OUR STORY

Our Story.jpeg

CASA Partners is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the local CASA Program and enhancing the lives of abused and neglected children currently in the foster care system in Spokane Country and children who are at risk of entering the system. 

CASA Partners was founded in 1997 by a group of CASAs and sponsors four direct service projects: My Bag, My School Bag, Needs From The Heart, and the Bee Kind Garden.

CASA Partners was started with a three-year, $30,000 grant from the Junior League of Spokane. Today we continue to grow with the generous support of many community organizations, businesses, and individual donors.


ABOUT THE YOUTH WE SERVE

The more than 1,000 children and youth who are currently living in foster care through Child Protective Service (CPS) are among Spokane County’s most disadvantaged citizens. These children have been severely abused and neglected, and belong to families who have failed them. They have few, if any, personal belongings. Youngsters living in foster care or relative placement commonly suffer from depression, behavior disturbances, poor health, learning delays, confusion, fear, and loneliness. 

CASA Partners is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for children placed in the foster care system by allowing them to experience some of the pleasures of being a child.


WHAT IS A CASA?

A CASA is a court appointed special advocate. CASAs are volunteers who have been through the training of the CASA Program. CASAs advocate for abused and neglected children in family court. After the initial training of 30 hours, volunteers are sworn in as officers of the Court, which gives them the legal authority to conduct research on a child's situation and submit to the court reports and their recommendations for a child’s welfare. CASAs work strictly as volunteers and deal with abuse, neglect, and abandonment cases referred to them by Child Protective Services. 


BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President - Michael Addams

Vice President - Mandy Cripps

Secretary - Lesa Webb

Treasurer - Kevin Driscoll

CASA Program Manager - Mandy Cripps

Board Members - Pat Donahue, Debra Shumway, Christine Hills, Edna Preuss, Lisa Downing

Bee Kind Garden Program Manager - Katie Jessop