Meraux Foundation Donates $50,000 to Ensure CASA Continues Serving Children in St. Bernard Parish

Until recently, children in St. Bernard Parish who faced abuse or neglect were left without essential advocacy or guidance within the court system. To address this critical gap, the Meraux Foundation took the initiative by providing a seed grant to establish a Court Appointed Special Advocate® (CASA) pilot program in 2016. Recognizing the program's significance, the Meraux Foundation further solidified CASA's presence in the parish in 2017 with a substantial financial commitment, ensuring its permanence. Over time, CASA has expanded its reach, successfully serving children in need. However, the local program has recently faced uncertainty due to an unforeseen decline in funding, leading to the depletion of its financial reserves. Without hesitation, the Meraux Foundation once again stepped forward, generously donating $50,000 to enable CASA to continue its vital operations and develop plans for long-term sustainability.

Joy Bruce, CASA's executive director, emphasized the organization's unwavering dedication to children, even amid the challenges brought by the pandemic and the loss of financial support. "While it may seem that we have emerged from the pandemic, many nonprofits, including CASA, still bear the lingering effects and find themselves in a dire situation. Pandemic aid has ceased, and not only has philanthropic giving decreased, but a change in policy has also resulted in the loss of critical funding," Bruce explained. 

In this landscape, the Meraux Foundation stands out as one of the few funders responsive to these urgent needs, she said, increasing their support to make a tangible difference. Bruce further expressed gratitude, stating, "There are not many individuals or organizations I can call on for help and consistently get a positive response like I do with the Meraux Foundation. They are truly exceptional."

The absence of CASA's invaluable services would leave children at risk of extended stays within the foster care system, potentially depriving them of necessary support. Remarkably, children with a CASA Advocate are 50 percent less likely to return to foster care, underscoring the positive impact of the program.

Rita Gue, president of the Meraux Foundation, expressed pride in the ongoing support provided to CASA, an organization committed to advocating for the most vulnerable members of the community. "Empowering CASA aligns with our mission to cultivate a brighter future for every child in St. Bernard Parish," Gue affirmed.

Bruce emphasized that CASA heavily relies on community involvement and volunteer support to fulfill its crucial role. "Our Advocates go beyond the courtroom, playing a leading role in children's lives. As they transition into adulthood, we assist them in various aspects, such as pursuing higher education, securing housing, and finding employment. Unfortunately, the demand exceeds the number of local Advocates available to handle the workload," Bruce explained. To address this pressing need, she called upon the residents of St. Bernard Parish to consider volunteering as Advocates, emphasizing the significant difference they can make in the lives of these young individuals.

To learn more about CASA, donate, or volunteer, please visit casaneworleans.org.