CASA Day at the Capitol: Advocating for Missouri’s Childre

Our team was proud to join representatives from CASA programs across the state in Jefferson City Tuesday, March 4, for CASA Day at the Capitol, where we made Missouri lawmakers aware of the impact CASA volunteers have on children in foster care and their families.

CASA of St. Louis staff members Jennifer, Nickie, Elissa, Mary Anne, Kathleen, and Kali engaged in meaningful conversations with elected officials throughout the day. As Case Advocacy Supervisor Kali shared, “I’m grateful to be part of this mission and help ensure our elected officials understand the critical need for support and funding.”

Missouri CASA Association coordinated this day of advocacy, which marked the largest turnout to date for CASA Day at the Capitol. Our team carefully strategized to ensure legislators serving on budget and appropriations committees spoke to us directly or received our materials.

We were honored to meet with Governor Mike Kehoe and his wife as well. We were joined by colleagues from Capital City CASA as well as a young man who benefitted from a having a CASA volunteer as a child; together we emphasized the importance of governmental support for our work.

The work continues here at home for CASA of St. Louis. We will meet with legislators in our districts, alongside CASA volunteers who will share their firsthand experiences advocating for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in our community.

We left Jefferson City feeling energized and hopeful for the future. As Kali affirmed, “Tuesday was an incredible opportunity to connect with our legislators and share the vital work CASA does for children in foster care. Every child deserves a voice, and CASA volunteers provide the stability and advocacy that can truly change the course of a child’s life.”