Welcome to CASA on the Range, your source for updates, insights, and stories from Kansas CASA Association, Inc. that drive our mission forward.  Stay informed, stay inspired, and join us in making a difference.

April gave us an important opportunity to focus on what it means to prevent child abuse and strengthen the systems that support children and families across Kansas. Throughout the month, CASA programs and partners—from rural to urban communities—came together to raise awareness and highlight the role each of us plays in creating safer, more stable futures for children.

This work is not done in isolation. It is made possible through the dedication of volunteers, the commitment of community partners, and the collaboration of professionals across the child welfare system. When these efforts align, we see meaningful impact for the children we serve.

As we turn the page to May and recognize Foster Care Awareness Month, we are reminded how closely prevention and advocacy are connected. Both call us to stay engaged, to listen, and to ensure that children experiencing foster care have a voice and a path toward permanency.

These moments of recognition are important—but the responsibility continues beyond a single month. Together, we remain committed to advancing awareness, strengthening communities, and supporting children across Kansas every day.

With gratitude,
Deena Gage
State Director
Kansas CASA Association, Inc.

This April, Kansas CASA Association, Inc. had the privilege of celebrating the incredible volunteers who make this work possible. Local CASA programs from across the state nominated outstanding advocates for the 2025 Volunteer of the Year—individuals who go above and beyond to ensure children in foster care have a voice.

We are proud to recognize Donna Saunders of Sunflower CASA Project, Inc., serving the 2nd and 21st Judicial District, as the 2025 Kansas CASA Volunteer of the Year. Donna’s dedication, compassion, and commitment to the children she serves reflect the very heart of CASA’s mission.

While we celebrate this honor, we also recognize that every single CASA volunteer plays a vital role. Across Kansas, these trained advocates show up consistently—building trust, gathering information, and speaking up in court for children who need someone in their corner. CASA simply would not be what it is today without the time, care, and commitment of each volunteer.

We invite you to join us in celebrating all of this year’s nominees and the impact they are making in their communities across the state.

We also want to thank our three judges located across the state of Kansas: James Woods, Director of Community Impact at Wichita Foundation (Wichita, KS); Jeff Randolph, Chief Marketing Officer of EAG Advertising and Marketing (Kansas City); and Luby Murillo, Bank Manager of Equity Bank (Macksville, KS). It goes beyond saying, but they were blown away when reading the nominations and learned how the work CASA's do is truly spectacular.

One of the most meaningful sights this April was the display of pinwheel gardens across Kansas. Planted by local CASA programs and community partners, these bright blue pinwheels served as a powerful and hopeful reminder of why this work matters.

The blue pinwheel is the national symbol for Child Abuse Prevention Month, representing the happy, healthy, and carefree childhood every child deserves. Each pinwheel stands as a visible commitment to protecting children and strengthening families.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the many events held by CASA programs across the state this month. Your participation helps raise awareness, spark important conversations, and keep the focus where it belongs—on ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, supported, and heard.

We hope you enjoy some of these pictures from pinwheel events and gardens across Kansas.

Deena Gage, State Director of Kansas CASA Association, Inc., and Lauren Breiner, Advocate Supervisor of CASA of Shawnee County at the State Capitol in Topeka for a pinwheel planting, “Wear Blue,” and awareness gathering hosted by Kansas Children's Service League.

CASA of the 31st Judicial District's Pinwheel Planting in Allen County.

Pinwheels were planted all over the 4th Judicial District in Anderson, Coffee, Franklin, and Osage Counties. This Pinwheel Garden is in front of the historic Franklin County Courthouse.

CASA of the High Plains in the 23rd Judicial District (Gove, Trego, Ellis, and Rooks Counties) hosted a Pinwheel Coloring Contest. This is one of the winners and what a beautiful pinwheel it is!

This is just one of the many pinwheel gardens in the 25th Judicial District at Garnand Funeral Home in Lakin, KS. Spirit of the Plains CASA serves Greeley, Wichita, Scott, Hamilton, Kearny & Finney Counties.

Douglas County CASA, Inc. partnered with the local Child Advocacy Center and planted pinwheels outside the Judicial & Law Enforcement Center in Lawrence, KS.

Kansas CASA Association, Inc. was honored to attend the 28th Annual Crime Victims' Rights Conference as an exhibitor and joined over 500 passionate child advocates. CASA employees and advocates attended from all across the state. 

Kansas CASA Association, Inc. was honored to spend time this month with the pre-service training class at CASA of the Fourth Judicial District (Anderson, Coffey, Franklin, and Osage Counties). It was a meaningful opportunity to share stories that reflect the real impact CASA volunteers have on children in foster care and to connect with individuals preparing to step into this important role.

We celebrate the five new volunteers in not only the Fourth Judicial District, but all of the new and current volunteers across Kansas who are choosing to serve children in their communities. Their willingness to give their time, listen, and advocate during some of the most challenging moments in a child’s life will have a lasting impact.

Moments like these are a powerful reminder that from rural to urban communities, CASA is here to make a difference across the state of Kansas—made possible by individuals willing to stand up and be a voice for children.

If you’ve ever considered how you can make a difference, this is one way to do it. We invite you to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and how you can help ensure every child has a voice.

Kansas CASA State Director with the Pre-Service Class from CASA of the Fourth Judicial District. CASA of the Fourth Judicial District serves Osage, Franklin, Coffey & Anderson Counties.

Looking for a way to support CASA while adding a little style to your day? Check out the Kansas CASA Shop! Every purchase helps raise awareness and supports the incredible work happening in CASA programs across 63 Kansas counties.

With options for direct shipping or local pickup in Baldwin City, it’s easier than ever to shop and make a difference.

🛍️ Browse the shop and place your order here: Kansas CASA Shop

📸 Don’t forget to share your new CASA gear on social media and tag us—we love seeing our supporters showing their CASA pride across Kansas!

During the month of April was also National Volunteer Week. Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the Kansas CASA Association’s mission. These dedicated individuals volunteer their time to help shape our future, ensuring that we continue to provide meaningful support to CASA programs across the state. Click below to learn more about our board members and their commitment to children in need. If you are interested in applying to join the Kansas CASA Association, Inc. Board of Directors, please contact Deena Gage at statedirector@kansascasa.org.

Physical Address

2624 E Central Ave.

Wichita, KS 67214

Mailing Address

1310 Westloop Place Suite A #290

Manhattan, KS 66502