Great news for some of Worcester County’s most vulnerable young people: the Worcester County CASA Project has been awarded a $33,000 national grant, giving the organization a significant boost in its mission to advocate for children in the foster care system.

CASA — which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates — trains community volunteers to serve as dedicated advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are navigating the foster care and court systems. Each CASA volunteer is appointed by a judge to speak up for a child’s best interests, providing a consistent, caring adult presence during one of the most uncertain times in a young person’s life.

The national grant will help the Worcester County chapter expand and strengthen that work, supporting the recruitment, training, and supervision of volunteer advocates across the region. For a nonprofit that relies heavily on community commitment and outside funding, an infusion of $33,000 from a national source is a meaningful vote of confidence in the local program’s impact.

Worcester County CASA is part of a nationwide network of CASA and guardian ad litem programs. National grants like this one allow local chapters to serve more children, reduce the time kids spend in the foster care system, and improve long-term outcomes in education, stability, and well-being.

The recognition also shines a light on the dedicated volunteers and staff who make the Worcester County program run — neighbors who give their time to make sure no child in the court system goes unheard. If you’ve ever considered becoming a CASA volunteer, this milestone is a reminder of just how much that commitment can mean to a child in need.

Sources: Patch