This is a paid release.
Owensboro, KY – March 6, 2025 – CASA of Ohio Valley proudly swore in five new volunteers as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for children in juvenile dependency, neglect, and abuse cases. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with Family Court Judge Angela Thompson presiding over the ceremony.
These dedicated individuals have completed an extensive background check and the mandatory 30-hour pre-service training required to become a CASA volunteer. Upon being sworn in, they will be paired with a CASA Supervisor and matched with children in the foster care system, where they will advocate for the children’s best interests in court.
The new volunteers, Julian Gabbard, Amy Allard, and Andy Crowe, will serve as essential advocates for children who often face instability and uncertainty in their lives. Many of the children they serve have little to no consistent adult presence in their lives. CASA volunteers provide a steady and caring support system, becoming a trusted person for children as they navigate foster homes, schools, doctors’ appointments, and other transitions in their lives.
“We are incredibly proud of our new advocates who have committed themselves to making a positive impact in the lives of children in our community,” said Alondra Johnson, CASA of Ohio Valley’s Executive Director. “Their dedication will help provide children in foster care with the support and advocacy they need during some of the most challenging times in their lives.”
In addition to the three volunteers sworn in on March 6, new volunteers Amanda Kirkland and Becky Tooley will be sworn in on March 13, 2025. The next training class for individuals interested in becoming CASA volunteers will begin on May 15, 2025.
If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer and advocating for the best interests of children, please contact Halie at 270-683-2138 or visit our website at CASAovky.org for more information.
About CASA of Ohio Valley:
CASA of Ohio Valley is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for children in the juvenile dependency, neglect, and abuse system. Through trained volunteer advocates, CASA works to ensure that every child in foster care has a voice in court and a dedicated advocate working to improve their lives and secure a brighter future.
