CASA Youth Advocates Receives $25,000 Grant to Expand Court-Appointed Volunteer Advocacy in Chester County

MEDIA, PA – One caring, consistent advocate can change the course of a child's life. Thanks to a $25,000 investment from the Foxwynd Foundation, CASA Youth Advocates will expand its network of court-appointed volunteer advocates, ensuring more children impacted by abuse, neglect, or other trauma have an advocate who champions their best interests.

CASA volunteer advocates are appointed by the court to represent the best interests of children in the foster and child welfare systems. They work collaboratively with judges, attorneys, child welfare professionals, educators, caregivers, and service providers while remaining focused solely on the needs of the child. Through consistent advocacy and trusted relationships, CASA advocates amplify children's voices, protect their best interests, and help children move toward safe, stable, and permanent homes.

At its heart, the CASA model is people helping people. CASA activates community members from diverse backgrounds to become trained Volunteer Advocates for children impacted by abuse, neglect, or other trauma. What unites them is a shared commitment to ensure that children never navigate the child welfare system alone. In advocating for each child, they empower children to engage, grow, and thrive, while helping to foster a stronger, more connected community—one that stands together to uplift its youngest members.

As CASA's reach in Chester County continues to grow, so does the need for volunteer advocates. In 2025 alone, CASA increased the number of Chester County children served by a remarkable 50 percent. Foxwynd Foundation's investment will help CASA recruit, train, and support additional volunteer advocates, expanding the organization's capacity to serve more children in Chester County while strengthening support for children across Delaware and Chester Counties. The grant will also serve as a catalyst for additional community partnerships and investments that will help CASA continue to expand its reach.

"The strength of a community is measured by how it shows up for children when they need it most," said Leigh Anne McKelvey, Executive Director of CASA Youth Advocates. "Every day, our volunteer advocates provide consistent support and advocacy, championing the best interests of children impacted by abuse, neglect, or other trauma. We are deeply grateful to the Foxwynd Foundation for investing in a partnership that will help more children find safety, stability, and permanency."

"The Bentley family believes that when people invest their time and talents in service to others, everyone benefits. Strong volunteers create stronger children, stronger families, and ultimately stronger communities." — René Bentley, Trustee, Foxwynd Foundation

The Foxwynd Foundation DAF funded the Foxwynd Foundation's generous donation to CASA Youth Advocates.

Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and know they have someone consistently standing up for their best interests. Through partnerships like this one, CASA Youth Advocates continues to mobilize the compassion, talent, and generosity of our community so that more children can thrive.

Every child seen. Every child heard. Every child home.