Wisconsin CASA Association celebrates 25 years as an organization

The world has changed a lot since 1999, but something that hasn’t changed is

Wisconsin’s commitment to helping children in need. The Wisconsin CASA Association is proud to be celebrating its 25th anniversary as an organization in 2024, having grown to 10 local CASA programs in 15 Wisconsin counties since the organization was established.

In 1999, Wisconsin Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association became a nonprofit organization with the assistance of the first program in the state Dane County CASA. CASA volunteers, called Advocates, are specially trained volunteers appointed by a judge to be the voice for an abused or neglected child or family of children. Advocates meet with the child(ren) weekly to get to know them and learn about the child’s needs, wishes and how they are responding to their environment. Advocates communicate with the judge overseeing the case to help support a safer and healthier future for the child, making sure the child(ren)’s thoughts on the case are heard. To date, Wisconsin CASA has served

over 14,000 Wisconsin children in need, providing a voice, a lending ear and a trusted adult amongst many other qualities.

“Our organization is so proud to reach this milestone,” shares Melissa Skalecki, Wisconsin CASA Executive Director. “Not only have CASA Advocates changed the lives of children, but the children have changed our lives too. From the Northwoods to Southeast Wisconsin and everywhere in between, I want to thank everyone who has helped us along the way and been our champions. We’re just getting started!”