Kansas CASA February Newsletter: Making an Impact Together

Updates, events, and ways to support CASA—see what’s happening this month!

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

For those who know me, you know I’m a huge sports fan—and a huge Chiefs fan. Like so many others, I was hoping for a different outcome in the Super Bowl this year. But true fans don’t walk away when things get tough. Through wins and losses, they remain loyal, showing up season after season with unwavering support.

CASA volunteers embody that same commitment. They don’t give up when a case is challenging, when progress is slow, or when the outcome is uncertain. Instead, they stand by children in foster care, ensuring they have a constant, caring advocate by their side—someone who believes in them and refuses to walk away. This steadfast support is what makes CASA unique, and it’s what makes a lasting difference in the lives of children across Kansas.

Just as the Chiefs will return next season ready to fight for another championship, CASA volunteers continue showing up for children, case after case, year after year. But they don’t do it alone. Kansas CASA is committed to equipping local CASA programs with the resources, training, and support they need to ensure volunteers are prepared to advocate effectively for children.

Will you stand with us? Your donation helps strengthen CASA programs across Kansas, ensuring that more children have someone on their team, no matter what challenges they face.

https://www.kansascasa.org/get-involved/donate.html

From rural to urban communities, CASA is here to make a difference across Kansas. Thank you for standing with us in this critical work.

Deena Gage
State Director, Kansas CASA Association

Watch this video to learn how our advocates help children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

Are you ready to make a difference and change a child's story?

We are thrilled to share that Sunflower CASA has been awarded a prestigious “Growth” grant from the National CASA/GAL Association, allowing them to extend their service area to the entire 2nd Judicial District—including Jefferson, Jackson, Wabaunsee, and Pottawatomie counties.

This expansion is already making an impact, with seven new volunteers in training to serve children in these newly added counties. Sunflower CASA now serves the entire 21st and 2nd Judicial Districts, increasing the total number of counties served by CASA in Kansas to 63!

This grant represents more than just numbers—it means more children in foster care will have a dedicated CASA volunteer to be their voice, their advocate, and their one constant during an incredibly difficult time in their life.

Join us in celebrating this milestone and the brighter future it brings for Kansas children!

Pictured in this photo from left to right: Jennifer Gregg, Executive Director of Central Kansas CASA, Inc; Deena Gage, State Director of Kansas CASA Association, Inc.; Karrie Hammeke, Volunteer Coordinator of Central Kansas CASA, Inc.

Want to learn more about Kansas CASA Association and how you can make a difference in the lives of children in foster care? Visit us at an upcoming event!

📍 Western Farm Show
📅 February 21st-23rd
📍 Family Living Center Area - Booth 1020
📍 Upper Level Exhibition Hall
📍 1701 American Royal Ct, Kansas City, MO

If you're attending the Western Farm Show, be sure to stop by our booth and meet our State Director, Deena Gage! Learn more about CASA, volunteer opportunities, and how you can support our mission. We’d love to see you there!

Our Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the Kansas CASA Association’s mission. These dedicated individuals 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.

Check out the Kansas CASA Shop to discover exclusive designs that highlight our mission of advocating for children in the foster care system.

Every purchase helps spread awareness and supports the critical work we do across Kansas. You can choose direct shipping or pick up your order in Baldwin City, KS—whatever works best for you!

Shop now and make an impact! Don’t forget to snap a picture wearing your new shirt and tag us on social media—we’d love to see how you’re representing Kansas CASA!

Every child deserves a champion in their corner. Your donation today can be the lifeline that transforms a child’s life. By giving, you help Kansas CASA Association provide vital services and training to our local programs, enabling CASA volunteers to advocate for children who need a voice. Together, we can give hope, build futures, and ensure every child has the safety and love they deserve.