Neighborhood Nonprofit Spotlight: Tennessee CASA

Patch talks to Tennessee CASA about the work its doing in the Nashville community

Patch: Tell Patch a little about your organization!

Tennessee CASA: A “CASA” is a Court Appointed Special Advocate and TN CASA is the network of local CASA programs across the state of Tennessee. Our volunteers act as an advocate and in the best interest of the victimized child or children only. A CASA emphasizes finding the best possible solution for the child, working to secure a safe and stable home environment for them. In the past year, TN CASA advocated for 5,250 children. That means 1,444 volunteers giving more than 130,000 hours to make a lasting difference for youth in the state. CASA provides a voice to the children in our state to deserve to be heard most.

Patch: How does your organization help to strengthen the local community?

Tennessee CASA: TN CASA strengthens the local community by providing a better tomorrow for our children. We value our children and work to develop, grow and sustain local programs that ensure abused and neglected children will forever have the support they need in finding an environment in which they can flourish.

Patch: What is the biggest struggle your organization faces?

Tennessee CASA: We can always use more volunteers and financial support. While we advocate for more than 5,000 children annually, we believe as many as 20,000 children in Tennessee could use a CASA. We also need financial support to continue our cause. We are proud to say that TN CASA works extremely efficiently and effectively. $880 is the median cost per child served in TN CASA which is $310 less than the national median cost.

Patch: What do you hope for the future of your nonprofit?

Tennessee CASA: To continue to grow and increase our capacity to serve Tennessee's abused and neglected youth. Currently, 30 of 52 counties in Tennessee have a CASA presence, we hope one day that every child who needs a CASA receives one and that our services are available in every county in the state. Find out more how you can help us make sure every child is supported and has their voice heard at www.TNCASA.org.

Image via Tennessee Casa