On Thursday, January 22, CASA Awareness Day will take place in Georgia. Affiliate CASA programs across the state will participate in the day by having Awareness Ambassadors – comprised of CASA staff, volunteers, board members, and other local supporters – sharing about the impact and mission of the CASA program in their local communities. Awareness Ambassadors will also wear red shoes and a CASA sticker to help bring attention to the day.

The red shoes are a nod to Dorothy’s iconic red slippers in the beloved film The Wizard of Oz and to Dorothy/Judy Garland’s journey home. For children in foster care, home may feel elusive or miles away. CASA volunteers step in and stand beside each child, advocating for their best interests, as they make the journey home. The red shoes demonstrate this journey in a way people remember.

"The work and support CASA volunteers provide has such a profound impact in our local communities throughout the state,” said Laura Brown, Georgia CASA board member.  "Annually, there are thousands of children who experience foster care in every county and corner of Georgia - far more than I think most people are aware of. Also, many people are simply not aware of the immensely important role CASA volunteers play in creating better outcomes for children. We hope this Awareness Day can help spread the word. The children and families in crisis need and deserve our support as a community, and sharing about this great work couldn’t be easier. Just wear red shoes on January 22 and share the CASA mission with your people!"

Ultimately, CASA Awareness Day will help further share the CASA program's mission and raise awareness across the state, aiming to attract new supporters and recruit more CASA volunteers, all to serve more children in foster care in Georgia. Currently, about half of the 15,000 children who come through foster care in a year have a CASA volunteer advocate.

Visit https://www.gacasa.org/grow/ to learn more about the CASA volunteer opportunity and to access a directory of affiliate CASA programs in Georgia. Those interested in becoming involved as an Awareness Ambassador or applying to become a CASA volunteer can contact the CASA program in their local community to get started.