Change a Child’s Story
There’s No Place Like Hope…There’s No Place Like Home
As a Friend of Voices for Children/CASA, you are familiar with our mission of advocating for the best interests of children in foster care. Sadly, the events of 2020 impact our most vulnerable the hardest. Social isolation, separation from services and short supply of foster homes is creating a major toll on our children in protective care. Please know our Volunteers employ innovative methods of communication to remain in contact with the children they serve.
WE ARE READY to advocate for the most vulnerable to remain visible and resilient.
Children with CASAs perform better in school, are more likely to receive help for their specific needs and find safe, permanent homes. Additionally, studies indicate that children assigned a CASA volunteer reported significantly higher levels of Hope. A child’s hope has been linked to numerous positive outcomes such as academic success, overall wellbeing, increases in self-control, positive social relationships and optimism.
Changing a Child’s Story is at the heart of CASA’s commitment which is demonstrated by the 1,500 hours our volunteers spend annually on cases. The words of former foster youth, Pamela, explain the far-reaching impact of a CASA volunteer:
I was 7 years old the first time I was taken from my home. Foster homes came and went. Schools were here and there. Caseworkers drifted in and out of my life. After six years of placement, the court appointed Pat. I never had someone stand for me like she did. She stood before the judges, the lawyers, my mother, and caseworkers and wasn’t swayed by their opinions. It completely amazed me. I trusted her more with every visit. She became not only an advocate but a friend. Earlier this year, I testified to a legislative committee on behalf of the CASA program. At the end of the testimony I said,
“To give a child a CASA is to give them a voice. To give them a voice is to give them hope, and to give them hope is to give them the world.”
As a child who was assigned a CASA years ago, I believe that with all my heart.
-Pamela, Former Foster Youth
From July 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020, there were 575 children in care for our five county service area which is under the jurisdiction of the 32nd and 33rd Judicial Circuits of Missouri. We were able to serve 125 children during this period. We need to recruit and train more CASA Volunteers to advocate for children in need.
Now, more than ever, Children in Foster Care need a CASA…and We need YOU!
Annually, our fundraiser provides significant funds to build and grow a sustainable program to serve the children of Cape, Perry, Bollinger, Scott and Mississippi counties. Unfortunately, we were unable to hold our 2020 fundraiser due to state and local health concerns. Voices for Children CASA is facing a Deficit of $45,000 this year.
This Deficit Can Compromise Our Annual Impact:
- 67 Volunteers
- 197 Children Served
- 1,500 Volunteer Case Hours
Our CASA volunteers remain ready to serve providing advocacy and hope to children like Pamela. Please consider making a donation to Voices for Children/CASA of Southeast Missouri so that we can ensure children in protective care have a voice!
Children with a CASA Volunteer by their side:
- More likely to find a safe, permanent home
- More likely to succeed in school
- Half as likely to re-enter the foster care system
TOGETHER, WE CAN CHANGE A CHILD’S STORY!
Contributions to CASA of over $100 may qualify for a Champion for Children tax credit
By contributing to Voices for Children’s CASA program:
- You help recruit, screen, train, and provide support to Court Appointed Special Advocates to serve as Voices for
foster children who have experienced abuse or neglect - And, by doing so, you can receive a significant tax credit! It’s that simple!
How does it work?
- With a minimum contribution to Voices for Children of $100. you can claim tax credits as illustrated in the
chart below. - Amount of tax credit which exceeds your tax due may be used the next four years. CTC tax form will be mailed to
you in December and should be attached to your tax forms.
Your Contribution to Voices | $100 | $500 | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
Federal Tax Deduction* | $28 | $140 | $280 | $700 | $1400 |
Missouri Tax Deduction* | $6 | $30 | $60 | $150 | $300 |
Missouri CFC Tax Credit | $50 | $250 | $500 | $1,250 | $2,500 |
Your Total Tax Savings | $84 | $420 | $840 | $2,100 | $4,200 |
Your Out of Pocket Cost | $16 | $80 | $160 | $400 | $800 |
*Assumes 28% federal and 6% Missouri tax brackets. Consult your tax professional regarding your specific deductions. For more information contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at income@dor.mo.gov.
To make a contribution or for more information contact us at (573) 335-1726 or email shileman@voicesforchildrensemo.org