Welcome to CASA of Montana

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Montana is a nonprofit organization that partners with 15 local nonprofit programs in Montana. The combined local programs speak up for nearly 1,200 neglected and abused children, who are caught up in the state’s legal system through no fault of their own.

2013 CASA Awards Announced

2013 CASA Awards
Every year at the annual Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Conference in Helena, a set of awards are given to Montanans who are dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. As a vital part of this prevention effort, CASA has its own set of awards that recognize the selfless individuals, involved with CASA's work, who devote their time and energy to lifting up the voices and lives of Montana's children. Announced on April 16th, this year's CASA award winners were:

• Judge of the Year. The late Honorable Judge Gary L. Day (16th Judicial District). The late Honorable Judge Day has long supported Eastern Montana CASA/GAL. He worked hard to help train volunteers about his expectations and would always provide the opportunity for volunteers to speak in court. Judge Day passed away in February and the Eastern Montana CASA/GAL Program has received memorial funds in Judge Day’s memory. Accepting the award on behalf of Judge Day’s family was Cherie LeBlanc, Program Director for Eastern Montana CASA/GAL Program in Miles City.

• Director of the Year. Kiersta Sullivan, Director of Front Range CASA/GAL Program, Conrad. Kiersta works many hours alongside board members in raising funds, writing grants and capacity building in order to keep the program running effectively. Through Kiersta’s efforts, the Front Range CASA program continues to diligently work so that every child has a CASA. Her commitment to working together to benefit children not only in her area, but across the state is nothing short of amazing.

• CASA Volunteer of the Year. Pat Bellinghausen, Yellowstone CASA. Pat became a CASA Volunteer with the Yellowstone CASA Program three years ago and since then she has worked tirelessly in her advocacy for children. Pat’s efforts go above and beyond expectations to help parents learn how to advocate for their own children and empower families to make changes in their lives for the sake of the whole family. She realizes the "big picture" of CASA and works to connect the Yellowstone CASA program to resources, potential new volunteers and community partners. Quite frankly, Pat is the kind of volunteer you want six of. There are families reunited today due to her efforts.

Gear up for Park-2-Park 2013!

We will embark on another Park-2-Park Ride through scenic western Montana on September 9th, 2013. Taking place September 9th-13th, this fully supported ride will take you on a route that covers 418 miles from the edge of Glacier National Park's towering peaks to historicYellowstone National Park. By pedaling up and down, over and through the route's terrain, you will traverse some of the most beautiful land Montana has to offer. Best of all though, is the fact that by participating in Park-2-Park you will support CASA's work of lifting up the voices of children in court who have been neglected or abused. By joining us in Park-2-Park Montana 2013, you gain the double opportunity of championing the CASA cause and enjoying cycling with fun folks through gorgeous Montana. Don't miss out. Mark your calendar and prepare for a great ride!!!

Consider Joining Us in Our Advocacy Work by Donating to a Rider or Sponsoring Our Event!

CASA of Montana Receives 2012 National CASA Grant Award

We're excited here at CASA of Montana about getting this 2012 National CASA Grant Award! The grant funds will aid us in our vision to provide a CASA volunteer to every child in foster care through statewide consensus building. We will be able to better target public awareness, collaborative team building, and program expansion. The execution of these three target areas will also be ensured through the grant's funding for our Executive Director. All told, this is a valuable gain for all of Montana's local CASA programs. Ensuring the execution of these three target areas will result in more children being served by CASA volunteers by increasing the local programs' ability to recruit, train, supervise and support additional volunteers. We're thankful for National CASA's support of our goal of advocating for Montana's abused and neglected children.

CASA of Montana Reveals New Specialty License Plate

Montana vehicle owners can now help lift up the voices of Montana’s children. By purchasing a CASA specialty license plate, vehicle owners can now truly give a “moving” gift to support the local CASA programs that help improve the lives of vulnerable children. Schylar Canfield, President of CASA of Montana, states that, "Funds raised through the purchase of license plates will help to fund local and state program efforts to ensure each child is connected with a trained CASA volunteer – an advocate who provides that voice, sharing in court both what the child wants and their own recommendation for what is in the child’s best interest.”

You can order a plate when you renew your registration at your local licensing office. Specialty plates cost a set fee ($45) and can be renewed annually.  The fee includes a $25 donation which will benefit the CASA program in the area where you purchase your plate. Every purchase of a CASA specialty license plate is a major contribution to CASA's goal of lifting up the voices and lives of abused and neglected children. Not only does your donation provide immediate financial support to your local CASA program, but your vehicle becomes a mobile billboard for CASA that reaches numberous potential volunteers and donors. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to visibly show your support for Montana's vulnerable children!

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© 2013 CASA of Montana