Blog
2025 Year in Review: Building Safety, Stability, and Stronger Futures for Children
As 2025 comes to a close, CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is reflecting on a year defined by growth, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to
Whatever their age, children removed from the home because of abuse or neglect face a frightening, profound unknown.
We make sure they don’t face it alone.
We stand by them. We are there whenever they need us, for as long as it takes to reach a safe, permanent home. We are strong, compassionate adults who are a consistent presence, who care, who listen, and who put the child’s interests before all others.
Our goal is to ensure that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect has a volunteer advocate to speak up for their best interests. We will help them find safety, permanency, and the road home, wherever it lies. We will help them heal and thrive.
*as of January 1, 2023
ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS
CHILDREN SERVED
CHILDREN WITHOUT AN ADVOCATE
MORE LIKELY TO SUCCEED IN SCHOOL
MORE LIKELY TO FIND A SAFE, PERMANENT HOME
HALF AS LIKELY TO RE-ENTER THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM
And we will. The Val Smith Fostering Futures Fund honors one of CASA-EP’s most passionate advocates by empowering older youth as they prepare for adulthood. These are children and teens facing some of the hardest transitions—aging out of foster care without permanent families, support systems, or resources. Through mentorship, life skills, healing, and advocacy, we are investing in their futures—just like Val always did.
As 2025 comes to a close, CASA of the Eastern Panhandle is reflecting on a year defined by growth, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to
The holiday season truly came to life at CASA of the Eastern Panhandle’s annual Wrap and Rave, our largest volunteer gathering of the year and
Karen Calhoun has been part of the CASA of the Eastern Panhandle family since March 2023, serving both as a volunteer advocate and as a
Michael Decker didn’t set out looking for a volunteer opportunity—but when he learned about CASA’s Mentorship program, something immediately clicked. Introduced to CASA through a
Every child deserves safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive. But for hundreds of children and teens across the Eastern Panhandle, the reality of abuse,
As the holiday season begins, many of us reflect on gratitude, generosity, and the people who have shaped our lives for the better. On Giving
For 13 years, Kerstin Budlong has been a steady, compassionate voice for children in the Eastern Panhandle. Sworn in as a CASA in February 2011,
Martinsburg, WV – CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) proudly welcomed a new class of volunteer advocates during a swearing-in ceremony held at the Berkeley
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