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Hands down, the best part about being a CASA advocate is seeing the child every month. I think we both really look forward to these visits.

Columbia Gorge CASA is excited to welcome its newest CASA volunteers: Carl, Cheri, Deborah, and Rachel, along with new advocate supervisor Vandie Benson. The ceremony was officiated by Judge Olson, with AJ scheduled to be sworn in at a later date.

Columbia Gorge CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) recognized the dedication and impact of its volunteers at its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, held recently at the historic Hood River Hotel. The evening celebrated the incredible commitment of CASA volunteers who advocate on behalf of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Special guests in attendance included Stephanie Brown, Director of the Oregon CASA Network; Caroline Grew, Director of United Way of t

Over 200 Registrants for CASA’s Fall Family Run presented by McDonald’s of the Gorge.

The winning ticket was drawn on August 29 by Amanda Evans, Director of Adventist Health Columbia Gorge Foundation, the presenting sponsor of the raffle. The drawing took place during a memorable evening at Tierra De Lobos Winery, where community members gathered for a special Studio Fit yoga fundraiser—an event filled with movement, connection, and purpose in support of CASA’s mission to advocate for abused and neglected children in Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco Counties. 

Chari Harrington has lived in the Gorge for several years and was sworn in as an advocate in August 2023. She chose to pursue this role as a way to directly support children in need, inspired by a traumatic event in her personal life. “Between the training, my life experience, and having a great supervisor (Leah) to turn to, I felt like I had enough confidence to keep going.” Chari’s experience as a mother of four grown children and a violin teacher for both kids and adults a

Theo Parkison was sworn in as an advocate in Spring of 2023, after living in the Gorge more than twenty years. Her inspiration for...

CASA welcomes new volunteers.

This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on someone who brings warmth, wisdom, and a quiet determination to her role as a CASA:...

On Friday, April 11, we had the honor of swearing in seven new CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers who are now officially part of our team at Columbia Gorge CASA. Judge John Olson led the ceremony, and these new volunteers are ready to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. I'm excited to introduce you to Katja LaPierre, Jordan Clymer, Jennifer Nydahl, Angella Heiber, Liz Hartge, Autumn Brodie, and Katia Rodriguez, our new bilingual advoca

We are excited to highlight the advocacy of volunteer Stu Watson. Last spring, Stu and wife Kathy took the advocate training together and we

Have you ever wondered how you can make a real impact in the lives of children who have experienced abuse or neglect? Columbia Gorge CASA (C

Kathy was raised in a home that she feels by today's standards would have been considered emotionally and physically abusive; the results of

Congratulations to the newest Columbia Gorge CASA Volunteer Advocate, Brandee Cipriano! Brandee was sworn in on December 10th, 2024, by...

Debbie Mayer has been a CASA advocate for a long while—sixteen years, in fact! Her previous life experience included working as a registered

Columbia Gorge CASA is proud to announce George Bentz as the 2024 Rookie of the Year. Sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)

One of the standout honorees was Monica Carson, who received the prestigious Susan Erickson Award for Excellence. Monica has been an unwaver

For over 15 years, Glenna Gibson has called the Gorge home. But it was a little over a year ago that she became a CASA (Court Appointed Spec

Paddle with purpose on August 25th at Kayak the Gorge in Cascade Locks! On this special day, all rental fees will be donated to Columbia Gor

In November 2022, Ivy Velarde took a significant step in her life by becoming a CASA volunteer, dedicating herself to advocating for vulnera