Non-Profit Spotlight: CASA for Douglas County

Court Appointed Special Advocates for Douglas County (CASA) was established on July 1, 1998, as two-year start up project with $100,000 in federal grant funds from the U.S. Department of Human Services Children’s Bureau. These funds were sought after and secured by the Nebraska State Court Improvement Project, as a direct result of a 1995-1996 Nebraska State Court Improvement Project Assessment of Nebraska Courts. That assessment found that Nebraska Courts have poorly represented children, where there are delays in permanency planning for children, rehabilitative efforts are not well-monitored, and sufficient interventions may not be provided. CASA is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a member of the National and Nebraska CASA Associations.

Below is an interview with Kimberly Barnes, Executive Director of CASA

Who is the primary group that you serve with your organization?

The CASA program advocates and supports our community’s most vulnerable youth in Douglas County. Our volunteers work with the youth served for an extended time and are actively engaged in each child’s life to gain intimate knowledge of each child’s case and family situation. The CASA volunteer is an advocate for each child, and their “service” is not tied to a particular negative experience for the child. CASA serves more marginalized children than the general child welfare population and, therefore, strives to recruit volunteers who represent similar backgrounds as the children we serve.

What makes your organization different from others with a similar focus?

CASA for Douglas County is the only entity in Douglas County who provides this high level of Advocacy for Children in the Foster Care System governed by State Statue. CASA Volunteer Advocates are appointed by a Douglas County Juvenile Court Judge and can only be removed by a Douglas County Juvenile Court Judge. Advocacy is the framework of our existence. CASA Volunteers provide meaningful, empathetic, and life-changing advocacy to children in foster care. A CASA volunteer supports children impacted by the child welfare system and remains involved for the life of the case with permanency as a goal. These volunteers are not experts in child welfare, but they are experts in care, compassion, and empathy. They foster hope for children to mitigate the trauma they are facing within a system that is overwhelming and under resourced.

What are some of your main fundraising events and when are they held?

CASA Golf Classic, which is our annual fundraiser. The 5th Annual CASA Classic will be held on Monday, 8/25/25 at Oak Hills Golf Course. The 2025 Honorary Chairs are Wade and Christine Behlen.

Who are the main members/leaders of your organization?

The entire staff of 17 and 9 CASA Board members are the leaders of the organization. Kimberly C. Barnes, Executive Director, is the main leader who keeps the mission and vision of CASA for Doulgas County at the forefront.

Are there any local businesses that have been especially helpful in sponsoring or supporting your organization?

CASA for Douglas County is fortunate to have several businesses that support the mission.

How do you get the word out about your organization?

The communications pipeline involves volunteers, stakeholders, community members, staff, and the Board of Directors. These voices spread the word about the CASA program.

Where do you see your organization in 5 years? 10?

In five – 10 years, our organization will be a recognized leader in the space of Child Welfare, known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and equity driven solutions. We will have expanded fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that empowers our children served, communities, employees, stakeholders, and partners. Through cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, we will drive meaningful change, enhance our community impact, and deliver exceptional advocacy to every child served by the CASA program.

If someone asked how they could help your organization, what would you tell them?

The biggest ask would be the following:
• Gift of Time: Become a CASA Volunteer Advocate or Support Project Hope Pack
• Gift of Generosity: Make a Financial Donation

What are the biggest needs of your organization right now?

The biggest need is the recruitment of CASA Volunteer Advocates. To date, there are approximately 115 children on the CASA for Douglas County wait list in need of a passionate CSAS Volunteer Advocate to amplify their voice while navigating the foster care system.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

The work in the Child Welfare System is a heavy lift. We have continued to see the impacts of trauma, grief, and stress ripple across the lives of so many children impacted by the Child Welfare System due to abuse and/or neglect. CASA for Douglas County has been a beacon of hope for children for 26 years. We are a trusted organization with the focus solely on the children we serve.