Our mission is empowering community volunteers to connect with and champion children and youth involved in the child welfare system, advocating for equity, resources, stability and permanency.
LEIGH ANNE
MCKELVEY
Leigh Anne has served as the Executive Director since 2018 and has worked for CASA programs since 2004. She’s been honored and recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal for her leadership in major initiatives, such as CASA's 2015 expansion to Chester County and 2019 launch of the Voices for Children coalition. She holds a Masters of Social Work degree with a certificate in child welfare from the University of Pittsburgh. See our full staff list.
DAVID CRAMER
David Cramer’s passion for CASA’s mission began when his wife, Christine Wiita, became an advocate in 2008. After seeing the impact CASA can have on a child’s life, he began fundraising and joined the Board in 2015. As a graduate of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service , and with 40 years of experience in banking and finance, retail, and distribution and logistics, David has the expertise to help CASA move forward. See our full board.
OUR
HISTORY
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In 1992, CASA Youth Advocates Inc. was formed, building on the work of volunteers supporting children in Delaware County that dated back to the 1970’s
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In 2012, CASA added its Educational Decision Maker service to empower volunteers to help youth with special education needs make academic decisions
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In 2015, CASA expanded to begin serving children and youth in Chester County
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In 2019, CASA launched the Voices for Children Coalition in Delaware County to improve the safety net of services for children and families.
3SN
In February 2023, The Safer Schools Stronger Neighborhoods (3SN) coalition officially was formed to increase local coordination and collaboration between community organizations dedicated to reducing gun and community violence among youth and young adults ages 11-24 in the city of Chester. The coalition aims to provide a continuum of care, designed to help young people enjoy a fulfilling positive and productive life, by connecting them with specialized services and people who seek to assist and empower them.
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Guided by CASA Youth Advocates, Inc. and under the coordination of Cyrise L. Dixon, 3SN is comprised of a cadre of long-standing community non-profit organizations. The 3SN partnership consists of Chester Education Foundation, Chester Community Coalition, Making a Change Group, Boys and Girls Club of Chester, Crozer Keystone Health Systems, and Widener University. Our other community stakeholders include the Delaware County Council, the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, and the Chester-Upland School District.
This work is currently funded through a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
Partners
Strong partnerships and collaboration can improve the lives of children and families. Learn more.