Neighborhood Philanthropy: CASA of North Mississippi
Oxford is host to some wonderful non-profit organizations that provide for our community in so many ways. We want to provide a glimpse of these organizations each month. Thanks to the efforts of Erin Smith, founding Executive Director, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) North Mississippi began its footwork initially in 2017 but became a program in 2018. They have been serving Lafayette county children by training volunteers to advocate for children in court proceedings to ensure that every child is in a safe and permanent home.
Erin Smith was introduced to CASA as an undergrad at The University of Mississippi in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Their national philanthropy is CASA and she knew when she was old enough (one must be 21 to be a volunteer advocate) that she wanted to get involved. There were no CASA programs in the northern part of the state, so she traveled to Memphis for four years volunteering there regularly. She made it her mission to start one in Northern Mississippi and Oxford proved to be the best fit. Erin shared, “As a CASA volunteer, I never thought I would ever be employed by the program. However, along the way, I found what I was genuinely passionate about, which is helping our most vulnerable population, the abused and neglected children. I had the vision to serve as many children as we could over time, but I knew it would take time to build a program to be able to do that.” Not only have they been successfully serving the children in Lafayette county for four years, but they will be expanding their program into Yalobusha county in 2023.
CASA’s success depends on its Volunteer Advocates. All potential volunteers, before beginning training, undergo an extensive screening process. In addition to the application, volunteers are interviewed, references are obtained and verified, and background checks, including fingerprinting, are conducted. As Erin shared, “The thing I love about the program and what we do is that we meet children where they are in life, at their most traumatic time, and advocate for their best interests. We become the consistent person they depend on throughout their case. It is not always sunshine and rainbows; it is hard work, and it is devastating to see the things these children and youth go through, but the rewarding times make it all worth it.”
As a non-profit, CASA depends on financial contributions. Their largest fundraiser, CASAblanca New Year's Eve Gala (presented by MR Construction), is December 31, 2022. Erin shared, “It is held at The Powerhouse and is a night full of great food, casino games, dancing, and a toast at midnight! Tickets are $100/per person or tables can be purchased for $1000 and you get 8 tickets and your name or business name displayed.” You can purchase tickets here.
CASA will also hold its annual CASA Superhero Run and Kids Fun Run (presented by Nicholas Air) on March 25, 2023 at Avent Park. Erin shared, “This event is always a fun family-friendly event! It is a 5k and Kid's Fun Run around Avent Park.”
We are so grateful to Erin and her vision and passion that led to the creation of CASA of North Mississippi. Please consider becoming a Volunteer Advocate, donating to the cause or buying tickets to their New Year’s Eve bash, CASAblanca. Contact Erin Smith, founding Executive Director, to learn more and get involved by emailing esmith@casaofnorthmississippi.com.
