190 - The Many Successes of CASA

CASA of Kern County--modeled on a program started by Judge David W. Soukup (now retired) in Seattle--was developed locally by Hon. Robert Anspach. Judge Anspach relied on many of the "movers and shakers" in Bakersfield to make CASA happen. CASA of Kern County was incorporated on July 19, 1993. The first advocates graduated in July 1994 and started serving children. Since then, CASA has held multiple training sessions each year, graduating over 1400 volunteers, and serving over 3000 children. But our story is not over--the problems remain as critical as ever. Child abuse and neglect remain a significant problem in Kern County. While abused and neglected children are often the result of substance abuse, poverty, and homelessness, we know that it can occur in every neighborhood, within any income strata. We have more than 70 children on the waiting list, and we need CASAs now more than ever before. Amanda DiGicomo sits down with Heaven Vasquez, the Public Relations & Development Manager and Karlee Cain the Communications and Development Coordinator for CASA of Kern County as they discuss how they were founded as well as the different services they offer. They serve as an unbiased 3rd party for foster youth and have helped serve over 3,500 children since they were founded! Heaven explains how their volunteers go through 42 hours of training and agree to an 18 month commitment since their goal is to provide stable and consistent adults in the lives of foster youth. If you are unable to volunteer you can always donate directly or through one of their events like their upcoming Derby on May 6th. LEARN MORE ABOUT CASA of Kern County: Website: https://kerncasa.org/ Phone: 661-631-2272 Instagram: kerncasa Facebook: CASA_of_Kern_County LinkedIn: CASAofKernCounty YouTube: CASA_of_KernCounty