In New Hampshire Bar News: Family Treatment Court in Sullivan County Helps Families Rebuild

CASA was recently featured in an article in NH Bar News about Family Treatment Court. You can read the full article here.

CASA Program Manager Alison Wheeler explains that CASA representatives, who play a critical role in FTC by advocating children’s best interests, attend every FTC session, ensuring children’s voices are heard in court and that their needs are met.

“It’s been an incredible thing to be a part of it,” says Wheeler. “From my perspective, having been at it for quite a while now, I just see how the model really helps parents break down their goals to make them more achievable, really helping them to get these quick wins, and motivating them to move forward. What I’ve observed is an important balance of compassion and support along with accountability and expectation.”

CASA of NH Graduates 32 New Advocates

CASA of New Hampshire is excited to welcome 32 new volunteer advocates from across the state. Please join us in congratulating Audra, Kathleen A., Isabelle, Ben, Lindy, Lydia, Paige, Mary Ann, Nathan, Kathleen F., Jennie, Tom, Dawn H., Karen, Deb, Scott, Dawn L., Teri, Joy, Christine M., Patty, Maureen, Christine M. (a second Christine M.), Diane, Sally, Mark, Yama, Patti, Scott, Amanda, Jeremy and Jim.

CASA of NH offers a variety of different trainings, including virtual, in-person and hybrid options. Currently we’re accepting applications for a virtual training beginning March 12, hybrid trainings beginning on March 14 and April 14, and an in-person training beginning July 1.

If the upcoming sessions don’t work for you, check back soon – our Training Calendar is updated as new classes are scheduled.

Those interested in applying can do so here, or please join us for a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to become an advocate. Information sessions are held twice a month and offer a chance to ask questions of both CASA of NH staff members and advocates.

Governor Ayotte Proposes Funding for CASA of NH in Budget Address

Gov. Kelly Ayotte unveiled her proposal for the 2026-2027 budget, which includes funding for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire. CASA of NH thanks the governor for recognizing the need for highly trained CASA Guardians ad Litem, and the value they and this organization bring to children, families and the state of New Hampshire. This funding will enable CASA of NH to continue providing critical best-interests advocacy to children and youth throughout the state who have experienced abuse or neglect. We are grateful for the governor’s continued commitment to supporting the children and youth we serve.

CASA of NH Graduates 22 New Advocates

CASA of New Hampshire is excited to welcome 22 new volunteer advocates from across the state. Please join us in congratulating Aimee, Kevin, Tricia, Diana, Carol, Greg, Jackie, Amanda, Susie, Leslie, Mary, Tim, Brian, Shelley, Lee, Marc, Anne, Kerry, Mim, Casey, Samantha and Debra.

CASA of NH offers a variety of different trainings, including virtual, in-person and hybrid options. Currently we’re accepting applications for a virtual training beginning March 12, hybrid trainings beginning on March 14 and April 14, and an in-person training beginning July 1.

If the upcoming sessions don’t work for you, check back soon – our Training Calendar is updated as new classes are scheduled.

Those interested in applying can do so here, or please join us for a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to become an advocate. Information sessions are held twice a month and offer a chance to ask questions of both CASA of NH staff members and advocates.

CASA of NH Graduates 14 New Advocates

Our first virtual fall training session concluded in mid-October, and CASA of New Hampshire is excited to welcome 14 new volunteer advocates from across the state. Please join us in congratulating Pam, Chris, Linda, Marshall, Melissa, Deb, Bevie, Paul, Susan, Cheryl, April, Jill, Rene and Holly.

CASA of NH offers a variety of different training options, including virtual, in-person and a hybrid model with guided independent study. Currently we’re accepting applications for two virtual trainings beginning on January 21 and March 12.

If the upcoming sessions don’t work for you, check back soon – our Training Calendar is updated as new classes are scheduled.

Those interested in applying can do so here, or please join us for a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to become an advocate. Information sessions are held twice a month and offer a chance to ask questions of both CASA of NH staff members and advocates.

CASA of NH Graduates 16 New Advocates

Our in-person summer training session concluded in late July, and CASA of New Hampshire is excited to welcome 16 new volunteer advocates from across the state. Please join us in congratulating Dawn, Cristina, Mike, Bev, Jennifer, Debra, Audra, Paula, Nan, Beth R., John, Paul, Linda, Mary, Patrick and Beth W.

CASA of NH offers a variety of different training options, including virtual, in-person and a hybrid model with guided independent study. Currently we’re accepting applications for two virtual trainings beginning in September and October. If the upcoming sessions don’t work for you, check back soon – our Training Calendar is updated as new classes are scheduled.

Those interested in applying can do so here, or please join us for a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to become an advocate. Information sessions are held twice a month and offer a chance to ask questions of both CASA of NH staff members and advocates.

CASA of NH Board Member Completes Bike Ride Across America

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Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire board member Kathleen Thomas of Hampton completed her cross-country bike ride in support of CASA of NH on July 25 at Sanders Poynt in Rye, New Hampshire. To mark the occasion, she dipped her wheel in the Atlantic Ocean, bringing an official end to her 3,800-mile trip.

After dipping her bike wheel in the Pacific, Thomas departed Astoria, Oregon, on June 10. To date (July 29 – donations will remain open for another month), she has raised $31,000 of her $38,000 goal. As she rode from coast to coast, she documented her progress at www.ktacrossamerica.com and via social media.

Thomas undertook the “Portland-to-Portland route, slightly modified,” she says, totaling about 3,800 miles. She averaged about 100 miles per day, with just a handful of days off.

Thomas climbed mountains, rode through flatlands, and endured the many challenges, big and small, that come with such a long two-wheeled adventure – bad weather, flat tires, unexpected snow, hunger, a swarm of grasshoppers, tiredness and long stretches of time alone with her thoughts (she rode solo with van support). It was her commitment to CASA of NH, she says, that helped her with the mental aspects of the trip.

“CASA’s mission resonates with me on every level,” says Thomas. “Children in unstable homes, those who suffer abuse and neglect, need a voice – they are so isolated. I believe in CASA and the amazing volunteer advocates who represent these children – their work is critical.” Raising money for CASA along her difficult journey was an important motivator, she adds. “I wanted something to keep my head focused while I’m riding across the country – for when I’m tired and questioning what I’m doing. It’s important for me to realize that I may be suffering today on the bike, but that’s nothing like what these kids suffer. I have a choice, but they don’t get a choice, and I’ll take their inspiration with me.”

A Bike Ride Across the Country to Benefit CASA of New Hampshire

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire board member Kathleen Thomas will bicycle across the country in support of CASA of NH. After dipping her bike wheel in the Pacific, Thomas will depart from Astoria, Oregon, on June 10 and plans to end by dipping her wheel in the Atlantic in Portsmouth, NH, on approximately July 22. As she rides from coast to coast, she will document her progress at www.ktacrossamerica.com.

Thomas is taking the “Portland-to-Portland route, slightly modified,” she says, which means she’ll bike a total of 3,800 miles averaging about 100 miles per day, with just four days of planned rest. Well, three days of rest, anyway – she “absolutely intends” to hike in Montana on her first day off from biking. Although considering her other hobbies include long-distance triathlons, hiking may well her version of R&R.

Thomas will climb mountains, ride through flatlands, and endure the many challenges, big and small, that come with such a long two-wheeled adventure – bad weather, flat tires, hunger, tiredness and long stretches of time alone with her thoughts (she’s riding solo with van support). Helping her with the mental aspects of the trip is her commitment to CASA of NH.

“CASA’s mission resonates with me on every level,” says Thomas. “Children in unstable homes, those who suffer abuse and neglect, need a voice – they are so isolated. I believe in CASA and the amazing volunteer advocates who represent these children – their work is critical.” Raising money for CASA along her difficult journey will also be an important motivator, she adds. “I wanted something to keep my head focused while I’m riding across the country – for when I’m tired and questioning what I’m doing. It’s important for me to realize that I may be suffering today on the bike, but that’s nothing like what these kids suffer. I have a choice, but they don’t get a choice, and I’ll take their inspiration with me.”

A celebration to welcome Thomas as she rides into Portsmouth is planned for July 22, although the date may change depending on her progress. Updates can be found at www.ktacrossamerica.com, and via CASA of NH on Facebook and Instagram.

About CASA of New Hampshire

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire provides trauma-informed, best-interests advocacy for New Hampshire children and youth who have experienced abuse and neglect by empowering a statewide network of trained volunteer advocates to speak on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. Since its founding in 1989, CASA of NH has advocated for nearly 12,000 children in court, giving them a chance at a better future.

In fiscal year 2023, CASA of NH guardians ad litem served 1,549 children throughout the state, collectively donating 87,585 hours and making more than 13,000 visits to children. Appointed by the court, these volunteers are everyday people who come from all backgrounds – experience in law or social work is not required. If you have the heart to help, we can teach you the rest. For anyone interested in learning more about volunteering, CASA of NH offers virtual information sessions twice a month. These are a wonderful opportunity to listen to or talk with both staff and current volunteers. Visit www.casanh.org to register for an information session or to learn more about CASA of NH.

CASA Cares Raises a Record-breaking Amount for New Hampshire’s Children Experiencing Abuse and Neglect

CASA of New Hampshire, a nonprofit that trains volunteers to advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect, raised more than $570,000 at its annual fundraising gala, CASA Cares: An Evening of Giving for New Hampshire’s Children, held on Friday, May 3. This exceeds CASA of New Hampshire previous CASA Cares fundraising record of $550,000 raised in 2023.

Presented by Novocure, the event was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. This year, CASA Cares featured a live auction, wine-and-spirits grab, and jewelry raffle courtesy of Day’s Jewelers.

“The incredible support and generosity that were on display at CASA Cares demonstrates that so many folks from all over the state truly understand and value CASA’s life-changing work,” said CASA of New Hampshire President and CEO Marcia (Marty) Sink.

The evening’s speakers included Sink, former CASA of NH Board Co-chair and current Advisory Council member Amy Coveno, and Devin Oot, manager of community and government relations at Novocure. Guests also heard from U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, who shared powerful remarks about the valuable impact CASA has on children and youth throughout the Granite State.

Auctioneer John Terrio entertained the crowd as they bid on live auction items, including luxury vacations, tickets to “Late Night With Seth Meyers” plus a meet-and-greet with Seth Meyers, a gorgeous necklace donated by renowned jeweler Marla Aaron, glamping and ATV packages courtesy of Bear Rock Adventures and Alpine Garden, camping equipment from NEMO, and more.

Audience members also heard from former CASA youth and now current CASA advocate Justice Ohanasian, who shared her personal story in a deeply moving portion of the event.

The money raised during the event helps CASA work toward its goal of having an advocate available for every child New Hampshire who is involved in the child protection system.

Since 1989, CASA of New Hampshire has provided a voice for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in New Hampshire by empowering a statewide network of volunteers to advocate on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. These advocates are trained in trauma-informed best-interests advocacy, and get to know the children and the important people in those children’s lives. CASA of NH advocates are in a unique position to make detailed recommendations in court so judges are able to make informed decisions on what’s in a child’s best interests.

CASA of NH Welcomes 22 New Volunteer Advocates

The second training session of 2024 was completed in early April, and CASA of New Hampshire is excited to welcome 22 new volunteer advocates from across the state. The training, which took place in March and April, was held virtually. Please join us in congratulating Marsha, Julie, Kathleen, John G., Brian, Suzie, Ellen, Sheree, Marianne, Bonnie, Bob, John M., Cathy, Al, Justice, Chera, Cory, Megan, Buffi, Colleen, Tom and Julianne!

CASA of NH has achieved great success with our interactive and comprehensive virtual training format. However, recognizing the desire for in-person options, two live trainings are scheduled in Concord for this spring and summer. We are currently accepting applications for those sessions beginning on April 30 and July 10.

Those interested in applying can do so here, or please join us for a virtual information session to learn more about what it means to become an advocate. Information sessions are held twice a month and offer a chance to ask questions of both CASA of NH staff members and advocates.