CASA of South Central Missouri hosted its 16th Annual Justice is Served Breakfast on Wednesday, April 22, bringing together current and retired judges, CASA volunteers, community partners and supporters for a morning centered on children in foster care.
Phelps County Bank served as the presenting sponsor, continuing its longtime support of Justice is Served and CASA’s work on behalf of children in foster care.
As part of the long-standing tradition, current and retired judges from the 25th Judicial Circuit put on CASA’s blue aprons and served breakfast to guests from the buffet line. During the program, Judge Michael Headrick reflected on the connection between the judge’s robe and the blue apron, noting that both represent service, responsibility and a commitment to children and families.
“This breakfast is one of the most special mornings of the year for CASA,” said Amber Stienbarger, executive director of CASA of South Central Missouri. “It brings together people who care deeply about children and who understand the importance of having someone steady and consistent in a child’s corner.”
This past year, 150 active CASA volunteers gave 3,737 hours, traveled 50,279 miles and served 376 children across the 25th Judicial Circuit.
But those numbers only tell part of the story.
“Those numbers matter, but what they really represent are relationships,” Stienbarger said. “They represent children having someone there in court, at school meetings and during some of the hardest moments of their lives.”
Across the 25th Judicial Circuit, the need remains great. Children in foster care need safety, stability and someone who will stay present when life feels uncertain.
That is the role of a CASA volunteer.
CASA volunteers are trained community members appointed by the court to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. They get to know the child, gather information, attend meetings and court hearings, and make recommendations focused on the child’s best interest.
During the program, CASA recognized the volunteers who continue to show up for children in hard places and help make sure they are seen, heard and not forgotten.
CASA also presented the Emma Lou Brent Champion for Children Award to Judge Mary Sheffield. The award honors someone whose leadership and commitment have made a lasting difference for children.
Stienbarger also shared a brief update on CASA’s future, including that the organization is in the process of purchasing its building and hopes to create a space that feels more welcoming and comforting for children entering foster care.
“What excites us most is not simply the possibility of owning our building, but what it could allow us to do,” Stienbarger said. “Because of a longtime local supporter who continues to show up for children in our community in big ways, we hope to share a very exciting announcement in the next month. Most of all, we are looking forward to what this could mean for children entering care, including a place where they can play, relax a bit and simply be children while adults work through next steps during a very uncertain moment in their lives.”
CASA is also grateful to the Rolla Lions Club for their hospitality and for providing such a wonderful breakfast. Their care and generosity help make Justice is Served a welcoming and meaningful morning each year.
The event raised over $87,000 to support CASA’s advocacy for children in foster care.
CASA extends its gratitude to the judges of the 25th Judicial Circuit, CASA volunteers, board members, staff, community partners, donors and every person who helped make the morning possible.
About CASA of South Central Missouri
CASA of South Central Missouri trains and supports volunteers who advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and are involved in the court system. CASA volunteers help make sure children are seen, heard and not forgotten as they move toward safety and permanency.
For more information, visit www.casascmo.org.
