Whitney Roberts Presents at Statewide CASA Directors Meeting, Showcasing Jefferson County’s Community Engagement Model
CASA of Jefferson County is proud to share that Executive Director Whitney Roberts was invited to present at this year’s CASA Staff and Directors meeting, where she showcased the innovative ways CASA of Jefferson County engages with its local community to strengthen advocacy and support for children in need.
This recognition comes shortly after CASA of Jefferson County joined fellow advocates and professionals at the 29th Annual Indiana GAL/CASA Conference, held on September 13, 2025. Themed “Planting Seeds of Resilience,” this year’s event emphasized the importance of connection, compassion, and sustainable support for youth navigating the child welfare system.
The conference opened with an inspiring keynote address by Sixto Cancel, a former foster youth and nationally recognized leader in child welfare reform. Cancel—named a White House Champion of Change and one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30—shared his powerful story of perseverance and his work as founder of Think of Us, an organization dedicated to driving systemic change. His message emphasized the crucial role of human connection in fostering resilience and achieving lasting, positive outcomes for children.
During the afternoon session, attendees were inspired by Mallori DeSalle, a licensed mental health counselor and motivational interviewing trainer, who explored how negative feedback impacts resilience. DeSalle provided practical strategies focused on affirming strengths, values, and efforts—reminding advocates of the profound effect that positive reinforcement can have on both the giver and receiver. Her message resonated deeply with CASA volunteers and staff, underscoring the importance of self-care and resilience among those who support vulnerable families and children.
A Program Recognized for Statewide Impact
CASA of Jefferson County continues to be recognized as one of Indiana’s most engaged and impactful programs.
In 2023, the program was recognized for achieving the highest level of contact with providers, children, and stakeholders statewide, resulting in over 10,000 direct contacts on behalf of 136 children in foster care. This achievement reflected the program’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that each child’s unique needs were heard and addressed.
Building on this success, 2024 brought additional distinction when CASA of Jefferson County was recognized for swearing in the highest number of new volunteers among Indiana’s 87 CASA programs. This milestone demonstrated the organization’s strong commitment to growth, outreach, and sustainability. Every new volunteer expands CASA’s capacity to fulfill its mission of advocating for the safety, stability, and well-being of local children.
Showcasing Vision and Leadership
At this year’s statewide Staff and Directors meeting, Roberts shared her strategic vision and insights from the past three years—highlighting the program’s integrated approach to marketing, collaboration, and community partnerships. Her presentation outlined how CASA of Jefferson County’s methods have deepened local engagement, strengthened relationships with stakeholders, and amplified public awareness of the CASA mission.
“My identity is inextricably tied to this remarkable network of individuals, who represent one of the best parts of who I am,” Roberts shared. “It is interesting how effortless and natural it feels when the duty calls for me to step forward and serve as a voice for our entire local CASA network.”
“It is a radical kind of respect for our child advocates—one that recognizes human value in all its complexity. Even still, we choose to lend ourselves and our emotions to the most vulnerable population. This is tremendous to me. Witnessing someone exhale their burdens in a safe space and affirming their inherent worth is the greatest fulfillment of my role as a community leader.”
Roberts’ leadership continues to inspire the CASA of Jefferson County network. Her commitment to fostering a professional, ethical, and inclusive environment ensures that volunteers, staff, and partners alike can contribute meaningfully while growing as resilient individuals.
By leading with authenticity and collaboration, Roberts continues to “plant seeds of resilience” within both her team and the broader community—strengthening the foundation upon which CASA of Jefferson County stands as a model program for child advocacy across Indiana.
