CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

In 1989, Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity adopted National CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) as its national philanthropy. CASA volunteers are trained community volunteers who speak on behalf of abused and neglected children in court. CASA volunteers research the child's background details to help the court make a sound decision about the child's future.

Today, there are more than 50,000 advocates serving in 948 state and local program offices nationwide. CASA programs across the country are known by several different names, including Guardian ad Litem, Child Advocates and Voices for Children. Since the inception of CASA advocacy, volunteers have helped more than 1 million children find safe, permanent homes in which they can thrive.

CASA programs can help a displaced child find the security needed to grow and reach full potential. It's been shown that:

• Children who have been assigned CASA volunteers tend to spend less time in court and in foster care than those who do not have CASA representation.

• CASA advocated children have better chances of finding permanent homes.

• CASA cases are more likely to be reviewed on a regular basis by the court.

Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation

Founded in 1960, the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation was the vision of Evelyn Widman Tunnicliffe, Eta/Michigan, the Foundation's first president appointed by Grand Council. Her vision was to put Fraternity "ideals into action" by helping individuals realize their fullest potential through rehabilitation, education, and involvement. Thanks to her commitment and the support of members who follow in her footsteps, the legacy of Evelyn Widman Tunnicliffe and her love for Kappa Alpha Theta carries on through the work of the Foundation.

The Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational tax-exempt organization, independent from the Fraternity, whose mission is to link members with resources to help them reach their fullest potential and to make a difference in the world. Created by Thetas for Thetas, the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation is dedicated to raising money for scholarships, educational and leadership grants, and financial hardship grants for our Kappa Alpha Theta members.

Awarding more than $1 million dollars annually, what began in 1960 as a means of raising funds to support the philanthropic and educational opportunities for members of the Fraternity continues today as a pillar of support for its individual members, chapters, and the Fraternity at large.