In 1992, a group of concerned and dedicated individuals established Capital Area CASA Association in East Baton Rouge Parish as a private, non-profit organization. CASA recruits, screens, trains, and supervises community volunteers to serve as advocates for abused and neglected children.
2022 marks Liz Betz's 29th year as Capital Area CASA's Executive Director. Liz began working with CASA in January 1993. CASA was still very new in East Baton Parish with only twelve volunteers advocating for 22 children in foster care. Capital Area CASA was operated out of a one-room office with a very small staff.
Since 1993, over 1,400 CASA volunteers have provided a voice in court for more than 3,000 abused children in East Baton Rouge Parish. Capital Area CASA Association currently has 11 staff members and is a member of the Louisiana CASA and National CASA Associations.
"People often ask me how I do this work – they assume it is depressing to work with abused children. That mindset always surprises me because what I do is far from depressing. To feel powerless to help abused and neglected children would be depressing. To know you can mobilize the community to make a difference is extremely rewarding." -Liz Betz
When The Advocate asked Liz what she felt was her greatest accomplishment at CASA is, she responded: "Building the infrastructure to support CASA’s growth. Growing the program to serve every child who needs an advocate. Building collaborative relationships with foster care professionals. Educating the community of CASA’s mission so it's are aware of, and values, what we do. Our accomplishments were possible because of many, many dedicated people — staff, board and volunteers — who have supported CASA through the years."
Thank you Liz for the many years of hard work and dedication to East Baton Rouge's children and the CASA mission!
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