CASA of Wyoming Valley Swears In Largest Volunteer Advocate Class in Organization History
A total of 28 new CASA advocates will begin serving children in foster care across Luzerne and Wyoming Counties, helping ensure vulnerable children have a consistent, caring adult advocating for their safety, well-being, and future.
The advocates completed 30 hours of training over nine weeks before being officially sworn in by the Honorable Judge Jennifer L. Rogers in Luzerne County and the Honorable Judge Russell D. Shurtleff in Wyoming County. Together, the new volunteers will immediately begin serving 28 additional children in the dependency court system.
Pennsylvania State Representative Brenda Pugh attended the Luzerne County ceremony and spoke in recognition of the advocates’ commitment to serving vulnerable children in the community. She thanked the volunteers for stepping forward to make a lasting difference in the lives of local children and families.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the 28 individuals who stepped forward today. Their decision to become advocates will make both an immediate and lasting impact on the children they serve,” said Ryan Schofield. “While this is our largest class to date, there are still far too many children who need additional support.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the compassion, commitment, and heart this class has shown,” said Jade Levi. “Because of these volunteers, more children in our community will have someone fighting for their safety, stability, and opportunity to thrive.”
With more than 250 children currently in foster care locally, CASA of Wyoming Valley continues to urgently recruit additional volunteers.
Applications for the Fall Training session are due Wednesday, September 2nd, with training beginning Wednesday, September 9th.
Join us for CASA of Wyoming Valley’s 3rd Annual Touch a Truck and Health Fair on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at The Sidney and Pauline Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston, PA!
Children of all ages will have the chance to get an up-close look at their favorite vehicles, including emergency response and public safety vehicles, construction equipment, public works trucks, military vehicles, and more. Touch a Truck offers a hands-on experience that sparks curiosity and excitement while creating lasting memories for families.
In addition to the vehicles, this year’s Health Fair will feature local healthcare providers, children’s service organizations, and nonprofit agencies sharing helpful resources and information about programs and services available to families throughout our community.
Admission is free for families. We hope you’ll join us for a day full of fun, discovery, and community spirit!
PHOTO CAPTION: Members of Leadership Northeast’s Fostering Hope community impact project team pose with CASA of Wyoming Valley representatives and 75 donated backpacks in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, May 2. From left to right: Ryan Schofield, executive director of CASA of Wyoming Valley; Justin Topa, Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza; Scott Gomb, Step by Step USA, Inc.; Atty. Tara Giarratano, Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn; Katie Cobleigh, Building Blocks Learning Center; Jeremy Nelson, PA American Water; and Angelina Pacheco, development & communications manager CASA of Wyoming Valley. Absent from photo: Siria Matos, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania
A Backpack, A Sense of Belonging: Local Leaders Deliver Hope, Resources to Children in Crisis
CASA of Wyoming Valley recently received 75 backpacks and more than $12,000 in monetary and in-kind donations through Fostering Hope, a Community Impact Project of the Leadership Northeast Core Class of 2026. The initiative, completed on May 2, provided children entering foster care with backpacks filled with essentials including hygiene products, school supplies, journals, socks, and comfort items.
In addition to the backpacks, the team contributed more than $1,500 in comfort items and $3,000 in direct monetary support to help meet the urgent needs of children served by CASA across Luzerne and Wyoming counties.
“Many of the children we serve enter new placements with few belongings and a great deal of uncertainty,” said Angelina Pacheco, Development and Communications Manager of CASA of Wyoming Valley. “These backpacks provide comfort, dignity, and reassurance during a difficult time.”
The project was made possible through community fundraising efforts, donation drives, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
Click below to read the full press release and learn more about the impact of Fostering Hope.
CASA of Wyoming Valley’s Upcoming Events
How to Get Involved?
Interested in becoming a CASA advocate? Register by contacting our office at (570) 855-2247 to learn more about our 2026 Fall Training Class. Together, we can change lives and build a brighter future for the youth in our community. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and welcoming you to the CASA family!
