Rapid City, SD – The Seventh Circuit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program is proud to announce a free community event on April 4th, 2025, dedicated to raising awareness about child abuse and connecting community members with vital resources. Held during Child Abuse Awareness Month, this event aims to recognize the dedication of current staff and volunteers, share crucial resources, and inspire community involvement.
Since 1986, the Seventh Circuit CASA Program has been a steadfast advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in Pennington, Custer, and Fall River Counties. Our mission is to recruit, train, and support volunteer advocates who provide consistent support and advocacy for these vulnerable children. We envision a community where every child in the court system has a safe and nurturing relationship, fostering resilience and breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect.
“In 2024, there were 795 children in State custody across our three counties,” stated a representative from the Seventh Circuit CASA Program. “Each of these children deserves a stable and supportive adult advocating for their best interests. We are committed to changing the statistics, where currently, less than 3% of former foster children graduate from college, and they are more likely to end up in prison. We believe every child has the potential to thrive with the right support.”
The April 4th event will feature:
- Community Resource Tables: Connecting attendees with valuable local services.
- Volunteer Awards: Recognizing the outstanding contributions of CASA volunteers.
- Music and Entertainment: Providing a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
- Food and Children’s Activities: Ensuring a family-friendly experience.
This event is a call to action for the community to learn how they can make a difference. The Seventh Circuit CASA Program is actively seeking volunteers to meet the growing need for advocates, ensuring that every child in state custody has a dedicated CASA volunteer.
“We invite everyone to join us in bringing awareness to the existing and needed resources in our community,” the representative added. “By working together, we can provide the support these children need to become the best possible versions of themselves.”
Since 1986, the Seventh Circuit CASA Program has been a steadfast advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect in Pennington, Custer, and Fall River Counties. Our mission is to recruit, train, and support volunteer advocates who provide consistent support and advocacy for these vulnerable children. We envision a community where every child in the court system has a safe and nurturing relationship, fostering resilience and breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect.
“In 2024, there were 795 children in State custody across our three counties,” stated a representative from the Seventh Circuit CASA Program. “Each of these children deserves a stable and supportive adult advocating for their best interests. We are committed to changing the statistics, where currently, less than 3% of former foster children graduate from college, and they are more likely to end up in prison. We believe every child has the potential to thrive with the right support.”
The April 4th event will feature:
- Community Resource Tables: Connecting attendees with valuable local services.
- Volunteer Awards: Recognizing the outstanding contributions of CASA volunteers.
- Music and Entertainment: Providing a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
- Food and Children’s Activities: Ensuring a family-friendly experience.
This event is a call to action for the community to learn how they can make a difference. The Seventh Circuit CASA Program is actively seeking volunteers to meet the growing need for advocates, ensuring that every child in state custody has a dedicated CASA volunteer.
“We invite everyone to join us in bringing awareness to the existing and needed resources in our community,” the representative added. “By working together, we can provide the support these children need to become the best possible versions of themselves.”
Event Details:
- Date: April 4th, 2025
- Location: Mother Butler Center. 231 Knollwood Dr. Rapid City, SD 57701
- Time: 1-3pm
- Cost: Free
About Seventh Circuit CASA Program:
The Seventh Circuit CASA Program recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. The vision is to provide a safe and nurturing relationship for every child, instilling resilience and breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect.
