Voices for CASA Children (VOICES) announces that it has received a $75,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to strengthen its efforts to recruit and support Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA volunteers) to serve youth living in foster care in Maricopa County. VOICES helps community members learn about the CASA volunteer role and guides interested individuals to information sessions and other appropriate resources.
The funding comes at a critical time. More than 4,000 youth in Maricopa County live in licensed foster care homes, while only a few hundred have a CASA volunteer to advocate for them. VOICES strengthens advocacy for children living in foster care by recruiting, equipping, and supporting CASA volunteers—so children have a voice when stability matters most.
“We are deeply grateful to Thunderbirds Charities for this investment in children and our mission,” said Bonnie Brown, Executive Director of Voices for CASA Children. “This funding allows us to expand our recruitment efforts and helps ensure more children have a dedicated advocate focused on their best interests. Every child deserves a steady adult in their lives, and this grant brings us closer to making that a reality for more youth in our community.”
The grant will specifically support:
Recruiting caring adults from across Maricopa County who reflect the diverse communities they serve
Equipping CASA volunteers with thoughtfully selected resources such as books, essential items, hope bags, and enrichment experiences that help build meaningful connections so that children feel seen and valued
Supporting CASA volunteers through education and skill development, practical tools & resources, and ongoing support so they can advocate effectively in court and throughout a youth’s child welfare journey
“Thunderbirds Charities is proud to support VOICES as they mobilize community members to become CASA volunteers,” said Cheryl Ruggiero, Director of Charitable Giving for Thunderbirds Charities. “This investment strengthens the pipeline of trained advocates so more youth living in foster care have a dedicated CASA focused on their best interests when it matters most.”
CASA volunteers are trained community members appointed by the court to advocate for a child’s best interests. They get to know the child, monitor their case, speak up in court, and ensure the child’s voice is heard throughout the process. Research shows that children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to achieve safe, permanent placements sooner and experience greater success in school and in life.
Voices for CASA Children brings a voice to Arizona’s children by promoting and supporting volunteer advocacy for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Through comprehensive support services, VOICES helps CASA volunteers to have the training, resources, and ongoing guidance needed to be effective advocates.
For more information about Voices for CASA Children or to learn how to become a CASA volunteer, visit www.voicesforcasachildren.org. To apply, prospective volunteers begin the process through the Court’s CASA program.
Voices for CASA Children (VOICES)
This grant is part of the Fall 2025 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.