Bianca Alvarez was recently named the new executive director for Northeastern Indiana CASA and was celebrated at a reception held in her honor. The nonprofit’s board members, staff and volunteers were joined by area judges and other well-wishers who came to meet and applaud the new leadership for Northeastern Indiana CASA.

Northeastern Indiana CASA held its annual fundraising event Friday, April 28th where two auctioned pies took the cake. CASA Palooza is the nonprofit’s event that features silent and live auction items. This year, two pies brought competitive bids from those in attendance.

ALBION – Northeastern Indiana CASA is gearing up for its annual fundraiser, CASA Palooza. Held at Sylvan Cellars in Rome City, the event is slated for Friday April 28th at 6 p.m.

Jackie became a CASA volunteer in 2015 following her retirement. Jackie has overseen 18 CHINS cases, 1 guardianship case, and has advocated for a total of 42 children. After she retired from teaching, she moved back to Indiana and was ready to do some volunteer work. She felt that being a CASA was a perfect fit, and here she is seven years later.

Another Palooza is in the books! We had a blast Friday night taking in all the fun and food that comes with CASA Palooza. And yes... watching the live auction bidding heat up! Our live auction alone brought in thousands of dollars ... somewhat helped by a very popular Dutch Apple Pie made by our Noble County Sheriff (his wife may have helped).

Mary Leite became a CASA volunteer in 2017 and serves Steuben County. She has overseen 8 CHINS cases, 2 divorce cases, and advocated for a total of 17 children. Mary chose CASA as a way to give back to her community. Before staying home to homeschool her children, being a special education teacher, and Special Olympics coach, she felt this was a good way to use her experience to advocate for children once again.

ALBION – As recently named executive director, Erin Conley is now tasked with leading Northeastern Indiana CASA into its 36th year. The nonprofit serves five counties including Noble, DeKalb, Steuben, Lagrange and Whitley, while working to advocate for children in judicial proceedings.

CASA Palooza is happening Friday, May 13th and we are ready to be back in person for this fun event. We also want to make this year's fundraising efforts pay off in a big way. After the past two years, we need a fundraising win for the children we serve. If you haven't already marked your calendars, you'll want to do so! We'll be back at Sylvan Cellars in Rome City joined by the area's caterers, restaurants, and other eateries. Our silent and live auctions will round out the night. We can't wait to see you all there!

Well, here we are... officially into the second month of the new year. What are your hopes for this year? Are you looking for something special to happen or some great goal to be reached this year? We certainly have plenty on our vision board for 2022.

Sabrina became a CASA volunteer in 2017 following her retirement. Since then, Sabrina has overseen 8 CHINS cases and advocated for a total of 15 children. Sabrina has taken cases in Steuben, Noble, Whitley, and DeKalb counties. Before her time as a CASA volunteer, she spent over 35 years working in elementary education, first a paraprofessional, then a teacher, and finally an administrator.

From all of us at Northeastern Indiana CASA, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are excited to celebrate this season with you and we hope you are greeted with the merriest of Christmases!

A banquet was recently held to celebrate the volunteers serving Northeastern Indiana CASA and to applaud their efforts this year.