CASA Blog

Dixie Hornstein, a representative for Goochland/Powhatan CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), offers a unique and heartwarming perspective on her role as a CASA in this article. She combines her professional duties as a CASA volunteer with her personal experiences as a grandmother. Hornstein's piece highlights how her interactions with her own grandchildren have provided her with valuable insights and empathy when working with CASA clients and their families. To add a personal touch, she includes a candid photo taken by her 7-year-old granddaughter, which she cherishes as one of her favorites.

A Legacy of Compassion and Advocacy

In March 2005, Sister Connie Reid helped establish Goochland/Powhatan CASA, laying the foundation for a program that has since changed countless lives. Her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to children’s advocacy were instrumental in our growth and success. Connie’s influence continues to shape our mission and inspire our work every day.

At CASA, we believe that every child deserves a voice—someone who will stand by them, advocate for their best interests, and offer consistent support through uncertain times. This month, we shine a light on one of our dedicated volunteers who embodies the spirit of CASA through compassion, commitment, and connection.

Meet Kori: A Year of Service, A Lifetime of Impact

With just over a year of service, Kori has already made a meaningful difference in the lives of three children across two families. Her journey with CASA began with a desire to give back, and it has since blossomed into a deeply personal and transformative experience.

July in Virginia is full of sun, swimming pools, barbecues and tons of fun activities for children. Many children have the opportunity to enjoy their summer vacation by attending camps, participating in sports or having a summer job, but there are many children in foster care who do not get the chance to experience these sorts of summertime activities.

The future of every society rests in the hands of its children, yet far too many grow up without the stability, care, or support they need to thrive. Vulnerable children—those facing poverty, neglect, abuse, homelessness, or systemic disadvantages—often lack the resources and opportunities others take for granted. For those with the means and desire to make a difference, the challenge is not just understanding the needs of these children but finding effective ways to meet them. Individuals, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and other organizations all play critical roles in creating safer, healthier, and more hopeful futures for these children.

Linda Whitaker, a dedicated CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, has been serving Goochland/Powhatan CASA tirelessly since June 2022. During this time, she has positively impacted the lives of five children, offering guidance and support during their most challenging moments.

Glynda's journey as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer as a CASA is a testament to her unwavering dedication and compassion. Currently, Glynda is a faithful office helper for Goochland/Powhatan CASA. Before moving to Goochland, she served as an advocate for children in Northern Virginia, ensuring children's voices were heard in court. She did this for 11 years until her eyesight worsened, making it difficult for her to read street signs and visit homes. Fortunately, Glynda didn't let this stop her. Instead, she transitioned to helping CASA in a different capacity through administrative work, continuing to support the cause she believes in so deeply.

Raising a confident, inspiring leader is an enriching experience. As a parent, you play a vital role in shaping your child’s leadership abilities by fostering perseverance, curiosity, and a commitment to learning. Encouraging community involvement and providing growth opportunities can help your child build essential skills for leading others. By nurturing these qualities, you empower your child to navigate challenges and inspire those around them. Every step you take to support their development contributes to their journey as a future leader.

We are thrilled to highlight our dedicated office volunteer, Glynda Barnes, who brings a wealth of experience from her time as a CASA volunteer in Fairfax and Central VA. Her commitment to Goochland/Powhatan CASA is evident in her willingness to tackle any task, from organizing and filing to assisting with various office needs.

Karen Nemetz has been a tireless CASA advocate since February 2019, dedicating her time and energy to making a difference in the lives of children and families. Over the past five years, Karen has assisted four families, with her current case spanning an impressive two and a half years. "Her commitment to her role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is invaluable to us as an organization," says Renae Townsend, Executive Director of Goochland/Powhatan CASA.

Embracing the role of a single parent presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Balancing responsibilities, maintaining a household, and nurturing your children’s development requires strength and strategic planning. By employing effective strategies, you can create a supportive and fulfilling environment for you and your children. Goochland/Powhatan Court Appointed Special Advocates shares some critical approaches to help you manage and thrive in this journey.

In today's fast-paced world, instilling healthy habits in children is more important than ever. Guiding kids to make healthy choices not only supports their physical and mental well-being but also fosters a lifetime of beneficial habits. These tips and resources shared by CASA will help you encourage your children to embrace a healthy lifestyle in a way that's engaging and manageable for them. By focusing on these aspects, you set the foundation for their long-term health and happiness.

This July we are proud to highlight Nicole Sandridge, who has been an advocate with Goochland/Powhatan CASA since 2020. She has assisted 4 families total in our program. One of her favorite CASA memories is when visiting a family that had multiple children, a little girl whom she just met jumped into her arms and gave her the biggest hug.

In the parenting journey, one of your most pivotal roles is nurturing a love of learning in your children. This passion for knowledge and discovery enriches their childhood and lays the foundation for a fulfilling, lifelong pursuit of learning. You wield the unique power to ignite and maintain this flame. But how do you ensure this spark doesn't flicker out in the hustle and bustle of life? Today, Court Appointed Special Advocates explores some effective strategies to get you started.

Dawn Barnes, a dedicated Goochland/Powhatan Court Appointed Special Advocate since 2016, has made a significant impact on numerous families and children through her work. According to Renae Townsend, her case supervisor, Dawn is a super-CASA.

This month we celebrate Black History Month to honor African American heritage in the United States and share stories of Black achievement. We honor the men and women who blazed trails in our country, pushing us forward and recognize their bravery and the threats they faced to do so. It is especially important for those in the child welfare community to recognize these brave activists and reformists, as Black children are overrepresented in the child welfare system relative to the general population.  To better serve Black children and reduce their risk of entering the system it is critical that we respect and embrace their perspective, culture, and history. In celebration of Black History Month, we’ve chosen to elevate the stories of Black men and women who played a significant role in improving the lives of children and advancing both the fields of social work and child welfare. Let us celebrate their achievements, continue their work, and strive for continued progress in their memories.    

Child sex abuse can have devastating and long-lasting effects on a child's physical, emotional, and psychological health.

Possessing a passion to help children is key to making a difference in their lives as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a program that sees neglected and abused minors through the Juvenile Court system with trained adult volunteers. In the case of Goochland/Powhatan CASA Dianna Gordon, that passion as a CASA volunteer is complemented by a background of public service.

Navigating the challenges of modern parenting can be overwhelming. With the pace of life accelerating, it becomes imperative for parents to employ smart strategies that make their daily routines less chaotic. The journey to a structured life need not be daunting. Goochland Court Appointed Special Advocates shares some effective techniques designed to help parents champion the art of organization.

Ms. Renae Townsend was invited to speak at the Powhatan Rotary Club this morning.
“Every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home.” This is the guiding principle of the National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program, says Renae Townsend, Executive Director of Goochland CASA. Ms. Townsend said Powhatan County will soon be sharing expertise and resources of its neighboring Goochland CASA program, which trains and equips qualified volunteers. The two counties each benefit from this partnership. According to Renae Townsend, the expanded program is awaiting official approval from the National CASA organization. Goochland CASA was invited to come to the 11th district by Judge Royall. The effort to expand the presence of Goochland CASA into neighboring Powhatan County has been approved by Goochland CASA’s governing board. “We’re excited to expand our program into Powhatan,” says Townsend. [Full article will be posted to the Goochland Gazette]

A secure and safe neighborhood isn’t just a matter of chance -– it’s a result of collective efforts by the residents who care about the well-being of their community. You can help create an environment that fosters safety and security for all by actively engaging with your neighbors, implementing smart strategies, and maintaining open lines of communication. Goochland CASA explores seven essential steps to keeping your neighborhood safe.

September was first declared as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in 2008.

Want to support Chesterfield CASA...and YOUR non-profit organization? Come walk (or run) in the 2023 SUPERHERO 5K !!!

Goochland CASA volunteers can help connect the dots between various systems to ensure that information is shared when appropriate, to get the best possible outcomes for children and youth.

Children who have experienced abuse or neglect are involved with multiple systems: the court system, the child welfare system, the health care system, and the school system. 

Appointed by a judge, CASA volunteers interact and build relationships..

A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to have  a better  outcome: children performed better academically and behaviorally in school as measured by whether or not they passed all of their courses, whether or not they were expelled and their conduct performance.

In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to neglect our health. But neglecting our health can have serious consequences in the long run. The good news is that it's never too late to start healthy habits. Incorporating simple changes into our daily routine can make a significant impact on our health and well-being. In this guide, Goochland CASA provides you with practical tips to lead a healthy lifestyle that lasts.

A child or youth in foster care may have additional challenges and concerns about starting a new school year.  Here are five tips to help prepare for Back to School for Foster Children:

Many Goochland students and teachers are headed back to school soon! There are two basic protective factors we can use to help our kids thrive and have a successful year at school.

Did you know every time you shop THE THRIFTY QUAKER it brings you and those in need together!

Goochland CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) will be raffling off this beautiful handmade quilt with SKATEBOARDING motif !! 

“Be kind and open minded,” is the secret to helping young people, said Marcialyn Ellis, longtime volunteer for young people as a Goochland Court Appointed Special Advocates [CASA).  The nonprofit agency is committed to advocating for abused and neglected children involved in the court process due to concerns for their safety and well-being.

The 7-2 Supreme Court decision is an enormous victory for Native children, Native families, and Tribal Nations. Through the Court’s decision, ICWA has been affirmed as constitutional and tribal sovereignty, further strengthened all while placing the best interest of Native children above all others in ICWA cases. This ruling supports the work that Tribal Nations have done over decades to ensure that Native children remain with or connected to their families, Nations and culture throughout their lives.

Each year, Goochland CASA recognizes families who have overcome obstacles to providing a safe and loving home for their children and are able to reunify after their child was placed in the child welfare system.

It is heartwarming to see communities come together to support a good cause. Stitchers for a Cause, led by Jim Otto, is a perfect example of this. The group, which operates through the Glen Allen Church of Christ program, uses their skills to create beautiful quilts that benefit various organizations.

Over the last 10 years, Cheryl has been a volunteer for Goochland CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). As a CASA, she served as a voice for eight different children in court.