Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Currently, 127 children in Kosciusko County are navigating the most traumatic time of their lives — many due to abuse or neglect.
In this year alone, CASA of Kosciusko County has served more children than in the entire year of 2024; currently having served over 190 children in 2025 to date. They are caught in a system that can feel overwhelming, cold and confusing. But they don’t have to face it alone.
At CASA of Kosciusko County, our trained volunteers walk beside these children every step of the way. They are the consistent, caring adults who make sure children’s voices are heard —not just in the courtroom, but also advocating for their medical, educational and mental health needs. It is easy for children to get lost in the system. CASA volunteers ensure that the child’s best interests remain the top priority.
Amber Hodorek, a CASA who has worked multiple cases, has seen this first hand. “It often seems like the system is built around supporting parents – which is absolutely necessary. But it’s imperative that the children have their own advocate who speaks solely for their best interest. We make sure their needs are front and center,” she said.
But we need more CASA volunteers.
The numbers tell the story – Kosciusko County has seen increase in these cases since 2023 through 2025 year to date. The children we serve have experienced neglect and even more concerningly, some have experienced abuse and family conflict that threatens their health and safety.
If you have been looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community, we need you! Would you consider attending our next training? Volunteers must be 21, pass a background check and commit to 18 months of participating as a CASA volunteer.
If becoming a volunteer advocate isn’t the right fit for you, there are still powerful ways to support our mission. On November 14, join us for our annual Holiday Festival fundraiser, a Clue-themed event where attendees will gather “clues for CASA” and “solve the mystery of advocacy.” It’s a night of fun, food and impact, supporting the children we serve and the volunteers who stand up for them.
Every child deserves a voice. Every child deserves a champion. Every child deserves someone who shows up for them. Whether through your time, talent or treasure, you can be part of the solution.
To learn more about volunteering, apply to become a CASA, or make a donation, visit www.casachildren.com or reach out to me directly at 574-372-2401 or erowland@kosciusko.in.gov.
Together, we can give every child in Kosciusko County the future they deserve.
