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Oklahoma
Posted: Aug 05, 2026 7:23 AMUpdated: Aug 05, 2026 7:23 AM
CASA of Northeast Oklahoma; Still Time To Be One Of The 26 In 2026
Tom Davis
Earlier this year CASA of Northeast Oklahoma announced their "26 In 2026" volunteer recruitment campaign. Their goal is to recruit and train 26 new CASA volunteer advocates during 2026. While 26 sounds like a simple number, the impact of recruting 26 new CASA voulnteer advocates is substantial, making an impact generations to come in the lives of abused and neglected children living in foster care . Twenty-six new CASA volunteer advocates represents a 46% in the total number of CASA volunteer advocates that were available at the start of this year to be assigned to a child's case.
"Currently we are at 92% of reaching our goal. While its exciting we are closing in on our goal, we don't want to stop there. We would welcome as many new CASA volunteers as possible. As of July 1st of this year, there were 282 children living in foster care in the 6 counties we provide advocacy services, so there is a need for as many CASA volunteers as possible to advocate for these children," said Emily Bowling, Executive Director, CASA of Northeast Oklahoma.
What do CASA volunteers look like? They are ordinary citizens, at least 21 years old, who care about children and have volunteered their time and talent to be trained, background checked, sworn in by a judge and supervised by CASA staff to speak up in court for the best interest of abused and neglected children. They monitor the circumstances of a child's case, the progress of the parents and other caregivers, facilitate needed services, and advocate for the best interests of each child. They prepare a written report to the court in advance of each hearing that provides fact based recommendations to ensure the best interests of each child are honored. Through their advocacy efforts, they provide hope, increased opportunity, consistency, and a better life for children and youth in the court's care. They help end the cycle of abuse and neglect, making a difference in each child's life and for generations to come.
"Please consider becoming a CASA volunteer and help ensure that these children who have experienced abuse and neglect and living in foster care have a qualified, compassionate adult providing them with a voice to fight for and protect their right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect and learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family," said Bowling. "If not you, who? If not now, when?"
If you have ever thought about becoming a CASA volunteer, this is the perfect time. The next training class is scheduled to begin soon. Choose today to get involved and make a difference in a child's life. You will not regret helping change a child’s life for the better. Go online at www.casaneok.org to fill out an application or call 918-923-7276 for more information.
CASA of Northeast Oklahoma, Inc. has 30+ years' experience in providing advocacy services to children in need. They meet National CASA Standards for Local Programs, have the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, Four Star Rating with Clarity Navigator and are a member of the National CASA/GAL Association For Children and the Oklahoma CASA Association.
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