Community Spotlight: CASA of Wyoming Valley

We often look at what's happening in the world today and think we'll never be able to do anything to make a difference. But, with just a few hours of your time, talent, and treasure each month, you can change a child's entire future. 

That's what CASA of Wyoming Valley does every day.

CASA is also Wilkes-Barre POWER!'s featured nonprofit this month! We'll be hosting them at our networking event this Thursday, May 29, at Bettelli's Villa in Wilkes-Barre!

Let's learn more about CASA of Wyoming Valley below!

What Is CASA of Wyoming Valley?

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. The organization's mission is to recruit, train and support community volunteers to provide whole child advocacy and serve as the voice of abused and neglected children in the Luzerne and Wyoming County dependency court systems so that these children will be safe, secure and given the opportunity to thrive.

CASA Executive Director Mary Kay Pivovarnik shared that there are 400 children in need of advocacy in our community, and serving as an advocate for a child only takes 10 to 12 hours a month.

The staff and volunteers at CASA work tirelessly every day to provide every abused and neglected child in Luzerne and Wyoming Counties with a safe, permanent, loving home and the support to become a healthy, empowered adult. 

As CASA's website says, abused and neglected children need an anchor, a voice, and a chance. For Mary Kay, being able to give a child hope is what continues to fuel the work she does. 

“I have been the Executive Director for CASA of Wyoming Valley since 2021," she said. "Advocating for children in the dependency court system is close to my heart. I have worked in child welfare for most of my career, and I know how frightened and confused children are when they are removed from their homes. Being able to support an organization that gives a voice and hope to these children through the time and hearts of community volunteers is priceless."

As a lifelong NEPA resident, Mary Kay is passionate about helping to give children throughout the area a brighter future. She hopes other area residents will look around and feel the same way and sign up to be a child advocate.

“Making the futures stronger for the children who will be raising their own families here in NEPA is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our community. These are our children,” she said.

CASA is always looking for advocates to work with area children who need the undivided attention of caring adults. When you become a CASA, you serve as a trained community volunteer, appointed by a judge, to represent the best interests of an abused and neglected child (or sibling group) in court.

How Does CASA of Wyoming Valley Work?

Volunteer advocates independently assess each child's situation and dedicate themselves to learning all they can about a child’s unique history and experiences. They then make informed recommendations to the Luzerne or Wyoming County Dependency Judges as to: 1) what permanent placement would be best for that particular child, and 2) what immediate services the child needs, whether it be educational, social, mental health, physical health, or cultural. 

There will be several opportunities for you to support the organization later this year, so mark your calendar now! Join CASA on Saturday, August 16, for a free Touch a Truck/Community Outreach event at the Jewish Community Center in Kingston. The day will begin with the organization's first 5k run/walk and kids fun run that morning. Then, join CASA for its yearly gala on Thursday, September 25, at the Beaumont Inn in Dallas. This year's theme is A Night in Napa.

More Information

But don't wait until then to find out more about CASA of Wyoming Valley or volunteer to help a child in need as an advocate. Sign up today for more information or a scheduled information session at www.luzernecasa.org, or call Mary Kay and her team at 570-855-2247. 

CASA of Wyoming Valley believes that abused and neglected foster children will thrive, given the chance. You can help make that happen!

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Written by Kelly Kostanesky . With more than 20 years of journalism and public relations experience, Kelly Kostanesky use a marketer’s strategy and a storyteller's voice to help businesses and nonprofit organizations make their messages resonate on a larger scale. As the founder of KMMK Communications, she helps nonprofit organizations raise sustainable funding through marketing, communications and development services.