A Message From Our Executive Director

These past few weeks have been very unique in the way we have to think of how to continue managing our volunteers and staying in contact with the children we serve. It would be really easy for us to say “Don’t go visit your children” but somehow, the children need to be contacted and seen. Their lives are already different by being in the care of other family members or strangers. Now COVID-19 has removed much of the rest of their sense of normalcy.

What was their new normal has now been changed again. No more school and seeing teachers and friends, people they could count on to offer structure. They can’t see their parents as often and they are possibly not seeing siblings, therapists, DCS case managers or CASAs. All of these things that were helping them to get through the process of being in the system are now gone due to no fault of their own.

We are trying to help keep the children at the forefront of our volunteers’ minds even as we recognize that they too are adjusting to a different set of circumstances. It’s very easy to get caught up in their own lives and forget the need to engage with these children. I am finding just a quick reminder is helpful and I know our CASAs are calling, texting, chatting virtually, etc. They are doing anything they can to keep in touch and remind the children that they are still there for them.

April is also National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time of the year when CASA is typically more prevalent and active in the community through events and other news. While the  Elizabeth Smart event has been postponed to October 8th, Clearwater Car Wash will still be holding their CASA recognition day on April 15th. Your support, especially in these current times, will be greatly appreciated.

These are extraordinarily uncharted waters and we are continuously trying to identify and communicate navigational tools. I am optimistic and believe we are all doing the best we can given these trying circumstances.

With sincerest gratitude,

Mackenzie