Casa For Douglas County
About Casa For Douglas County
At Casa For Douglas County, a Volunteer Advocate can stay with a child or sibling group from the first court steps until a safe, permanent home is found. That kind of steady presence matters in foster care, where kids also need practical things right away, like a backpack with hygiene and comfort items, and a place to see family. For donors, the appeal is simple: this local program gives children both a voice in court and support that helps them keep going.
What sets Casa For Douglas County apart is the continuity. Volunteer Advocates stay with a case, get to know the facts, and keep showing up while the court process moves forward. The organization also meets two very real needs along the way, with Project Hope Pack and the Edward & Sally Malashock Visitation Room.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
CASA Volunteer Advocacy
Court-appointed Volunteer Advocates are assigned to a child or sibling group, gather facts, visit regularly, work with other professionals, report to the court, and stay with the case until a safe, permanent, loving home is found.
Project Hope Pack
Backpacks with essential hygiene and comfort items for children entering foster care or moving between placements, distributed with partner child-serving agencies.
Edward & Sally Malashock Visitation Room
A safe, welcoming space for children in foster care to spend time with parents, siblings, extended family members, or a CASA Volunteer Advocate in support of family connection and reunification.
Volunteer Advocate training and continuing education
Pre-service training, court observations, annual continuing education, and case support for people serving as CASA Volunteer Advocates.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To provide a CASA Volunteer Advocate to every child in foster care who needs one.
Who they serve
Children and youth in foster care and the child welfare system due to abuse or neglect, including sibling groups and families working toward reunification.
Their impact
- CASA Volunteer Advocates' recommendations are accepted by the court in Douglas County 82% of the time.
- CASA for Douglas County served 485 children from July 2022 to June 2023.
- 76 youth reached permanency in 2024-2025.
How your donation helps
- Training and supporting CASA Volunteer Advocates
- Project Hope Pack backpacks with hygiene and comfort items
- The Kid's Activity Fund for senior pictures, sports, and art classes
- The Children's Holiday Party with food, gifts, games, and positive memories
- General support for children in foster care navigating a safe, permanent home
Our story
Casa For Douglas County began in 1998, after retired Judge Wadie Thomas met with Judge Gendler about starting a CASA program from scratch. From there, meetings with George Scurfield and Nancy Wilson, the founding Executive Director, helped shape the local program. In the fall of 2008, it moved into its permanent home at St. Marys Avenue and 24th Street in Omaha.
Need help?
How someone in need can access Casa For Douglas County’s services.
Children involved in the child welfare system may be assigned a CASA Volunteer Advocate by the court. Families can reserve the Edward & Sally Malashock Visitation Room in advance by emailing vr@casaomaha.org, and concerns about child abuse or neglect can be reported to the Nebraska Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline at (800) 652-1999.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
I love being a CASA! Serving as a CASA Volunteer Advocate, I get joy and fulfillment in knowing I am a judgment-free ear to listen to with the teen I sponsor. I feel youth need that now more than ever. Also, knowing I can verbalize their wishes so that their voice gets heard. - Craig, CASA since 2021
I am honored to be appointed to this important national role. - Kimberly C. Barnes
Events
CASA Classic Golf Tournament
annualAnnual golf tournament fundraiser with sponsorships and foursomes.
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
annualAnnual event recognizing Volunteer Advocates and honoring volunteer and partner contributions.
Children's Holiday Party
annualEach year, children served by CASA receive holiday gifts, food, games, and positive memories.
National Adoption Day coverage and participation
annualRecurring adoption-focused awareness and celebration efforts connected to permanency for children and siblings.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Casa For Douglas County has shared.
Current needs
- Volunteer Advocates
- Project Hope Pack items, including hygiene items, personal care items, colored pencils, crayons, coloring books, underwear, pajamas, backpacks, and fleece blankets
- Gift card drives for the Children's Holiday Party
- Sponsorships for the Children's Holiday Party
- Community members to host Project Hope Pack product drives
Volunteer opportunities
- Become a CASA Volunteer Advocate
- Host a Project Hope Pack product drive
- Sponsor a child or organize a gift card drive for the Children's Holiday Party
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- 2023 National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Omaha Chapter, Culture Award
- Greg Acero Lending/Fairway Independent Mortgage, Partner of the Year Award, 2024
- Kathy Williams, Teamwork Award, 2024
- Karen McClelland, CASA of the Year 2024
In the media
- 3 News Now, coverage of 25th Annual National Adoption Day and eight siblings finding one forever home
- WOWT, coverage of Douglas County family celebrating 25 years of National Adoption Day
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring Casa For Douglas County from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
How does a CASA Volunteer Advocate help a child in foster care?
A Volunteer Advocate gathers facts, visits the child, works with other professionals, makes fact-based recommendations, and shares what they’ve learned with the court.
How long does a Volunteer Advocate stay with a case?
A Volunteer Advocate stays with the child until they’re placed in a safe, permanent, loving home.
How much training do Volunteer Advocates receive?
Volunteers complete 30 hours of pre-service training and 2 court observations before being sworn in, then 12 hours of continuing education each calendar year.
Who can volunteer with CASA for Douglas County?
No special background or education is required. People from all cultures and professions, and of all ethnic and educational backgrounds, are encouraged to volunteer.
What is Project Hope Pack?
Project Hope Pack provides backpacks with essential hygiene and comfort items for children entering foster care or moving between placements.
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