateful to celebrate you today!

Please join us in celebrating Advocate Supervisor Carol Wendt! Carol goes above and beyond for every volunteer she supports, making a lasting impact through her dedication and compassion. It’s a pleasure to work with her. Congratulations, Carol, on being our well-deserved August Staff Spotlight!

Do you have a connection to a business or a high-value item, such as a vacation home, hot tub, or golf cart? CASA of Southwest Missouri is seeking significant donations for CASAblanca 2025! All proceeds support children in foster care. Email KJohnson@casaswmo.org if you can help! #SupportFosterYouth #CASAblanca #SpringfieldMO #MakeADifference

There are only three tables left for CASAblanca! We’re down to our final three tables for the 9th Annual CASAblanca, starting at $2,000 and going fast! Even better? Your support is eligible for 70% Missouri Champion for Children tax credits, helping you lower your tax liability while making a difference for children in foster care right here in SWMO. Don’t wait! Contact Esther Munch today to secure your spot at the most impactful night of the year: - Email: emunch@casaswmo.org - Phone: 417.864.6202 Let’s raise the stakes for kids who need us most. CASA of Southwest Missouri deserves our support! #CASAblanca2025 #Thankyou #Fostercaresupport #Galaforchange #CasinoNight #Fundraiser

Are you a current college student looking to gain hands-on experience in event planning, marketing, and development? Look no further! CASA of Southwest Missouri is seeking a Development Intern to support development staff at our organization. Hours are flexible/dependent on internship requirements by degree. Do you know someone who would be the perfect match? Send this their way!

Big news for Missouri kids! SB43 has officially been signed into law by Governor Kehoe. This bill strengthens protections for kids in legal proceedings and increases the Champion for Children Tax Credit from 50% to 70%, with no cap on donations. That means bigger impact for kids and greater tax savings for you when you support CASA. Swipe through the graphics to learn how your donation can substantially lower your tax liability. Join us in sharing the news with your networks!

CASA’s board of directors recognized Advocate Supervisor Atlas Dennis as the staff spotlight for the month of July yesterday! This award commemorates Atlas’ hard work supporting CASA volunteers and advocating for children in foster care across Southwest Missouri. We are so lucky to work with him!

👀 Needing more info on what a CASA volunteer actually does? Check out this quick fact sheet to learn how our advocates make a difference in the lives of kids in foster care. 💙 And don’t forget — our next training cycle kicks off July 31st in Springfield! This is your chance to step up, speak out, and be the voice for a child who needs you. Plus, it's an evening class for all of you after-work life changers. Apply today on our website: casaswmo.org #VolunteerWithCASA #ChangeAChildsStory #CASASWMO #SpringfieldMO #CASATraining #MakeADifference