A Powerful Voice in a Child's Life

Make A Difference In Cowley County Today

what is c.a.s.a.?

What is C.A.S.A.? thumbnail
 
Our mission is to speak for the best interests of children in the courts of Cowley County, by providing qualified, trained volunteer representatives who advocate for safe, permanent, nurturing homes for children.

CASA provides trained community volunteers to advocate for children in the court system. Court Appointed Special Advocates ensure:
-Children receive representation in court
-Children are placed in safe and permanent homes
-Services are obtained for the needs of the children
-Services are provided to parents to help them gain knowledge and skills for adequate parenting.
"All children in Cowley County, Kansas will grow up in a safe, permanent, and nurturing home."
2026 Child Abuse Awareness Shirts
Our 2026 Child Abuse Awareness shirts are AVAILABLE NOW! CASA once again partnered with  Dev McGrew at Mama Made and many amazing community sponsors to stand up against child abuse. Order yours now—perfect for Child Abuse Awareness month in April and all year long! 

make a donation

events

Join us to kick off the holiday season with a fundraiser to support CASA of Cowley County! You can expect food, a cash bar, desserts, door prizes, raffles, silent auction, and a live auction. 100% of proceeds go to CASA to allow us to continue advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Cowley County.Read More

  • Date:12/5/2026 05:00 PM - 9/16/2026 03:10 PM
  • Location 9315 194th Dr, Winfield, KS 67156, USA (Map)
  • More Info:The Farm at Quail Valley

become a volunteer

Purpose
The mission of the CASA volunteer is to monitor and follow a child’s case through the juvenile court system; to provide an independent voice from the community who speaks up for the best interests of their assigned child; to help ensure that the child is in a secure, secure, supportive, permanent home.

Requirements
  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Must be a citizen of the United States.
  • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
  • Complete a written application, including three references other than relatives.
  • Complete a personal interview
  • Pass background screenings
  • Participate in at least 30 hours of a 35-hour training. 
  • Observe court sessions for a minimum of 2 hours.
  • Will be able to commit to serving as a CASA volunteer for at least 1 year.

Duties
  • Advocate at all times for the best interests of the child.
  • Meet with child at least once a month in person.
  • Attend all court hearings and scheduled case planning conferences pertaining to the child.
  • Remain actively involved in the case until a permanent solution has been reached or the court dismisses the case.
Apply to be a Volunteer:
​APPLY NOW!​​​

casa volunteers

Carol Hearne

Volunteer since 2018

"I believe children need to know they are important and valuable. They need to be assured people care about them. Children are our future. WE need to give them all the help we can for them to succeed."

Amy Shipman

Volunteer since 2021

"I became a CASA volunteer because I am passionate about all children having the opportunity to grow and develop in a positive, loving, and safe environment."

Carol Galliart

Volunteer since 2021

Jennifer Shockey

Volunteer since 2022

Sheryl Erickson

Volunteer since 2022

Shelley Dixon

Volunteer Since 2024

Amanda Evinger

Volunteer Since 2024

Angela Miller

Volunteer Since 2024

Richard See

Volunteer Since 2024

Keylee McCandless

Volunteer since 2025

become a member

Become a Member imageBecome a Member image
Thank you for considering joining the Board of Directors at CASA of Cowley County. Board service is both a leadership opportunity and a meaningful commitment to the children and families we serve. Below are the expectations and responsibilities of our Board members.

Mission & Advocacy
  • Actively support the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
  • Serve as ambassadors for CASA within the community.
Meeting Participation
  • Be prepared for and actively engaged in meetings and organizational activities.
  • Attend at least 75% of regularly scheduled Board meetings within a fiscal year (minimum 9 of 12 meetings).
  • Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise determined by the Board.
Service & Leadership Commitment
  • Share professional expertise (e.g., finance, legal, marketing, program knowledge).
  • Serve on at least one committee per year.
  • Attend a minimum of 50% of major fundraising events annually.
  • Terms are three years; members may serve two consecutive terms, followed by a one-year break.
Fundraising Expectations
  • Make a personal financial contribution that is meaningful to you.
  • Assist with donor identification, introductions, and outreach.
  • Help secure sponsorships, in-kind donations, or auction items.
  • Participate in fundraising campaigns and appeals.
  • Support events through planning, volunteering, promotion, setup, or donor engagement.

Apply to be a Board Member:
https://forms.gle/28sdc1norkoXfS9K6

board members

MaKayla Shields

Executive Director

Since 2020

Read More  

Jess Mitchell

Office Administrator

Since 2024

Laura Anstine

Board President

Member since 2025

Kaitlyn Terry

Secretary

Member since 2024

Amber Wiley

Treasurer

Member since 2026

Kristin Young

Member

Member since 2025

Amanda Bruce

Member

Member since 2026

Pam Ireland

Member

Member since 2026