Members of the Rotary Club of Salem Creekside were pleased to support CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) at their recent "We Are For The Children Annual Luncheon" Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Keizer Event Center. It is the annual recognition of youth in foster care and the volunteers dedicated to their care. The program is under the direction of Executive Director, Vanessa Nordyke. 
CASA’s mission is to provide every child in need with a trained volunteer advocates to ensure they are safe, have a permanent hone and the opportunity to thrive. CASA volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children.
Studies have shown that a child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to find a safe and permanent home; more likely to be adopted; half as likely to re-enter foster
care; and substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care than children without a CASA volunteer.
care; and substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care than children without a CASA volunteer.In 1977, Judge David Soukup of Seattle WA, realized that there was no one who was providing a voice for children in his courtroom. Through his efforts the first volunteer guardian “ad litem” program was established and later became known as CASA.
In 1987, the Oregon Legislature mandated that all abused and neglected children in Oregon should have a CASA case worker and in 2002, CASA of Marion County Inc. was incorporated as a Non-Profit corporation.