For children in the child welfare system, having a consistent, caring advocate can make all the difference. But in many parts of Iowa, CASA volunteers must travel long distances to attend court hearings, visit children, and participate in critical meetings.
Thanks to a grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, Friends of Iowa CASA has provided more than $5,600 in gas cards this year, helping volunteers cover transportation costs and ensuring they can visit every child and family on their case, no matter the distance.
Expanding Access to Advocacy
According to Kerry Brennan, CASA Program Coordinator with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, at least five CASA volunteers in her region have been able to accept cases in counties they otherwise would not have considered due to travel costs. As a result, approximately ten additional children are now receiving CASA advocacy that may not have been possible without this support.
Times are tight, and the gas cards give our volunteers that extra boost. It makes them more willing and able to travel, knowing they won’t have to absorb those costs themselves.
Kerry Brennan, CASA Program Coordinator
This support ensures that children in rural or outlying counties are not disadvantaged due to geography and that volunteers can say yes to cases where their presence is critically needed.
Preserving Stability and Continuity
In another instance shared by CASA Program Coordinator Carrie Layne, a CASA volunteer was supporting children who were placed approximately 130 miles away from her home. Without assistance for travel costs, the volunteer may have been unable to continue regular visits.
Because gas cards were available, the volunteer was able to continue visiting the children consistently, maintaining the trusted relationship that had already been built. This support prevented the need to reassign the case to a new CASA volunteer, preserving continuity during an already disruptive and emotional time for the children.
