Chastity Keller has been the Executive Director of Marshall County CASA for almost three years. On Monday she presented the County Commissioner with her annual report. She thanked them for their financial support and in-kind support by providing office space in the Court House.
Currently the CASA program has 27 active volunteers and in 2018 offered the children in need in Marshall County 544 volunteer hours. Volunteers made contact with 784 people, such as attorneys, parents, other family members, teachers and they children as they work the cases helping children in need. Last year, in Marshall County 96 children were deemed abused or neglected while in 2017 that number was only 88.
Keller said CASA is being more active in the community offering classes and raising awareness of the program. On April 6th they are hosting a training on Human Trafficking at the Plymouth Library. The event is limited to 40 participants and included a light dinner provided by Sugar Shack Bakery. Reservations are required and interested people can call 574-952-1443 to reserve a seat.
Keller said they are also going to host the 1st annual Walk/Run to be a Super Hero for CASA on Saturday, April 13th at the LifePlex. While there is no entry fee to participate, donations to CASA of Marshall County will be accepted. Participants are invited to come walk or run on the track from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m. and the first 50 that show up will receive a free gift bag. Keller said DCS will be there with information on foster parenting because there is a need in the county for more foster parents.
The CASA is the extra eyes and ears for the judge to be able to make a more informed decision on some topics.
