Needs From: Volunteer East Tennessee

CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering CASA volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in juvenile court. CASATNH strives to provide a court-appointed volunteer advocate for every abused and neglected child who needs one.

The CASA of the Tennessee Heartland Board of Directors comprises leaders from the nonprofit and for-profit sector who are dedicated to the organization’s mission. As the preeminent resource for abused and neglected children in Anderson and Blount Counties, CASATNH's own board strives to be a model of governance performance.

Our board members champion the importance of exceptional board leadership and believe that each and every organization needs a strong and effective board to fully realize its potential for good. In addition to the standard roles and responsibilities of a board member, our board members are active ambassadors for the organization and are fully engaged in identifying and securing the financial resources and partnerships necessary for CASATNH to advance its mission.

We're looking for a talented and conscientious volunteer board members to continue to strengthen our program. If you can contribute your time, thoughtfulness, and leadership, and are interested in exploring this opportunity, call Executive Director Kesha Waters at 865-425-0888

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. These advocates are specially trained volunteers represent the best interests of children in juvenile abuse and neglect court cases. CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is a local, nonprofit organization dedicated to the service of abused and neglected children in Anderson and Blount Counties.

CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is also looking for volunteers to serve in a non-advocate capacity. This opportunity is for those who are interested in volunteering with CASA but feel that advocacy is not their preferred form of service, or that they do not have time to be an advocate. While advocate volunteers and non-advocate volunteers take on different roles and responsibilities, they all work toward the same goal of serving Anderson and Blount County children.

Volunteers who are interested in helping with fundraising, appreciation events, office/administrative tasks, and community engagement are encouraged to apply.

Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and submit to background checks to be considered.

CASA is looking for volunteers able to commit to at least one year of service as Court Appointed Special Advocates. The 30 hour training and 3 hours of court observation prepare future CASAs for their role as advocates for children in abuse and neglect cases in Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers are everyday citizens that judges appoint to advocate for the safety and well-being of children who have been removed from their homes due to parental abuse and neglect. They stand up for these children and change their lives. CASA volunteers listen first. Then they act. Volunteers get to know the child and talk with everyone in that child’s life—parents and relatives, foster parents, teachers, medical professionals, attorneys, social workers and others. They use the information they gather to inform judges and others of what the child needs and what will be the best permanent home for them. Being a CASA volunteer does not require any special education or background, just a heart for children and a willingness to speak out and represent their best interests.

Casa of the Tennessee Heartland Serves Anderson and Blount Counties.

You must be 21 or over, pass background checks, participate in a 33-hour pre-service training course and agree to stay with a case until it is closed (a year and a half on average).