CASA Youth Advocates, Delaware and Chester Counties

06/18/2026

Congratulations to our very own CASA Program Director, Susanne Whiting! Last week, Susanne graduated from the Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research's Nonprofit Executive Certificate program. Over the past eight weeks, Susanne actively engaged in this intensive program designed to grow and strengthen leadership practice. We already know Susanne's deep commitment to meaningful change and leading with integrity. As fellow NELI graduates Leigh Anne McKelvey and Mary Kate Howard can attest, the program helps equip those with innate and learned leadership capacity with additional skills and tools to become even more effective in their roles. Congratulations Susanne! We're so proud of you!

06/17/2026

Congratulations to CASA Youth Advocates, Delaware and Chester Counties 2025 Community Impact Award recipient, Heart & Soul'd, on an incredible start to 2026! 💜

We were proud to recognize Heart & Soul'd at last year's CASA Gala for their unwavering commitment to supporting children, fostering hope, and strengthening our community.

This milestone is yet another example of the impact they continue to make.

More than $15,000 donated back to the community in just the first half of the year is an extraordinary accomplishment. Congratulations to the entire Heart & Soul'd team, their Mission Match partners, and everyone who shops and supports their mission.

We are grateful to call Heart & Soul'd a CASA partner and friend. Keep changing lives! 💜

💜 WOW! What an incredible start to 2026! 💜

Thanks to the generosity of our shoppers, donors, supporters, and our amazing Mission Matches, Heart & Soul’d has donated OVER $15,000 in the first six months of 2026!

That’s already 75% of our total giving for all of 2025! 🎉

Every purchase, every donation, every share, and every visit to our store helps us make a bigger impact in our community. We are beyond grateful for each and every one of you.

A special THANK YOU to our Mission Matches for helping us multiply the good we can do together. 💜

The year is only half over, and we’re just getting started. More giving. More impact. More heart. Stay tuned!

—> Follow Us!!! 💜

06/15/2026

Save the date!
🗓️On November 20, 2026, CASA Youth Advocates will host our Annual Gala and Silent Auction - an unforgettable evening celebrating our mission, the incredible achievements of the children we serve, and YOU, our dedicated community of supporters.
Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more details, including ticket info and exciting ways to get involved!
There for children. Always. 🩷

06/10/2026

Did you know that approximately 1/3 of the children whose CASA cases closed in 2025 aged out of the foster care system between ages 18-21? CASA volunteers make a critical impact on a youth during this vulnerable in their lives.

Nationwide, outcomes for this population of older youth in foster care are deeply troubling. Rates of homelessness, high school drop-outs, unemployment, and criminal justice system involvement are disproportionately higher than the general population in this age range.

Every year, more than 15,000 young people will leave foster care without a permanent family connection and experience significant challenges. CASA volunteers are caring, consistent adults who can change that trajectory.

06/08/2026

For every volunteer standing here today, there is now a vulnerable child who will have the support of a caring, consistent adult advocate by their side. As Court Appointed Special Advocates, these dedicated individuals will help ensure that children involved in the court system have a voice and someone looking out for their best interests.

Thank you to Judge Mackrides for presiding over the swearing in ceremony for the new advocates from our May training class. Congratulations to Allison, Barb, Claire, Damien, Emily, Heather, Josselyn, Kelly and Reyna. We are so excited to welcome you to our CASA community.

Interested in making a difference in the life of a child? Visit https://www.delcocasa.org/make-a-difference to learn more about our upcoming summer evening training and how you can become a CASA volunteer.

06/04/2026

Thank you to the residents of the Liseter Neighborhood! When they learned about CASA's need for duffel bags, hygiene supplies, and gift cards, they stepped up and delivered. CASA youth have been thrilled to receive these much-needed items. These essentials are not always readily available to children in foster care, making donations like these especially meaningful. The generosity of communities like Liseter truly makes a difference.

06/03/2026

We're excited to share that CASA Youth Advocates has received a grant from the National CASA/GAL Association (NCASA) to develop specialized training and resources for volunteers serving dependent children who remain in their own homes.

This grant will support the creation of an in-service training program and practical resource guide designed to help CASA volunteers better understand the unique needs, challenges, and strengths of children and families navigating the dependency system while remaining together in the community.

We are grateful to NCASA for their partnership and commitment to advancing effective advocacy for children and families.

05/29/2026

Join a CASA info session and learn how you can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. Hear what it takes to advocate, support, and show up for youth in our community.

Friday, June 5th at 10am
Wednesday, July 15th at 12pm
Tuesday, August 4th at 12pm

Find out more at: www.delcocasa.org/make-a-difference

05/28/2026

CASA’s 4th Annual Advocate Training Conference at the DCIU in Morton, PA brought together advocates, staff, and community partners for a day centered on supporting youth through life’s transitions into adulthood.

Speakers and professionals from across child welfare and education shared perspectives focused on advocacy, connection, and long-term support for youth.

Thank you to all speakers, volunteers, staff, and guests who contributed to this year’s conference.

05/27/2026

We're excited to introduce our new Development Assistant, Emily DiGiovanni, at CASA! We’re thrilled to have her passion, energy, and dedication supporting our mission and growing our impact in the community.