Pennsylvania CASA Conference

From Gratitude to Action: The Power of Advocacy

Awards Dinner

Northwest Regional Ad Campaign<br><br>Facebook, Google, Newspaper, Radio, Billboards, and Printed Materials.<br><br><i>This campaign is for the following programs only: Crawford, McKean, Venango, and Warren/Forest only.</i>

Overview

Schedule

Presenters

Awards Dinner

Sponsorship Opportunities

PA CASA's Annual Awards Dinner and Awards Reception

PA CASA’s Awards Dinner will honor two outstanding individuals. Hosted at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, PA on Monday, April 20 from 6-7 p.m., this special dinner will celebrate and motivate all who advocate on behalf of children in the child welfare system.

Following the Awards Dinner, the PA CASA Awards Reception will take place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on April 20. This event provides an opportunity for attendees to connect with fellow advocates and staff from across the Commonwealth. Guests will enjoy a selection of evening hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar while celebrating the outstanding contributions of our award recipients.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteers are the cornerstone of every local CASA program and are vital in advocating for the abused and neglected children in the Commonwealth. This award honors an individual for their commitment to outstanding volunteerism and advocacy. The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes one extraordinary volunteer for their valuable and selfless devotion, dedication, and contribution to improving the lives of child victims of abuse and/or neglect. The person selected will embody the guiding principles (family preservation, collaboration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion) as outlined by National CASA/GAL Association and work to advance the CASA movement in their community.

Both active and former CASA volunteers who have been sworn-in as a CASA volunteer, appointed to the case of an abused and neglected child before dependency courts in Pennsylvania and are in compliance with National CASA/GAL Association standards and Pennsylvania’s Juvenile Act are eligible to be nominated. Prior to review by the selection panel, applications will be screened for compliance with National CASA/GAL Association Standards for Local Programs. If the nomination is made by someone other than current local CASA staff members, PA CASA will confirm eligibility with the local CASA program. Each program is invited to submit only one applicant.

Board Member of the Year Award

Board members play a critical role in ensuring the strength, sustainability, and strategic direction of every local CASA program. The Board Member of the Year Award honors an individual board member whose leadership, governance, and commitment have significantly advanced the mission of CASA and strengthened advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

This award recognizes one exceptional board member for distinguished service, fiduciary stewardship, and meaningful contributions to organizational growth and community impact. The individual selected will demonstrate a clear commitment to the guiding principles of CASA programs and will actively support efforts to expand and sustain the CASA movement within their community.

Eligible nominees include current or former members of a local CASA program’s governing board who have served in good standing and whose service reflects compliance with National CASA/GAL Association Standards for Local Programs. Prior to review by the selection panel, nominations will be screened for compliance with applicable standards. If the nomination is submitted by someone other than current local CASA staff, PA CASA will confirm eligibility with the local CASA program. Each local program may submit one nominee.