Page 103 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2020

GIVING BACK
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of CASA
The Coast has three chapters of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to help and support children who are in the Child Protective Services system; often victims of
abuse and neglect. All the chapters are working diligently in spite of the pandemic and the increasing need for their services. Some say they’ve have had a decrease in funding and need donations more than ever.
CASA of Jackson County has extended its mission to include a mentoring program. “The mentors will work with children who are transitioning out of foster care,” says Executive Director Frances Allsup. “We hope to have these volunteers on board next year. They will be in addition to the 84 volunteers we currently have.”
Jackson County has 213 children in protective custody with CASA serving 88 percent of those. “We’ve had an outpouring of love from the community and our volunteers never stop; they’ve continued during the pandemic,” Allsup said.
CASA of Hancock County is excited to welcome the state’s rst court house facility dog, Remi, a Labrador/Golden Retriever mix. “The kids love her,” Executive Director Cynthia Chauvin said. “She provides emotional comfort and extra support when they go to court.”
This chapter has 65 volunteers currently serving 72 children in foster care. “We’ve increased our advocacy e orts to serve every child in foster care because there’s a lot of need now,” Chauvin added.
CASA of Harrison County has been advocating for children with Child Protective Services involvement since January 2011 and has grown tremendously. “Most recently, through National CASA, we were approved and in compliance with
expanding into Stone County,” says Executive Director Jeannie Herrin. “The rst CASA Advocates were sworn-in by Judge Sean Courtney on October 15 and now CASA of Harrison and Stone Counties will be advocating for more children in Mississippi due to this expansion.”
REMI
CASA of Hancock County 228.344.0419 www.casahancockcounty.org
CASA of Harrison County 228.865.7078 www.casaharrisoncounty.org
CASA of Jackson County 228.762.7370 www.jccasa.net
IS PROUD TO SERVE THE
2408 14TH ST., GULFPORT, MS | 228.731.3881 WWW.JCARTERANDCO.COM
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