Keystone Advocacy Initiative

A statewide approach to strengthening local CASA programs.

The Keystone Advocacy Initiative (KAI) is a collaborative model designed to ensure that children across Pennsylvania receive high-quality, consistent advocacy while preserving the local relationships and community roots that make CASA programs strong.

Through this initiative, PA CASA serves as an umbrella organization that provides shared infrastructure, oversight, and support—allowing local programs to focus on what matters most: recruiting volunteers, supporting advocates, and serving children in their communities.

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Program Design

Current KAI Programs

Why the Keystone Advocacy Initiative Exists

Local CASA programs do extraordinary work. The Keystone Advocacy Initiative was created to support that work by:

Strengthening consistency in advocacy, training, and governance
Ensuring long-term sustainability of programs and services
Improving resource sharing, data collection, and quality oversight
Preserving local identity, donor relationships, and community connections

This approach balances statewide alignment with local leadership—so programs can grow stronger without losing what makes them unique.

The Role of PA CASA

PA CASA serves as the statewide backbone of the initiative, providing legal, fiduciary, and operational support. This includes:

Employing local Executive Directors and staff
Providing employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement
Managing accounting, payroll, grants administration, and compliance
Maintaining statewide technology systems and cybersecurity
Establishing standards for advocacy, volunteer management, and casework
Conducting Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) monitoring and support

PA CASA works closely with each local program to ensure quality, accountability, and alignment—while offering coaching, resources, and guidance when needed.

The Role of KAI Programs

Local programs remain deeply rooted in their communities and continue to shape local priorities. Each participating program:

Maintains a local Advisory Board
Builds relationships with courts, agencies, and community partners
Leads local volunteer recruitment and community engagement
Supports local fundraising and donor stewardship
Operates with staff appropriate to its caseload and funding
Participates in data-driven child well-being initiatives

Where applicable, local programs may maintain their own 501(c)(3) status and fulfill required filings and insurance obligations.

Shared Responsibilities

The Keystone Advocacy Initiative is built on partnership.

Staffing
PA CASA holds final authority for hiring and supervision, while local programs participate in interviews and provide community-specific insight.

Performance & Accountability
PA CASA conducts staff evaluations and CQI reviews, with local participation and follow-up support as needed.

Fundraising & Grants
Local programs identify funding opportunities and maintain local fundraising efforts. PA CASA provides grant writing, submission, and administrative oversight for awarded funds.

Current KAI Programs

The Keystone Advocacy Initiative currently supports a network of local CASA programs across Pennsylvania that have chosen to partner with PA CASA through this collaborative model. These programs presently serve children and courts in Clarion, Mercer, Lawrence, and Tioga counties.

Clarion, Lawrence, and Mercer Counties (CASA of Midwest PA)

Tioga

The KAI division in Tioga County is led by Sherri Turner-Shults, Program Director.

Sherri Turner-Shults brings over 25 years of experience in the human service field, most recently as Bradford County Coordinator of the Family Group Decision Making Conferences. Prior to this, she was employed as a Senior Faculty Consultant for the Sanctuary Institute for fourteen years, where she worked closely with human service agencies and systems, across the US and Canada, implementing Dr. Sandra Bloom's Sanctuary Model of trauma informed care. Prior to her work at the Sanctuary Institute, she was employed at Glove House in Elmira, NY as a Program Director for a community-based youth and family service agency. Sherri has a BS in Management, with a Human Service Management concentration.

Sherri lives in with her husband, two dogs, and their cat. Together, they have four adult children, and six Grandchildren. Sherri enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, outdoor activities, travel, meditation, and attending Pittsburgh Steelers football games, as a proud member of Steeler Nation.

Connect With a KAI Program

Community members in Clarion, Lawrence, Mercer, and Tioga counties play a vital role in ensuring children have a strong, consistent voice in court.

Whether you’re interested in becoming a volunteer advocate, learning more about local CASA services, or supporting a program through community engagement, each program offers opportunities to get involved close to home.

Learn more and submit an inquiry for your county: