C.A.S.A. of San Bernardino County

“To improve the quality of life for foster youth and youth on probation with stable and consistent advocacy and mentoring provided through trained community volunteers.” In San Bernardino County, there are over 5,000 children and youth living in foster care. They are not only victims of abuse and neglect, but as a result have been removed from their homes and family and placed into foster care. Left with little or no consistent guiding presence in their lives, they are often lost, confused, and alone. Sadly, they then must learn how to survive and navigate the complicated and overburdened child welfare system. But they don’t have to do it alone. Every day Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers mentor and advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom, the classroom, and the health system. Volunteer advocates—empowered directly by the courts—offer judges the critical information they need to ensure that each child’s rights and needs are being attended to while in foster care. Volunteers become the voice for their appointed child. For many of our foster children, a CASA volunteer is the only constant adult presence in their lives that is inspiring them, challenging them and motivating them as they navigate through the child welfare system together, hand in hand. We currently have a waitlist of over 200 youth, we need your help.”If you can’t volunteer, you can donate your car thru the Cars2Charities Vehicle Donation Program. By doing so you will make a significant difference for the young people C.A.SA. of San Bernardino County advocates for. Your generosity will help them expand their presence and continue providing safe environments for the children and young adults they serve and protect.