together we will

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The mission of CASA of Jefferson County is to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in Jefferson County has a safe, permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.

CASA of Jefferson County

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Jefferson County will provide abused, neglected or abandoned children with a highly trained volunteer to advocate for the child’s best interest before family courts in Jefferson County. Our volunteers will be recruited, screened and trained by paid staff. Our staff and volunteers will then work in conjunction with the judges, lawyers, and social workers to help ensure children receive appropriate care and support while navigating the court, child welfare, and foster care systems.

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Volunteer training and
continuing education

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Public awareness
efforts

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Legislative and
governmental advocacy

CASA of Jefferson County is 1/20 counties in the state of Alabama that serve abused and neglected children in their communities.

You can help Change A Child’s Story with CASA of Jefferson County.

History

In 1977 Seattle Judge David Soukup started a pilot Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to recruit and train community volunteers to speak for the best interests of children in the courtroom.

The Alabama State CASA network was formed on September 24, 1993. The first three local CASA programs were in Jefferson, Madison, and Shelby counties.

Out of that, CASA of Jefferson County was established and became a 501(c)3 on February 19, 2009, and incorporated on July 15, 2010.

Leadership

Board of Directors

President

Alex LaGanke

Community Volunteer

Treasurer

Ryan Grauel, CPA

Warren Averett

Christinia Hinton

Reach Counseling, LLC

S. Darrin Chatham

Chatham Wealth Advisors

Joi Travis

Travis Law, LLC

Vice President

Suzanne Ashe, Esq.

Community Volunteer

Secretary

Cindy Dillard

Add + Source Group (ASG)

Drake Rippy

Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Patricia Osborne

Protective Life Insurance Company

Staff

Kelly Burke

Executive Director

A former practicing family law attorney in Maryland and a CASA volunteer for CASA of Baltimore County, Maryland, Kelly has served as a Guardian Ad Litem and an appointed pro bono attorney for juveniles. While practicing law, Kelly was active with the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, an organization that serves women by advocating for the physical safety, economic security, and autonomy of women throughout the state. Kelly served as a pro bono attorney through CHANA, Baltimore, which provides legal representation to people in the Jewish community who experience abuse.

Kelly enjoys hiking, live music and travel.

To contact Kelly, please email: kburke@casaofjeffco.org

Jasmine Branch

Program Director

Jasmine Branch is a Program Director, Therapist, and Social Service Advocate whose career includes work in non-profit management, children & family therapy, and education. Jasmine’s work focuses on the importance of access to social services for marginalized communities. In addition to her work in social services, Jasmine is a published author whose work has garnered national recognition and is catalogued at the University of Alabama’s Women and Gender Resource Library for its contribution to mental health and wellness. Jasmine has a Bachelor of Science in Biology, a Master of Science in Counseling and Psychology, and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In her spare time Jasmine enjoys hiking, yoga, and reading.
To contact Jasmine, please email: jbranch@casaofjeffco.org

Katy Leverett

Advocate Coordinator

kleverett@casaofjeffco.org

Quin Elmore

Advocate Coordinator

qelmore@casaofjeffco.org

Ashlei Dotson

Advocate Coordinator

adotson@casaofjeffco.org

Tanesha Reeves

Advocate Coordinator

treeves@casaofjeffco.org

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Want to make a real difference in a child’s life? CASA of Jefferson County is looking for volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to be a voice for children in foster care. Become a powerful advocate, ensuring their needs are met and their best interests are heard. Change a child’s story. Become a CASA. Learn more and apply today at #CASA #ChildAdvocacy #Volunteer #JeffersonCounty ... See MoreSee Less

Want to make a real difference in a child’s life?  CASA of Jefferson County is looking for volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to be a voice for children in foster care.  Become a powerful advocate, ensuring their needs are met and their best interests are heard.  Change a child’s story.  Become a CASA.  Learn more and apply today at #CASA #ChildAdvocacy #Volunteer #JeffersonCounty
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SPEAKING UP FOR ALABAMA’S CHILDREN

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