CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Caring for Kids and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recently welcomed Alyson Miley as an advocate and case manager.
“Having another person on the CASA team will help advocate for more children by allowing for better volunteer recruitment, public awareness and having someone with diversified experiences,” CASA Program Director Candace Lingo said. “The role of these volunteers is to act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the judge, researching case files, interviewing parties and monitoring court orders.”
CASA was founded in 1977 to train community volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court, aiming to ensure they find safe, permanent homes.
Lingo said children with a CASA volunteer often spend less time in foster care compared to those without.
Cullman Caring for Kids is a local nonprofit focused on preventing child abuse and supporting families in need through programs like a food pantry, foster family pantry and the CASA program. It provides essential resources like food and toiletries, raises awareness about child abuse and offers a supportive environment for families facing hardship, emphasizing that its food bank helps alleviate stress that can lead to abuse.
“I am very blessed and excited to join this amazing team,” Miley said. “Growing up in Cullman, I’m proud to be given this opportunity to make a difference in our community.”
Miley said she hopes to use outreach on various platforms and education to bring awareness to the mission. She also shared there will be an announcement soon about a fun, family friendly event to help raise awareness and funds for CASA.
Find out more at www.facebook.com/cullmancountycasa or www.cullmancaringforkids.com.
