Chelan-Douglas CASA ProgramIn 1994, a small group of foster parents, committed to furthering the aims and goals of the foster parent program sought out Sue Baker for direction and help in forming a CASA program in Wenatchee. Sue had been a CASA Guardian ad Litem in Seattle before moving to Wenatchee with her husband Don.Taking up the challenge, Sue worked closely with many people, including then-Superior Court Judge Carol Wardell, to start the Chelan-Douglas CASA Program. Today, the CASA program is up and running with 66 volunteers, providing a voice for abused and neglected children needing a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow and live.The Work of a CASA:CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives.The Need for new CASAs:The Chelan-Douglas CASA program is currently serving 170 children. During June of 2015, our CASA program appointed CASAs to 10 new children; in July, 8 new children.We are seeing an increase in the number of children who need a CASA. Due to this increased need, the Chelan-Douglas CASA Program needs new volunteers!To learn more about the program or how to join the CASA program in providing a voice to every child who needs one, stop by the CASA open house on September 9th from 6-7:30pm at the PUD Auditorium on Wenatchee Ave or contact Arlene Grover at arleneg@nwi.net