Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) of Venango County just turned 20 years old. CASAs are independent from the social services system and focus solely on the child. They are trained community members who come from all walks of life and can draw on a variety of professional and personal experiences.
Over the course of CASA of Venango County’s 20-year history, they have trained and sworn in well over 100 volunteers. CASA agencies all across the country have had the honor of serving approximately 271,000 children, a number that continues to grow. The local CASA office has served roughly 650 abused and neglected children over this time span. Over the past year, they have been honored to stand next to 31 children as they navigate a short time in their lives.
CASA’s Executive Director, Sheena Cassedy said she is so fortunate to have outstanding leaders from Venango County serving on their governing Board.
“I am also delighted that long-time Venango County Board member Sherry Kulinski is serving as our board president. Sherry brings extraordinary experience and talent to our organization.” CASA was also excited to welcome Bob Evans as vice president and Courtney Hartle as treasurer, rounding out their Executive Board. They look forward to the wisdom and leadership they will bring in the years ahead. They also have Tenille Rivas, Bethany Cloonan, Heather Faunce, Annette Fee and Sherry Griswold. They welcome those who want to make a difference in a child’s life.
March 1 is the sweet 16 celebration of their annual Oil Country Bluegrass Festival that is held at the Oil City Moose Lodge #78 541 Halyday Run Road, Oil City. This amazing gathering of local bluegrass performers is a free, family event. They are filling the day up currentyl, with folks like Pine Valley Boys, East of Enon, Tug Creek and Echo Valley to name just a few. Those that come on out have a chance to win an instrument or one of many of the baskets that are donated each year, as well as enjoying the food from the Moose.
In April of 2019, to kick off Child Abuse Awareness Month, CASA hosted its first Superhero 5K Fun Run/Walk. Held at the Samuel Justus Bike Trail, the turnout was incredible — about 100 community members total, all dressed as superheroes to raise awareness about child abuse. They are proud to announce that those interested can sign up to run/walk or even fly in their sixth annual Superhero 5k run/walk by visiting casaofvenangocounty.org.
Ten years ago, CASA of Venango County was inspired to transform the way CASA kids experienced entering foster care and created the Sweet Case Program, designed to allow a child to move without the trauma of shoving personal belongings into a trash bag. Each child who is taken to foster care receives a Kits for Kidz duffel bag with personal hygiene items, a stuffed animal (currently a Warmie stuffie), a handmade blanket and other items to make them feel more secure. If you’re interested in the finer details of the program, please call CASA at 814-670-0550.
Kits for Kidz would not be successful without the overwhelming generosity of their community. They have many partners working to ensure they have bags and items to go inside; this past year many more folks have stepped up — CASA loves the crocheted granny square blankets that get dropped off and three churches have been making fleece tie blankets. CASA believes that having these handmade items really makes a difference in making kiddos feel like someone cares. This is you, taking care of your own community children and that is beautiful.
If you would like to help in this mission; donations of any handmade blankets (or fabric!), “3-in-1” kid shampoo/conditioner, soaps, pillows and activity books can be left at the CASA office, 7 Elm Street, Oil City, PA 16301. Please join CASA’s mission to ensure that children can move with dignity and not trash bags.
Plans in 2025
CASA has a series of community outreach events planned. More details about these events can be found on CASA’s website; casaofvenangocounty.org.
• March 1 — Oil Country Bluegrass Festival – held at the Oil City Moose Lodge on Halyday Run Road
• April 4 — Sixth Annual Superhero 5K Fun Run/Walk in honor of Child Abuse Awareness Month
• June — Community Day — Two Mile Run Crosby Beach free swim day Learn more about CASA — Date to be announced.
• Sept. 5 — New Advocate Training Session
• Sept. 13 — First annual Cars for CASA kids car show.
CASA of Venango County wouldn’t be anywhere without the tireless efforts of their Volunteer Advocates who, for the past 20 years, have advocated for hundreds of children and donated thousands of hours and miles to ensure the safety and well-being of CASA kids. CASA would like to formally thank it’s current 15 volunteers: Heather Antill, Bridgid McIntyre, Sali Betler, Brad Stallard, Kori Green, Patricia Albert, Susan Urbassick, Sharon Johns, Christina Moffett, Kimberly Scheer, Dale Ishman, Theresa McQuaid, Julie Lutz, Barb Satterlee and Penny Buckholtz.
They are working hard to double the number of volunteers this year, and that means you are needed. Please reach out to CASA to get started on your journey today!
