Kappa Alpha Theta
Philanthropies
What is CASA?
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was formed because children deserve every chance at safe, loving, permanent homes. CASA volunteers are trained in courtroom procedure, social services, the juvenile justice system, and the special needs of abused and neglected children. These women and men are appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. With the information CASA volunteers provide, judges are able to make informed decisions as to what is best for the child -- foster care, reunification, or adoption. And judges are able to make these decisions in a more timely fashion, so these children still have a chance at a childhood.
CASA volunteers work with attorneys and social workers. They review records, research information, and talk to everyone involved -- parents, teachers, family members, and of course, the child. From this information, they present a recommendation to the judge as to what is best for the child.
Kappa Alpha Theta & CASA
In 1989, Kappa Alpha Theta chose the National CASA Association as its official philanthropy. As of 1995, the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation has awarded more than $400,000 in philanthropic grants to help fund start-up costs for new programs, public awareness and volunteer training materials, a toll free information line, and the Program Director of the Year Award. The 1995-97 grant of $120,000 includes funding for public awareness and education materials for volunteers; CASA Awareness Day; CASANET (computer on-line information resource); publications, including The Connection and Speak Up! newsletters for volunteers; the toll free information resource telephone line; and the Program Director of the Year Award.
Kappa Alpha Theta college chapters and alumnae groups provide a vital resource of local financial and volunteer support for community CASA programs. Theta groups help start new CASA programs, host state and national conferences, provide office assistance, conduct fund-raisers, and make things for or interact directly with CASA children. Many Thetas complete training and serve as CASA volunteers and local board members.
What Can You Do?
You can become involved with CASA by becoming a CASA volunteer or by supporting your local community CASA program. Your local Theta college chapter or alumnae group is probably already involved with your community CASA. (Local programs are known as CASA, Guardian ad Litem, Child Advocates, Voice for Children, ProKids and more.) Telephone numbers and contact names for both Theta groups and local CASA programs can be obtained by calling Theta Headquarters in Indianapolis at 800-526-1870, Monday-Friday, 8:30-4:30.
Tax deductible contributions to support CASA can be directed to the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation, 8740 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Please direct your donation to CASA by making a notation on your check or including a note of instruction.
National CASA Association 1-800-628-3233
Alpha Pi's CASA Support Events
Last year, Alpha Pi put on many events to raise money for CASA. In the fall we put on a Nacho Feed which filled our house with many college students who were willing to buy our marvelous nachos knowing their money would be going to CASA! Another event we had was "Rock the CASA"! We brought in local bands to compete at the Loading Dock! Also the fraternities took part by putting on skits for their candidate for "Kite King"! We also had a Penny War as well as other events throughout the week. It was a highly successful year. We raised more money last year than the previous several years combined!
More information on next years events are coming soon!
If you have questions regarding Theta's support of CASA or other community service events, please contact our service chair Amy Vibeto at amy.vibeto@und.nodak.edu
