LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
This October, CASA of Vermilion and Edgar Counties is offering a unique opportunity for community members to step into a role and become the voice children need most.
On Oct. 10-12, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) will host its Weekend Warrior Pre-Service Training, a condensed, three-day program that prepares volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system.
Typically, CASA training takes place over two and a half weeks, but this format allows participants to complete the process in a single weekend.
For children in foster care, stability and support can make all the difference. That’s where CASA steps in.
“It’s our pre-service training packed into one weekend,” Shayne Gettleman, who organizes and leads the program, said. “Normally, people come in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for a couple of weeks. This time, we’re offering it all at once: Friday night, then Saturday and Sunday, full days. It’s great for volunteers who want to get started quickly.”
The weekend schedule is designed to be approachable and supportive. Training kicks off Friday, Oct. 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., then continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Participants will gather in a relaxed office setting, enjoy refreshments and dive into the essential knowledge and skills needed to serve as advocates.
Best of all, the training and the role of a CASA volunteer are completely free.
“Most people think CASA advocates get paid, but it’s a volunteer position,” Gettleman said. “As long as you’re 21 and can pass a background check, you’re eligible. You don’t need a law degree or special skills; just a caring heart and a willingness to show up.”
CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of children in foster care. They spend time with a child, often just an hour a month, listening to their experiences, learning their needs and making sure their voices are heard in court. Volunteers also meet with teachers, foster parents and caseworkers to ensure children receive consistent care and support.
“When you’re a CASA, you don’t meet with biological parents,” Gettleman said. “Your focus is on the child and their foster family. You get to know them, write reports for the judge and make sure their needs aren’t overlooked, whether that’s in school, healthcare or just day-to-day stability.”
According to CASA, children with advocates are more likely to thrive academically, spend less time in foster care and reach safe, permanent homes more quickly. For youth preparing for independence, advocates can also help set post-secondary or career goals, ensuring they have a stronger foundation for the future.
Flyn Williams, Advocate Coordinator for CASA of Vermilion and Edgar Counties, emphasized the importance of building connections within Edgar County and beyond.
“We would love to start creating deeper ties and connections with our communities, because we need your help,” Williams wrote in a recent outreach post. “One weekend of your time could change a child’s future forever.”
Currently, CASA serves children across Vermilion and Edgar Counties and is working toward expanding into Clark County. In Edgar County, many of the children served live in or around Marshall, highlighting the importance of local involvement.
The need is real, and the invitation is open. Many children in Vermilion and Edgar Counties are navigating the court and child welfare systems through no fault of their own. These children need consistent, caring adults who will stand by them and advocate for their best interests.
Volunteers don’t need special expertise, just compassion and commitment. CASA provides all the training and support.
To learn more about becoming a CASA or to register for the upcoming training, email flyn.williams@casavermilion.org or shayne.gettleman@casavermilion.org. Applications are also available online.