Honoring 9/11 and Helping Children with ‘Coats for CASA’

On Friday, September 22, the University will host a group service mission in collaboration with a neighborhood group, the Court Appointed Support Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA). “Coats for CASA” goals to gather and bundle winter coats, hats, gloves, and indoor exercise merchandise for youngsters.

This mission is sponsored by two pupil organizations: the University’s chapters of the West Virginia Students’ Alliance (WVSA) and the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Annually, the University’s pupil and alumni organizations are inspired to take part in Patriot Day, often known as the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. Patriot Day honors the lives misplaced on September 11, 2001, and is devoted to selling of acts of kindness, compassion, and service to the group.

Since 2018, WVSA has been working in the local people to offer providers to patrons and organizations in want. Other partnerships have included:

• Jefferson County Schools
• The Ranson Civic Center
• The Boys and Girls Club of America
• Harpers Ferry National Park Service

In 2022, the University awarded WVSA with a Legacy Project Plaque for its five-year dedication to supporting Jefferson County, West Virginia. Chapter leaders say that they intend to hold the dedication ahead, increasing efforts and partnering with different constituencies.

CASA for the Eastern Panhandle

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are volunteers who make a life-changing distinction for youngsters and youth. They advocate for one of the best pursuits of kids who’ve skilled abuse or neglect.

CASA volunteers take part in complete coaching, and they’re supported by a devoted workers staff. These volunteers work with youngster welfare professionals, educators, and service suppliers to make sure that judges have the data they should take advantage of well-informed choices for every youngster.

CASA volunteers assist youngsters discover security, permanency, and the street dwelling, wherever it lies. Children who’ve a CASA volunteer spend much less time in foster care, are much less more likely to re-enter foster care, and do higher in school.

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Why Coats for CASA and CASA’s Other Activities Are Important

Coats for CASA is one in every of many ways in which group members may also help assist the mission of CASA. Interested group members can volunteer or donate to the cause instantly by means of the CASA web site.

WVSA’s chapter advisor, Holli Fergus, has a particular connection with CASA. Holli has been a CASA advocate for over 5 years.

Holli was first launched to CASA by means of the foster care system and shaped nice relationships with the CASA volunteers in her life. She says “Working with CASA has a special place in my heart. Providing children who need love, care, understanding, and support the most when they’ve been abused or neglected cannot be overlooked. CASA always needs more volunteers and if you cannot volunteer, this is a great organization for donations.”

Related: Random Acts of Reading: R.E.A.D. Book Club Commemorates 9/11

Student Organizations on the University

WVSA is one in every of more than 75 student organizations on the University, every with its personal mission and group agenda. WVSA is dedicated to group engagement, consciousness, service, and schooling.

WVSA invitations college students and alumni who dwell or work in West Virginia to take part of their annual actions and occasions. WVSA chapter leaders will be contacted instantly by emailing wvsa.apus@gmail.com.

According to Amy Everson, Director of Student and Alumni Affairs, “Service projects hosted by student organizations allow chapter members to come together around a shared cause and give back to the community, even from a distance. Students and alumni use the connections they create through organizations and the activities and projects they plan to build their professional and personal networks. At the same time, they feel a sense of their feelings of belonging and connection to the University.”

Thousands of scholars have joined a number of of those pupil organizations which can be centered on:

• Academic excellence
• Professional and pre-professional pursuits
• Culture
• Faith and non secular connections
• Military and army affiliations
• Volunteering and group service

All these group share a dedication to create significant experiences for their members. Coats for CASA is only one amongst many notable occasions and actions supported by pupil organizations yearly on the University.

To discover out extra about our pupil organizations and group engagement on the University, go to the Student Activities web page. If you have an interest in donating on to CASA and serving to to additional their mission, a donation form is available online.