Two from Douglass Community Services attend Missouri CASA Conference in Rolla

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Missouri CASA Conference was held Oct. 5 at the Missouri S&T Innovation Lab in Rolla. More than 140 CASA staff, volunteers, board members and guests came together for a day of learning, collaboration and inspiration.

In a press release, Brock Whisler, program services coordinator at the Missouri CASA Association, said, “We were thrilled with the excitement of our participants and the caliber of presenters that supported our conference. The energy and enthusiasm in the room were contagious, and I am confident that attendees left feeling inspired and equipped to make a positive difference in the lives of children in care.”

Emily Trevathan, chief operating officer, and Kara Bliven, volunteer director, with Douglass Community Services-CASA, attended the conference representing the 10th Judicial Circuit. 

Missouri CASA welcomed two keynote speakers: Anita Brooks of P4 Power Coaching and Brittney Sequichie, a self-proclaimed CASA champion. Brooks shared with attendees how to identify their intrinsic needs and better understand the perspectives of others, ultimately leading to more effective advocacy and personal well-being. Brooks is a business coach and international speaker and author.

Sequichie told her story as a person forerly in foster care and inspired the group to never give up on older youth and to never stop seeking resources for children in foster care. Sequichie had a CASA volunteer throughout her journey who contributed to her success as a young adult. She was present during the conference.

The Missouri CASA Association supports, improves and develops Court Appointed Special Advocates programs and engages in advocacy efforts for children in Missouri who have experienced abuse or neglect. Missouri CASA serves as the coordinating agency for these programs, providing support, funding, resources and technical assistance.

Currently, 24 CASA programs are in Missouri, serving 28 of the 46 judicial circuits. Missouri CASA, together with its affiliate programs, works tirelessly to promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy for Missouri children who have experienced abuse or neglect so they may thrive in safe, permanent homes. To learn more, visit mocasa.org.  

Douglass Community Services-CASA serves the 10th Judicial Circuit, consisting of the counties of Marion, Ralls and Monroe. Sixteen children are being served with 10 active volunteers. Douglass Community Services-CASA continues the volunteer recruitment efforts initiated in the third quarter of 2024. People interested in supporting a local CASA and the children in the care of the 10th Judicial Circuit should contact Kara Bliven at 573-221-3892 for more information.