A local children’s advocacy organization is expanding its reach and therefore taking on a new name.  Macon County CASA is now opening operations in Christian and Moultrie Counties and is now known as Heartland CASA.  The acronym in the name stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, and they provide support and guidance to children in foster care and the child welfare system.

Shyler Krause is the Marketing and Development Manager for Heartland CASA.  She says her organization’s work is important because kids in these situations do not understand what is happening, so having an advocate is critical to help them cope.

These situations happen more frequently than some may realize.  A key motivation for the organization to expand is the desire to meet the need. 

Volunteers play a major role in the success of the organization’s work.  Recruitment and retention manager Lori McDaniels says the process to enter and train is long but otherwise simple. 

Fundraising is another important factor for carrying out their mission.  In the past, they have raffled off playhouse sets to raise money.  With the new name, they are also bringing in new prizes. 

More information is available at www.iheartcasa.org or by calling the office at (217) 428-8424.

Shyler Krause and Lori McDaniels appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.