2013 Legislative Breakfast

State Senators and Delegates from Fairfax County,  County Supervisors, board members, and investors attended Fairfax CASA’s 2013 Legislative breakfast on December 4, 2013 at the Country Club of Fairfax. The breakfast was sponsored by Dominion.

The morning started off with an introduction from Al Schuman, President of Fairfax CASA’s Board of Directors. Following Al’s welcoming remarks, Lisa Banks, Executive Director, gave an impassioned presentation regarding the priority issues for abused and neglected children in Virginia, the court’s need for CASA volunteers, state funding for CASA programs, and enhancements to the program, including educational advocacy training and service to older youth.

The breakfast ended with a heartfelt speech from Allison Perry, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia who was served by a CASA Volunteer. Allison talked about the challenges she experienced growing up with her mother, who struggled with mental health issues and substance abuse. Allison shared that CASA changed her life: without her CASA volunteer, she would not be as successful as she is today. Her words and story moved the audience and gave a first-hand perspective on the impact that CASA volunteers have on the children they serve.