Every child deserves a safe home, a quality education, and the chance to dream big. Yet for many children in foster care, those basic rights can feel out of reach. That’s where CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) of Marion County steps in. Led by Executive Director Vanessa Nordyke, CASA of Marion County works tirelessly to provide advocacy, mentorship, and hope for some of the community’s most vulnerable youth.
“Thank you all for being here,” Vanessa began during a recent presentation at the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Greeters. “It is an honor to serve as the executive director of CASA of Marion County. We are fearless advocates for children in foster care.”
Changing Lives Through Advocacy
At the heart of CASA of Marion County’s work are its dedicated volunteers. CASA volunteers are assigned to foster children, acting as their advocates both in and out of the courtroom. These volunteers check in regularly, ensuring the children’s educational and emotional needs are being met and that they are placed in safe and supportive environments.
During her presentation, Vanessa introduced Nicole and Mike, two local CASA volunteers, and shared several success stories. One particularly moving example involved a young girl named Precious. After entering foster care and being assigned a CASA volunteer named Lynn, Precious received the encouragement and practical help she needed to apply for college scholarships. Today, she’s a freshman at Linfield University on a full-ride scholarship, a first in her family.
“What we try to do is really flip the script after being told that they don’t amount to much and don’t account for anything,” Vanessa said. “They actually can do amazing things. One of the things that we do at CASA is start talking to kids the way they should be talked to, about their potential, about how beautiful they are, about how amazing they are.”
Prioritizing Education and Empowerment
CASA of Marion County’s commitment to education is evident in their results. This year, seven out of eight teens in their program graduated high school on time—an impressive statistic that exceeds not only the statewide graduation rate for foster youth but also the Salem-Keizer School District’s overall rate.
“What we teach our kids is education is the way out,” Vanessa emphasized. “We firmly believe that. CASA volunteers make sure, are they getting their homework? Do they have access to school resources? Do they need a new backpack for the school year? Do they need a calculator? Do they need after school, additional sessions? Do they need summer school?”
For siblings Gloria and Deanna, that support has been life-changing. With their CASA volunteer Nicole by their side, both young women are pursuing their dreams at Western Oregon University—Gloria as a future teacher and Deanna as an aspiring nurse.
The Fostering Futures Program
Inspired by stories like those of Precious, Gloria, and Deanna, CASA of Marion County recently launched the Fostering Futures Program. This initiative focuses on three key goals for foster youth: graduation, safe housing, and career readiness. The program helps teens develop life skills, from applying for jobs to navigating adulthood independently.
“We’re here to show kids what’s possible,” Vanessa said. “If they want to go into a trade, I’ll connect them with an apprenticeship. If they want to pursue higher education, we’ll help them get there. The point is to give them the tools they need to succeed.”
A Community That Cares
CASA of Marion County relies heavily on community support to carry out its mission. Events like the Springtime Soirée and the Superhero Run are not just fundraisers—they’re opportunities to bring people together around a shared cause.
The Soirée, scheduled for April 26, 2025, at the Keizer Civic Center, invites attendees to “go big with the florals” while supporting CASA’s work. Meanwhile, the Superhero Run, set for June 22, 2025, offers something for everyone, from a free one-mile fun run for kids to a more challenging 10K.
“We want to make our events accessible to everyone,” Vanessa said, encouraging attendees to bring their families, form teams, and even volunteer. “If you can clap and cheer, you’re qualified!”
Bridging the Gap
Despite its successes, CASA of Marion County faces significant challenges. By law, every foster child in Oregon is supposed to have a CASA volunteer. Unfortunately, the legislature has yet to fully fund the program, and it’s not even close.
“There’s an Oregon law that says that a judge shall appoint a court-appointed special advocate in every case statewide,” Vanessa explained. “That might be 5,000 foster children. Every single one of them is supposed to have a Nicole or a Mike, or every single one of them is supposed to have one of those amazing people.
Yet due to limited funding, one in three foster children in the state still lacks this vital support.
So, in the meantime, CASA of Marion County continues to fundraise aggressively to close the gap. “We can’t wait for the legislature to act,” Vanessa said. “These kids need us now.”
Join the Movement
Vanessa’s passion for advocacy is matched by her belief in the community’s ability to make a difference. “I want you to consider every single person in this room is qualified to be a CASA volunteer and would make an outstanding role model for these kids,” Vanessa said during her presentation.
For those who can’t volunteer, sharing CASA’s message through social media, attending events, or supporting legislative advocacy efforts can also have a powerful impact.
“If you believe that every single kid deserves to graduate on time and deserves safety and deserves a brighter future, talk to me, and I will tell you how we can work together,” Vanessa said.
With programs like Fostering Futures, inspiring volunteers, and an unwavering commitment to children in need, CASA of Marion County is proving that a little advocacy can go a long way in transforming lives.
About CASA of Marion County
CASA of Marion County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for abused and neglected children, ensuring they have safe, permanent homes and the opportunity to thrive. Through trained volunteer advocates, CASA provides a consistent adult presence in the lives of foster children, representing their best interests in court and the community. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, tailoring its advocacy to each child’s unique cultural and individual needs. By fostering relationships and upholding values of integrity and excellence, CASA of Marion County strives to break the cycle of trauma and create pathways to positive outcomes for every child and family they serve.
Visit their website for more information or view the entire presentation here.
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