JasCo CASA

06/22/2026

Like so many other organizations in our community, we are mourning the loss of our friend Teddy Steen.

When Debi was starting CASA in Jasper County, Teddy's support and encouragement were instrumental. Teddy has been cheering on CASA since then - helping mentor new CASAs on tough subjects, teaching continuing education classes for us, and as a CASA herself.

Teddy saved countless lives by creating a recovery community that truly works. Our team often comments how Teddy’s personal touch or her influence in the recovery world and treatment courts play a role in almost every case we serve.

We always knew when Teddy was at the CASA House - we often heard her before we saw her. Her energy and laughter brought a lot of joy to us all. Teddy was an amazing force of compassion and love. We know her legacy will be felt in our community for years to come. 💙❤️

06/19/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate our Executive Director, Debi Koelkebeck, for being honored with the John R. Albright Award at the Show Me Service Awards.💙

Debi’s unwavering commitment to child advocacy, her servant leadership, and her vision have transformed countless young lives. From founding Jasper County CASA in 2018 to growing it into a program serving nearly 250 children each year, her impact is truly extraordinary.

This recognition reflects the heart she brings to ensuring every child has a voice and someone standing in their corner.

Congratulations, Debi — so well deserved! 🌟

06/18/2026

The clouds around the CASA house this morning are looking quite stormy… and they reminded us of the unmatched referrals we have right now.

Behind each one is a child going through their own storm — uncertain, overwhelming, and without a CASA to help them feel safe, heard, and cared for.

Every child deserves someone by their side, especially in the storm. 💙

If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, now is the time. Visit https://jascocasa.org/volunteer/ to apply to become a CASA volunteer.

06/17/2026

We had an amazing cooking class with Chef Mike tonight! He not only taught our teens how to prepare and cook their own traditional street tacos, but we also made homemade salsa and got to take the recipes home. Thank you, Chef Mike, for taking the time to share the art of cooking with CASA ♥️💙

06/16/2026

Help us welcome 8 incredible new advocates to Jasper County CASA!

After completing a 3-day CASA Boot Camp, these dedicated individuals took the CASA oath and were officially sworn in by Judge Hensley. Today marks the beginning of their CASA journey, where they will advocate for local children in foster care and ensure their voices are heard. ❤️💙

Pictured left to right: Katie Heesch, Lacie Morris, Avery Eminger, Tria Zeiter, Judge Hensley, Sean Buruato, Sarah Abernathy, Dot Nicolas, and Whitney Morgan.
Congratulations, Class 31! 🎉

06/15/2026

We are 74% of the way to reaching our goal of 50 new CASA volunteers in 2026!

You can ensure local children in foster care have a CASA volunteer to SHOW UP, STAND UP, and SPEAK UP for them.

Apply today!
https://jascocasa.org/volunteer/

06/14/2026

Our CASA Boot Camp class is on Day 3 of their intensive weekend of training. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 They have spent the last 2 weeks diving into the online curriculum and they are spending their Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with us in-person so they are prepared to step into the role of a CASA! We are excited for these community volunteers to be sworn in and start advocating for children in Jasper County! 💙❤️💙❤️💙❤️

06/12/2026

✨We’re still feeling the impact of last week’s CASA Walk!✨

Thank you to everyone who helped raise awareness to bridge the gap for children in foster care who need CASAs—and the critical need for more CASA volunteers. 🎈Together, we can make sure every child gets a CASA!

Join us in bridging the gap.
👉 Learn more or sign up to volunteer today: https://mo-jasper.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication

🚌Thank you so much, Yeti Expeditions, LLC, for your incredible shuttle service for our event!

06/08/2026

We recently joined Billy the Kid to talk about the impact Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) can have on children in foster care—and why Jasper County needs more volunteers willing to step up and make a difference.

No other volunteer experience compares to being a CASA. You could be a CASA, too!

The deadline for our summer CASA Boot Camp has passed, but there's still time to sign up for our next Advocate Training, which begins June 17.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today to become a CASA volunteer!
https://jascocasa.org/volunteer/

Thank you, American Media, for helping us shine a spotlight on the need for CASA volunteers in Jasper County. We appreciate you! ❤️💙❤️💙

You can Change a Child’s StoryJasper County CASA empowers local volunteers to serve as advocates for children living the chaos of foster care. Their volunteer advocates ensure that a child’s physical and emotional health is provided for in a safe and loving home environment. CASA volunteers advo...

06/06/2026

We are honored to be one of 72 organizations selected to receive funding through the W.R. Corley Memorial Trust!❤️💙

This grant will support the CASA House Teen Recreation & Connection program which will offer structured indoor and outdoor activities for foster teens, including an interactive gaming system and outdoor soccer goals. These activities allow teens to experience normalcy, build social skills, and relax. Indoor multiplayer games enhance teamwork and communication, while outdoor soccer promotes physical activity and cooperation. Overall, these initiatives foster bonding, stability, confidence, and belonging for Jasper County’s vulnerable youth.

We are grateful to the W.R. Corley Memorial Trust and everyone involved in continuing Bob Corley's legacy of supporting organizations that make a difference in our communities.