Heartland CASA is expanding volunteer training opportunities this summer and fall as the organization works to recruit more Court Appointed Special Advocates for children in need.

The first training session at Kemmerer Village will be held Mondays from July 27th through August 31st, running from 11 AM until 2 PM.

Currently, 256 children across Christian, Macon, DeWitt and Moultrie counties are waiting to be matched with a CASA volunteer. To help meet that need, Heartland CASA is partnering with Kemmerer Village to offer two special summer training classes at the organization's Assumption campus.

Heartland CASA Recruitment and Retention Manager, Lori McDaniel, says the partnership will make it easier for people to become volunteers by offering more flexible training options, including daytime and evening sessions, as well as in-person and Zoom classes. She says the goal is to remove barriers so more community members can step forward to advocate for children involved in the court system.

CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, providing a consistent voice and support throughout the court process.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer or learning more about upcoming training opportunities is encouraged to contact Heartland CASA at (217) 428-8424.