philanthropy

What is CASA?
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. They are trained community volunteers appointed by a judge to speak up for abused and neglected children in court. With the information provided by CASA volunteers, judges are able to make informed decisions as to what is best for the child - foster care, reunification, or adoption, and in a more timely fashion, so these children still have a chance at childhood.

CASA programs can help a displaced child find the security he or she needs to grow and reach full potential. Studies show that:

Abused and neglected children who have CASA volunteers have a better chance of living in safe, permanent and loving homes than children who do not have volunteers.
CASA involvement often reduces the number of times a child is moved from foster home to foster home. CASA cases are more likely to be reviewed on a regular basis by the court.
A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to receive treatment through community services. CASA programs save tax dollars. Kappa Alpha Theta college and alumnae chapters/clubs help by raising money for CASA programs, providing office support, making toys or items for CASA children, hostessing events for CASA children or by becoming CASA volunteers themselves. Contact the National CASA Association at 1-800-628-3233 to find out the name and address of the CASA program closest to you. CASA programs can be found in all 50 states. CASA programs are known locally as Guardian ad Litem, Child Advocates, Prokids, FOCAS and Voices for Children.

What does the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation do to support CASA?

The Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation awards a biennial grant to the National CASA Association to support their toll free phone number, educational materials and displays for volunteers, and the Kappa Alpha Theta Program Director of the Year. Unrestricted dollars contributed by generous individuals, collegiate chapters and alumnae chapters/clubs to the annual fund drive conducted by the Foundation support the grant to CASA. The Foundation annually awards more than $300,000 in graduate and undergraduate scholarships to members. The Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta annually holds a car wash known as "Soap for Hope" and a variety show, "Rock the CASA" to raise money for CASA.
Courtesy of www.nationalcasa.org

The Eta chapter works closely with the CASA of Washtenaw County http://www.casawashtenaw.org. Please visit the site for additional information and opportunities.

In 2008 the Eta chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta hosted their fourth annual Rock the CASA philanthropy event.

Rock the CASA is a variety show including performances by the best entertainment groups on The University of Michigan campus. Student performances included an array of comedians, Acapella groups, bands and dance groups. The Eta chapter was excited to have many of their members involved in the performance groups. Students from across campus came together to join the Eta chapter in their effort to raise funds and awareness for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

The event was a huge success with over $4,000 raised! Walking around campus you can easily spot this years fantastic Rock the CASA T-shirts that were designed by members of the Eta chapter. The event is still talked about and will be remembered as one of the most well executed sorority philanthropy events to date.

The Eta chapter is very proud of their work with this event and looks forward to making THIS years Rock the CASA even more successful.

Thank you for helping make ROCK THE CASA 2008 so succesful!

For more information for ROCK THE CASA 2009 please contact Jen April, Ariel Markowitz, & Ali Saul japril@umich.edu, almarko@umich.edu, asaul@umich.edu

Courtesy of www.nationalcasa.org

See our SOAP FOR HOPE pictures