810 Nebraska Volunteers Gave 25,000 Hours to Foster Kids

Court-appointed special advocates made a massive difference for Nebraska's most vulnerable children last year, logging enough volunteer hours to equal 12 full-time jobs.

The CASA program's annual report reveals that 810 volunteers helped more than 1,800 abused and neglected kids across the state. These everyday heroes donated nearly 25,000 hours of their time, making over 7,400 visits to check on children and traveling almost 160,000 miles to ensure no child was forgotten.

CASA volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court system. They get to know each child personally, visit them regularly, and advocate for their best interests during legal proceedings.

The program now serves 55 county courts across Nebraska, reaching children in urban centers and rural communities alike. Last year, judges swore in 161 new volunteers who committed to standing beside kids when they need it most.

Each volunteer becomes a consistent, caring presence in a child's life during an incredibly unstable time. While caseworkers juggle dozens of cases, CASA volunteers typically work with just one or two children, giving them the attention and advocacy every kid deserves.

The Ripple Effect

These 25,000 volunteer hours represent more than just numbers on a report. They're bedtime stories read, soccer games attended, and tough conversations navigated. They're someone showing up when a child feels completely alone.

The impact extends beyond the courtroom. Research shows that children with CASA volunteers are more likely to find permanent homes, do better in school, and receive the services they need to heal from trauma.

As the program continues growing, it's opening doors for more Nebraskans to make a real difference. No special skills required, just a willingness to show up consistently for a child who needs someone in their corner.

These volunteers prove that ordinary people can create extraordinary change, one child at a time.