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Become an Everyday HERO!
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 Joyelle Saunders - CASA Program Director
Being a part of the Court Appointed Special Advocate program is truly a special opportunity and one that requires passion and drive for success in the life of a child despite their overwhelming circumstances. As the Program Director for the Voices for Kids CASA Program, I advocate for several things.
1. The CASA Program...
With over 250,000 thousand abused and neglected served by last year by CASA programs all across the United States, CASA is still a relatively unknown entity. In order to ensure a positive future for our children, the community must become involved in the lives of the children who need our help the most. The CASA program is a proven way to effect change and ensure each child the opportunity for happiness and successful futures.
2. The Volunteer...
It takes a special person to make the commitment to brave the harsh reality of abuse and neglect, a reality that too many children face every day. So, it is my job to make sure that each volunteer gets what they need to succeed in their role as Special Advocate.
3. The Child...
Even in the small community of Isle of Wight, there are children who need someone to take an interest in their lives and to be their voice in court. Planting seeds of hope in the lives of these children is the goal of the CASA program. And although we may not always be able to see the difference we've made, the seeds we plant will make a difference not just in the life of that child, but for generations to follow.
 Christine Ma tthews - CASA Volunteer Services Coordinator
Being a part of the Court Appointed special Advocates program is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child. As the Volunteer Services Coordinator for the Voices for Kids CASA Program, I am blessed to work with volunteers who give of their time and heart to serve children who desperately need it most. Here are a few ways that I believe CASA makes a difference.
1. The CASA Program...
In the state of Virginia alone, there are about 7,000 children in foster care at any given time, and it is estimated that 30 of those children are in foster care in Isle of Wight County. In the year 2007, the Volunteers with Voices for Kids CASA served 21 of those children. Voices for Kids CASA and its Volunteers help ensure that no child who has been touched by abuse and/or neglect goes unnoticed or unheard.
2. The Volunteer...
It takes a
special kind of person to offer their time and commitment to a child
who has been abused and neglected. I believe that they are "warrior"
of sorts. A warrior by definition is a person who shows great vigor,
courage and assertiveness. Our CASA Volunteers do just that; they
demonstrate great strength when speaking up for the best interests of
the children that they serve. CASA "warriors" fight for their right to
have a safe permanent home, to attend school and to have a future.
3. The Child...
All children, especially ones who have witnessed abuse and neglect first hand, need someone to take an active interest in their lives. They need to know that there is a future out there for them and that they are not just a statistic. I believe that a CASA Volunteer can bring these children hope and can make a lasting difference in their lives.
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County Offices 
