CASA of Jefferson County Releases Final Results of Two-Year Federal Grant, Demonstrating Significant Program Growth
CASA of Jefferson County has completed its two-year Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant cycle, reporting significant achievements in child advocacy, volunteer recruitment, and professional development between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2026.
The grant, administered through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI), provided $195,694.35 in the first year and $189,914.35 in the second year, totaling $385,608.70 in federal funding.
These funds were designated for essential operating expenses, including employee payroll, employer FICA obligations, rent, and employer-paid benefits. This financial support helped CASA of Jefferson County maintain the staffing and infrastructure necessary to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers while providing court-appointed advocacy for children involved in the child welfare system.
With the grant period now closed, CASA of Jefferson County is sharing its final outcomes as part of its continued commitment to financial transparency, public accountability, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to the organization.
Two Years of Measurable Results
During the grant cycle, CASA of Jefferson County established specific goals related to the number of children served, volunteer advocacy hours, volunteer recruitment, and staff professional development.
The final report reflects the following outcomes:
192 children served, exceeding the original goal of 180 children.
5,766.50 volunteer service hours, compared to the original goal of 2,410.10 hours, achieving 239.3% of the target.
13,260 individual contacts with stakeholders involved in the cases of children receiving CASA advocacy.
20 new volunteers recruited, exceeding the recruitment goal of 15 by 33.3%.
318.50 hours of completed staff professional development, compared to the original goal of 120 hours, achieving 265.4% of the target.
41 active volunteers at the conclusion of the grant, compared to 30 at the beginning, representing a 36.7% increase in the active volunteer base.
The program also documented an estimated $115,330 in volunteer service value, calculated using a rate of $20 per hour.
While the program exceeded its new-volunteer recruitment target, its net active-volunteer growth of 36.7% fell short of the original 50% growth objective. The organization nevertheless concluded the grant cycle with 11 more active volunteers than when it began.
Understanding the Value of This Investment
For CASA of Jefferson County, these numbers represent more than grant reporting requirements.
Every volunteer hour represents time dedicated to understanding a child's circumstances, communicating with individuals involved in their case, attending court proceedings, reviewing records, and helping ensure that the child's needs remain a priority throughout the legal process.
The funding provided through ICJI supported the employees and daily operations responsible for making that advocacy possible.
By maintaining experienced staff, strengthening volunteer recruitment, and investing in professional development, the organization was able to serve more children than originally projected while substantially increasing the hours volunteers dedicated to advocacy.
A Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
As a nonprofit organization supported through a combination of federal, state, local, and private funding, CASA of Jefferson County recognizes the importance of demonstrating how financial resources translate into measurable services.
The completion of this grant provides an opportunity to share those results with the community, recognize the volunteers and employees responsible for the work, and demonstrate the importance of continued investment in court-appointed advocacy.
The conclusion of this funding cycle does not mark the conclusion of the organization's responsibility to the children it serves. CASA of Jefferson County remains committed to maintaining the quality of its advocacy, supporting its volunteers, and pursuing the resources necessary to continue serving children throughout Jefferson County.
The organization extends its appreciation to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for its investment in the program, as well as the volunteers, staff, community partners, and supporters whose contributions helped make these outcomes possible.
CASA of Jefferson County is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports court-appointed volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children involved in the child welfare system. To learn more about the organization, visit www.casajc.net.
