Central Kansas CASA Inc. is the 2019 fourth quarter recipient of the 100+ People Who Care of Barton County group. Members of the group selected Central Kansas CASA from three charitable organizations who presented. The mission of Central Kansas CASA is to serve as an advocate for abused and neglected children in courtrooms and communities in Russell, Barton, Stafford, Rice and Ellsworth counties. CASA volunteers speak for the best interest of a child until a safe, loving and permanent home is found. These volunteers foster a personal, consistent relationship with the child, as their schools, foster homes and therapists may change throughout their case.

Central Kansas CASA plans to utilize the funds to recruit, train and maintain volunteers to serve six additional children. Volunteers receive 30+ hours of training and materials and also require certification paperwork and additional in-services for retention. CASA currently has 30 certified volunteers, who serve a family during the length of their case, anywhere from two months to 10 years. The need for volunteers continues to be great, as 140 children remain on their list, with 46 served in Barton County.

To learn more about Central Kansas CASA, contact staff by calling 620-792-5544. The organization is also on Facebook.

The next giving meeting for the 100+ People Who Care group will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at the Best Western Angus Inn Courtyard. At that time, representatives from Central Kansas CASA will return to provide an update on their progress utilizing the $10,000 gift. Members will also vote to select and nominate local, charitable organizations to receive future funds. More details can be found on the group’s website, www.100bartoncounty.org, or on its Facebook page.