Atlantic Area Court Appointed Special Advocates had a ribbon cutting and open house April 24 in conjunction with the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce.
CASA Executive Director Petula Y. Gomillion welcomed staff and volunteers, as well as chamber staff, board members and ambassadors.
The mission of CASA is to provide a community of trained volunteers, appointed by a judge, to speak for the best interested of an abused or neglected child involved in juvenile-court deprivation proceedings.
“Thank you for coming out to support us,” Gomillion said. “I would like to acknowledge the staff and volunteers, because they are the most important part of this organization and we would not exist without them.”
Gomillion said CASA began in 1999 from two citizens who saw a need. CASA now covers eight counties and two judicial circuits. She praised the volunteers for donating their time and resources to help children. CASA has joined with the Ruby Tuesday Community Giveback Program, which gives back 20 percent of a patron’s purchase to selected organizations.
“We are here to be that voice that foster children need in the courtroom,” CASA Board Chairman Constance Ford said. “This is our first time working with the chamber, and so we hope to work with them to get our name out in the community.”  
“Thank you for coming to this event,” chamber board member Joe Ford said.  “Atlantic Area CASA has been in the community for a long time and we are glad to have them as chamber members. On behalf of the chamber, we are at your disposal.”
For more information, call 876-3816 or go to www.atlanticcasa.org.