CASA of the Heartland shares opportunities to support children in our region

At Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation, we know that building a strong region requires both economic development and a supportive community. During our recent Facilities Manager Meeting, area industry leaders gathered not only to discuss local workforce initiatives and upcoming events, but also to hear an inspiring presentation from CASA of the Heartland Executive Director Michelle Kail, accompanied by Director of Development Miguel Flores.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children navigating the court system due to dependency, neglect, or abuse.

CASA volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” for family court judges, getting to know a child, gathering key details from teachers, doctors, and social workers, and providing reports to help judges make informed decisions.

• 312 Children Served: Across their regional footprint (including Hardin, LaRue, Breckinridge, Grayson, Meade, and Hart counties), CASA has already served over 313 children this year.
• 143 Children Waiting: Across the 6-county region, 143 court-appointed children are currently waiting for a volunteer advocate.
• Hardin County Focus: In Hardin County alone, 92 children are on the waiting list. However, CASA needs roughly 60 dedicated local individuals to step up and meet this need directly.

How Local Manufacturers & Business Leaders Can Help

CASA asks for an 18 to 24 month commitment from volunteers, who spend about a couple of hours each month visiting their assigned child and compiling court reports with full staff guidance. Business leaders can support this effort in several ways:

1. Encourage Employee Advocacy: Flexible employer support allows staff members to take the necessary time to fulfill volunteer duties or complete the required 30 hours of flexible onboarding training.
2. Share the Mission: Facilities can display recruitment flyers in breakrooms, share info videos, or host informational sessions for employees.
3. Attend the CASA Connect Summit: Businesses and individuals can participate in upcoming recruitment events to learn more about becoming an advocate, joining the Board of Directors, or supporting as a “Friend of CASA”.

Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the discussion. By uniting our industrial leaders with local community organizations, we continue to make Hardin County a better place to live, work, and grow.

To learn more about becoming a volunteer advocate or supporting their mission, visit CASA of the Heartland or email Michelle Kail.