(left to right) Tyree McDonald, Linda Perkes, Ashley Tribble, Cynthia Chauvin, Naomi Strawhorn, Lauren Saucier and Tanisha Lamb; in front is Remi III, Mississippi’s only courthouse facility dog
By Naomi Strawhorn
At CASA of South Mississippi, compassionate community members have volunteered and stepped forward to advocate for the region’s most vulnerable children. CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, plays a critical role in ensuring that abused and neglected children have a voice in the courtroom. Led by Executive Director Cynthia Chauvin, CASA’s mission is to provide unwavering support to these children during their time of need.
Formerly, this CASA program served Hancock County alone and was able to provide a CASA volunteer advocate for 100% of the children in foster care. Since the end of last year, CASA has grown into a new name, CASA of South Mississippi, and has expanded to also provide advocacy for children in Harrison and Stone Counties. With almost 400 children in foster care in the three counties, there is a greater need than ever to support these children in difficult circumstances.
WHO ARE CASA VOLUNTEERS?
CASA volunteers are trusted adults who remain consistent in the life of their assigned children–from case assignment to case closure. These volunteers reduce the negative effects of trauma when children must be removed from their families, and they advocate for the best interests of those children to achieve safe and permanent homes.
Former foster youth Haley Wing, who now serves on CASA’s board of directors, says, “My relationship with my CASA was the closest thing I had to a mother. My CASA taught me to use my voice.”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR CHILDREN
In 2024, CASA has set a goal of recruiting and training 35 new volunteers with a focus on serving Harrison and Stone counties. These volunteers play a vital role in the lives of these children, committing about eight to 10 hours per month to writing reports, attending court hearings and providing invaluable support.
But the biggest part of being an advocate is knowing the difference you can make in a child’s life. Advocate Julie Cannon, who has served 44 children over the past 14 years, says, “It is the most rewarding job you will ever do in your life–ever. It’s amazing.”
Advocate Brooke Bourgeois adds, “Our work is never going to be complete as long as there is a wait list.”
If you’re interested in making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children, we invite you to join CASA as a volunteer. You must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check and be willing to dedicate your time to this important cause. To learn more about becoming a volunteer or supporting our efforts in other ways, please call (228) 344-0419 or visit casasouthms.org. Together, we can be the voice for those who need it most.
Naomi Strawhorn is CASA of South Mississippi victim services coordinator. Reach her at naomi@casasouthms.org
This project was supported by the Mississippi State Department of Health, Office Against Interpersonal Violence, state administering agency for the Mississippi Stguate Victim Service Grant. The opinions, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed in the publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the state.