2025 Impact Report
Letter from CASA's Board Chair
Chavanne C. Debetaz
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Looking back on another year at Capital Area CASA, I’m reminded that the heart of this organization has always been its people — the volunteers who show up, the staff who dedicate themselves to this work every day, and the supporters who believe every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and cared for.
In 2025, 180 CASA volunteers advocated for 311 children in our community, giving more than 4,822 hours of their time. Behind each of those numbers is a child whose life was made a little more stable because someone chose to show up, listen, advocate, and be a consistent presence during an incredibly difficult time.
Over the past year, we’ve also had so much to celebrate:
-
Record-breaking $220,095 raised at the 31st annual Casas for CASA Fiesta
-
78% of foster children in EBR had a dedicated CASA Advocate
-
Launch of Love Luggage campaign to bring suitcases and dignity to children in foster care
-
Received funding from the Epicurean Society to provide grocery assistance to grandparents and extended foster care teens
-
Representative Barbara Freiberg was honored as Louisiana CASA’s 2025 Legislator of the Year for her leadership in advancing child welfare legislation, including House Bill 905, which created a new funding stream for CASA
Serving as Chair of the Capital Area CASA Board was an incredible privilege, and as I stepped into the role of Past Chair, I remain just as proud to be part of this organization and the community that surrounds it. I’ve seen firsthand how much heart goes into this mission and how powerful it can be when people come together for children who need someone in their corner.
To our CASA volunteers, staff, donors, board members, community partners, and everyone who has supported this mission in ways big and small: thank you. Your time, generosity, compassion, and commitment make this work possible.
As we look toward another year, my hope is that we continue reaching more children, welcoming more advocates, and building a community where every child has someone willing to stand beside them and speak up for what they need. There is still more work to do, and I’m grateful to continue being part of it.
With gratitude,
Chavanne Cazayoux Debetaz
Chair, Capital Area CASA Board of Directors