Chesapeake CASA-Court Appointed Special Advocate Program

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth! Celebrate Freedom.

06/18/2026

Yesterday three amazing individuals from our community made the commitment to speak up for vulnerable children. Sworn in by Chesapeake JDR Chief Judge David L. Jones, we welcomed Mickella, Kyla and Iyeisha to the Chesapeake CASA Program.

Ladies, thank you for believing in the vision we have for our community where abused and neglected children are heard, protected and supported on a pathway to a safe, loving and permanent home.

If you too want to be a part of our vision for Chesapeake, the journey starts here: https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/321/Court-Appointed-Special-Advocates-CASA

06/17/2026

School’s officially out. It’s time for some summer fun!

For children who have experienced trauma, fun isn't just fun—it's healing.

Positive experiences like picnics, bike rides, bug hunting, water balloon fights, and trips to the park help children build healthy memories, strengthen relationships, and experience joy in a safe and supportive environment. These moments can increase a child's sense of belonging, boost self-confidence, reduce stress, and help build resilience.

This summer, check off a few items from our Summer Bucket List. The laughter and connection you create today can have a lasting impact on a child's emotional well-being tomorrow.

06/12/2026

When their daily school routines vanish for foster children, the consistent presence of a CASA Advocate becomes more critical than ever.

CASA doesn't take the summer off! Our Advocates step into the gap to provide a reliable, stable relationship when everything else is shifting. They check in, they listen, and they advocate to ensure a child's emotional and physical needs are met all summer long.

Virginia's youth deserve stability. Will you help us provide it?

05/18/2026

Chesapeake CASA is looking for male volunteers!

When men show up for kids it makes a lasting impact. A male advocate is helpful to children for many reasons, particularly at-risk youth who may benefit from positive, healthy male role models. It’s not that male advocates are “better,” but that they can bring unique perspectives and representation, and that may positively impact a child’s growth and healing.

Why does it matter?

Positive male role modeling: Many children who have experienced abuse, neglect, instability, or absent caregivers, may have had limited exposure to safe, supportive, and trustworthy men. A male advocate can model healthy communication, emotional regulation, respect, accountability, and kindness.

Representation and relatability: Some boys may feel more comfortable discussing certain experiences, emotions, or challenges with a male advocate who they feel can relate to them in specific ways. This can help build trust and openness.

If you’re a gentleman that wants to make a difference in your community, become a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer and speak up for children in Foster Care.

Contact us: 757-382-8179 or [email protected]

05/18/2026

Thank you foster parents, for being that caring and supportive safe place for children.

Thank You, Foster Parents! 💐 This National Foster Care Month, we honor the incredible foster parents who open their hearts and homes to children in need. At National CASA/GAL, we know that strong partnerships with foster families are essential to help children thrive and, when possible, reunite with their families. Thank you for being a vital part of the journey. 💙 ❤️

05/10/2026

Thank you to all the mothers and mother figures for all your love, strength and endless dedication.

04/24/2026

Wife, mother and CASA Volunteer Elena, describes herself as a quiet observer who listens more than she speaks, and tries to approach others with patience and without judgment. “Supporting others, especially during difficult seasons, has always felt meaningful to me, whether it’s through my career in senior living or volunteer work.”

For Elena, her journey to becoming a CASA volunteer started with a feeling. “A friend mentioned CASA, and something in me immediately resonated.” “When something feels aligned, I follow it.”

Her most memorable moment is surprisingly simple. “I had been visiting a child at an inpatient center for months. She often seemed distant, somewhat guarded, maybe even indifferent. Our visits were consistent but simple. We’d sit together for the full hour, painting, coloring, or playing games, talking here and there, mostly just sharing space. And then one day, she looked at me and asked how I was doing. It caught me off guard in the best way.”

“Over the past four years, moving from one case to the next with barely a pause in between, I’ve come to understand that every child stays with you in some way. Their stories don’t end when the case closes, and neither does your connection to what you witnessed.”

Elena, thank you for giving your time and heart to connecting with each kid!

04/22/2026

Meet Steven.
Steven is a disabled U.S. Navy veteran, he serves on the Board of Directors for Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare and is the founder of Healing Roots On Up, a mental health advocacy platform. “Mental health advocacy is at the core of everything I do, and I’m deeply committed to serving my community and supporting others in their healing.”

Steven decided to become a CASA volunteer because he wanted to give back to his community in a way that aligned with his work around trauma and healing.

For Steven, there have been many memorable moments as a CASA.
“…seeing the kids light up when I show up to spend time with them. Those moments of connection have been the most impactful for me.”

Steven, we thank you for your service to not only your country, but to the children in your community.

04/21/2026

Meet Michael, a father of two adult children with a “grand dog” that holds a special place in his heart. Michael enjoys going to the beach and doing many fitness activities at the local YMCA.

After seeking out meaningful volunteer opportunities, he decided on CASA. “I was impressed with CASA’s unique mission and thought I’d give it a try.” Having been a mentor for teens and always feeling connected to children in need, CASA seemed like a practical way to expand his volunteering.

His most memorable moment:
“After a number of months working with a particular child, we had a meaningful conversation while he was at a detention center. I was convinced that we had finally established a meaningful bond.”

Thank you Michael for stepping for the youth in need! 💙