Our Mission
Blue Ridge CASA for Children is a nonprofit organization advocating for children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect through recruitment, training, and supervision of community volunteers.
Our Vision
Every abused and neglected child will have a trained volunteer advocating for their best interest.
Currently, there are over 300 children in our service area waiting for a CASA.
Our Values
Blue Ridge CASA for Children draws on the differences and experiences of board members, staff, and volunteers representing diverse backgrounds, races, cultures, talents, and perspectives, including LGBTQI+ individuals and those with lived experience. We believe in including everyone and are committed to building a safe, inclusive culture of trust, candor, and respect. We strive to strengthen our relationships and build partnerships with people, organizations, and businesses who reflect the children and families we serve. We believe bringing more voices to the table to influence our policies and practices will help us provide better advocacy and arrive at better outcomes for our youth.
Our Work
Our Grantors
Augusta Health
Brittigan Endowment Fund
Carilion Clinic
City of Harrisonburg
City of Staunton CDBG
Community Foundation Central Blue Ridge
Community Foundation Harrisonburg
and Rockingham
Community Foundation Shenandoah
DCJS/VOCA
George and Evelyn Brothers
Grace Episcopal Church
Harrisonburg Women’s Service League
J & E Berkley Foundatio
Karis
Kiwanis Waynesboro
Million Dollar Round Table
Rockbridge Community Health
Rockingham Board of Supervisors
Sentara RMH
Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative
Staunton Rotary
Trinity Episcopal Church
United Way of Harrisonburg
and Rockingham
United Way Rockbridge, Lexington
and Buena Vista
United Way Staunton, Augusta County
and Waynesboro
Board of Directors
Past President
Kari-Lyn Henkel
Digital Designer at DuPont Community Credit Union
President
Andrew Squires
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney for Rockbridge County and the City of Lexington
Vice-President
Gretchen Armentrout
Secretary
Cathy Bagwell Marsh
Resource Development Specialist at Blue Ridge Legal Services
Treasurer
Erica Sayers
Directors
Akiel Baker
Emani Morse
Cristina Lotts
Nathaniel Riddle
Staff
CEO
Outreach & Training Manager
Lead Advocate Manager
Lead Advocate Manager
Advocate Manager
Cindy Avvenire
Shenandoah/Page
Case Coordinator
Heather Mattox
Lexington, Rockbridge, & Buena Vista
Development Manager
Grants & Communications Manager
Meghan Sevier
We serve the children of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
Serving the counties of Augusta, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham and Shenandoah and the localities of Augusta, Buena Vista, Lexington, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro. Over 300 children in our service area are waiting for a CASA.