<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=15sMk6_0viVyksD00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=15sMk6_0viVyksD00" width="1188" height="575" ></figure>Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Menominee/Marinette is facing an elimination from the Marinette County budget for the coming fiscal year.Formerly known as CASA of Menominee County, the non-profit merged operations with Marinette County CASA in January of 2023. The funding provided by Marinette County came with it, in the amount of $47,000.The organization’s core mission is providing quality volunteer advocacy to children in foster care. CASA Volunteers are Court Appointed Special Advocates appointed by a Judge to speak on behalf of children who come under the jurisdiction of the court because of child abuse or neglect.“The funding provided by the county was a huge factor in taking on this merger” said Faith Sandahl, CASA Executive Director. “It meant we could hire and retain staff to take on the extra workload that came with serving two counties.”Losing this funding puts the program in a difficult position.Since CASA began under the umbrella of Brown County in 2016, dozens of children in Marinette County have benefitted from CASA volunteers. Studies show that children with a CASA are much less likely to re-enter the foster care system – meaning this small yearly investment from the county pays dividends to the community as a whole, and saves the county thousands of dollars over the long term by keeping children out of foster care.CASA’s goal is to continue to serve the children of Marinette County, despite the elimination of funds. The program says monthly donors willing to sponsor local children are key to continued operations due to the short notice of the loss of funding.“Anyone willing to support the program in any capacity is encouraged to reach out. We would love to discuss how you can help.” says Sandahl, CASA Executive Director.Information about ways to support CASA can be found on their website, monthly email newsletter, and on Facebook. CASA can be reached at their office at 915 14th Avenue Menominee, 715-923-7250 or email faith@casaofmm.com.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Menominee/Marinette CASA Program Concerned About Possible Funding Loss

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Menominee/Marinette is facing an elimination from the Marinette County budget for the coming fiscal year. Formerly known as CASA of Menominee County, the non-profit merged operations with Marinette County CASA in January of 2023. The funding provided by Marinette County came with it, in the amount of $47,000.