Findlay Gala Raises Funds for Child Abuse Advocates

When children face abuse or neglect in Hancock County, Ohio, dedicated volunteers show up to make sure their voices are heard in court.

Now, those volunteers are getting some well-deserved support. Friends of CASA is hosting a gala on April 11 called "Help a Child Bloom" to raise money for the volunteers who advocate for vulnerable children through the court system.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) volunteers speak on behalf of kids going through the court system after experiencing abuse or neglect. Each parent gets their own attorney, and CASA volunteers make sure the child's needs don't get lost in the process.

The volunteers drive long distances to visit children, attend court hearings, and investigate what's best for each kid. They do it all without asking for anything in return, says Krista Pruitt, board chair of Friends of CASA.

That's where the fundraiser comes in. While CASA itself receives government funding that covers basics like staff salaries, Friends of CASA fills the gaps by reimbursing volunteers for mileage and showing appreciation for their work.

"I know how hard the volunteers work and how selflessly they give of their time," Pruitt said. She knows firsthand because she was once a CASA volunteer herself, advocating for children whose parents struggled with drug addiction.

Ashley Bell, executive director of CASA Hancock County, started in her role in October 2022. She works with the Friends of CASA board to identify what volunteers need, though the two organizations remain separate.

The funds also help recruit new volunteers through advertising. More volunteers mean more children get someone in their corner who genuinely cares about their wellbeing.

The Ripple Effect

When one child gets a dedicated advocate, the positive impact spreads far beyond the courtroom. These volunteers help ensure kids end up in safe, stable homes where they can thrive. That means better outcomes for education, mental health, and breaking cycles of abuse.

Pruitt noticed something special about everyone involved with Friends of CASA. They all share a passion for helping children, whether through their jobs or volunteer work.

The "Help a Child Bloom" theme captures what these volunteers do every day: give children the support and care they need to grow into their full potential, even when they've faced the worst possible start in life.

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