Advocacy Network for Children Looking for Help

CASA of Hancock County, a program of Advocacy Network for Children, is recruiting volunteers for its upcoming training.

Volunteers help bring positive change to the lives of these vulnerable children.

“It gives them someone consistent in their life,” CASA Coordinator Mandy Humphry said.

CASA volunteers are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused or neglected children in the court system. 

They receive 30 hours of training which includes courtroom procedures, working with social service agencies and the special needs of abused and neglected children. 

Humphry said there are no special requirements to be a volunteer with CASA.

“Really just somebody that can be committed and be objective and competent is what I’d be looking for,” Humphry said.

Since 50% of the children served in Hancock County are male, they would love to see men recruited in this next group. Currently, there are 11 female volunteers and no males.

The average time commitment is about 10 hours, according to Humphry.

The training for CASA volunteers is set for Friday, Mar. 15, from 12:30 to 8:30 PM., Saturday, Mar. 16, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday, Mar. 17, from 1:30 to 7:00 PM. 

Training will be held in the Hancock County CASA office located at First Baptist Church. 

Training will conclude on Tuesday, Mar. 19, with court observation and the swearing in of volunteers from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. 

An informational event, “CASA Quarterback Blitz”, will be held on Friday, Feb. 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Wood Inn in Carthage. 

There will be 10-minute presentations every half an hour.

Humphry and veteran CASA Quarterback, Bob Bergman, will be on hand to discuss the role of a CASA volunteer, answer questions and help with the application process.

“I will have some of my CASA volunteers there so they can ask about their personal experience so far,” Humphry said.

For people who may be on the fence about the program, Humphry wants to reassure them she will be there to support and help them the entire way.

“A lot of times, it is a commitment, but if something comes up, life happens. We understand that and that’s where I’m here to help fill in that gap,” Humphy said.

More information and applications can be obtained by reaching out to Humphy at [email protected] or by calling 319-795-3714. 

Humphy stressed how important this volunteer role is for these children.

“It gives me great pleasure to know that I am playing a part in helping bring advocacy into their lives to that they’re not alone,” Humphry said. “This gives the children in our community, who are most vulnerable, someone who is on their side, someone to root for them.”