WORCESTER, MA — A Worcester County nonprofit has received a national grant to expand support for children involved in abuse and neglect proceedings.
CASA Project Worcester County was awarded $33,043 from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem Association to support targeted volunteer recruitment outreach efforts, the organization announced on Wednesday.
The nonprofit recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children involved in judicial proceedings related to abuse or neglect. Volunteers visit children, gather information, report to the court and monitor cases until a child or youth reaches a permanent home.
“This grant will positively impact generations within our community,” Executive Director Julie Bowditch said in the announcement. She said the funding will help the organization expand volunteer recruitment and retention, strengthen advocacy services and advance its mission across Central Massachusetts.
CASA Project Worcester County has worked for 45 years to advocate for abused, neglected and vulnerable children, according to the organization.
The funding comes through the National CASA/GAL Needs-Based Grant program, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. The national association supports state and local CASA/GAL programs that provide court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children involved in abuse and neglect cases.
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