CASA of Harford County Marks 30 Years of Changing Lives for Local Children in Foster Care in Harford County

Bel Air, MD — August 1, 2025 — CASA of Harford County is excited to announce the celebration of its 30th anniversary, a significant milestone in its mission to serve as a voice for children in the local foster care system. For three decades, CASA of Harford County has been committed to providing essential advocacy for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and abandonment, ensuring that they have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and supportive environment.

CASA of Harford County began serving children in 1995 and has provided trained volunteers, known as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) with the tools to represent the best interests of children in courtrooms, foster care placements, and family courts. In the past three decades, CASA has supported over a thousand children, impacting their lives and futures in profound ways.

“Our anniversary is a reflection of the resilience of the children we serve, the commitment of our volunteers, and the generosity of our community partners,” said Ross DiEdoardo, Executive Director of CASA of Harford County. “This milestone is not just about celebrating 30 years of hard work; it’s about acknowledging the children and families whose lives have been changed by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers.”

A Legacy of Advocacy and Impact

CASA of Harford County’s volunteers play a critical role in advocating for children who might otherwise fall through the cracks of the child welfare system. The organization has seen substantial growth in its operations, from a handful of volunteers to a team of dedicated individuals making a lasting impact on over a thousand children in the community.

Key achievements over the past 30 years include:

• Advocating for over 1,000 children in Harford County’s foster care system.
• Recruiting and training over 500 volunteers who made the commitment to be strong, reliable advocates for children.
• Providing essential resources and support through partnerships with local agencies, community leaders, and the judiciary.

“We are deeply grateful for the volunteers who give their time, energy, and compassion to support our children,” said DiEdoardo. “Our volunteers are often the only consistent adult presence in a child’s life during a time of instability, and their commitment changes the trajectory of these kids’ futures.”

Help Us Commemorate

CASA of Harford County has launched a “30 for 30” campaign, aiming to raise $30,000 to help fund the next generation of volunteer training, recruitment, and support services. Contributions to the campaign will ensure CASA can continue to serve children in need for years to come.

“We’ve been so fortunate to have the support of Harford County’s local businesses, residents, and government,” said DiEdoardo. “With the help of our community, we can look forward to another 30 years of advocacy, empowerment, and change for the children who need it most.”

For more details on how to support CASA of Harford County’s “30 for 30” campaign or make a different donation, please visit www.casaofharfordcounty.org/donate.

CASA Impact on Children’s Lives from their own words.

• “My CASA has been the only constant. I’ve had multiple foster homes and multiple social workers but just one CASA.”
• “My CASA kept showing up even though I didn’t give her the time of day. She showed up every month.”
• “She is more than just a CASA worker to me, she is my rock and she is someone I love. Her presence brings warmth to my heart and calms me.”
• “She teaches me, she laughs with me, she guides me and she loves me. She is who I aspire to be when I am older and I am so glad she came into my life.”

About CASA of Harford County

CASA of Harford County is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to advocate for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. By providing a dedicated advocate for each child, CASA works to ensure that children’s rights and needs are upheld throughout their time in foster care. CASA volunteers work closely with judges, social workers, and other professionals to ensure that children receive the services, stability, and safety they deserve.