News | CASA of the 18th JDC

CASA News

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Celebrate MLK Day by Giving Back: Volunteer with CASA

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a time for reflection, service, and action. As we honor the legacy of Dr. King, we are reminded of his powerful words: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" This day offers a unique opportunity for us all to give back to our community, to make a lasting difference, and to serve those in need. One of the most impactful ways to serve is by becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. CA

Donations provide comfort and joy this holiday season

Thanks to our community, our CASA children will experience joy this holiday season. Their "Want. Need. Read." wishes were granted, and then some, thanks to the following: Cassandra Allain John Foster Benoit Iberville Women's Auxiliary One West Baton Rouge Community Association Plaquemine Rotary Club Port Allen Rotary Club Chuck & Janet Simmons St. John BETA Club There's always a need to fulfill items in our CASA Closet - new games, books, toys, interactive/engaging items for

2024-25 Annual Report

John Foster Benoit donates to local organizations serving children in West Baton Rouge

CASA of the 18 th JDC is one of four local organizations to receive a large donation of Squishmallow stuffed animals from John Foster Benoit, an Addis and West Baton Rouge native who was the most recent runner-up in American Idol. The local singer and music artist gathered organizations from West Baton Rouge who serve local children in need to make the announcement and donation to CASA of the 18 th JDC, the Anderson Family Christmas Toy Drive, West Baton Rouge Santa’s Helpe

Spreading Holiday Joy to Youth in Foster Care

The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration. But for children in foster care, it can also be a season of uncertainty, with familiar traditions replaced by the unknown. At CASA of the 18th JDC, we are committed to ensuring that these children feel the warmth and hope of the holidays, surrounded by the care of a supportive community. Many foster youth face the holidays without the comfort of home or family traditions, which can heighten feelings of isolati

Holiday Giving - how you can help us

Many ask how they can support our CASA children around the holidays. We always accept new toys, books, games and manipulatives (for ages 0-17) throughout the year for our CASA Closet. You can email us to schedule a delivery or pick-up or visit our Walmart wish list at https://www.walmart.com/.../378d683c-6e39-4076-bcef ... or our Amazon wish list at https://a.co/9v0lItP . We thank you for your support to our mission of serving local children in foster care due to abuse or ne

First of 2026 applicant trainings scheduled

Every three minutes a child enters foster care. Most children in foster care will have multiple foster homes, schools, social workers and teachers rotate through their lives, while dealing with the trauma of abuse, neglect or separation from their families. But for these children, a CASA volunteer can help improve their outcomes odds and have a life changing impact. CASA of the 18th JDC will host its first pre-service training in January 2026. Make 2026 the year you create la

The Impact of Holiday Giving: Making the Season Brighter for Children in Foster Care

The holiday season is a time for gratitude, generosity, and giving back. At [Program Name], we’re dedicated to ensuring that every child in foster care feels valued, supported, and remembered during this special time of year. Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, there are many ways you can make a difference this season. 1. Donate a Gift Help bring holiday cheer to a child in foster care by donating a new, unwrapped gift through our Holiday Gift Driv