February Outreach Collection: Fairfax CASA

Fairfax CASA served 367 Fairfax children this past year. Fairfax CASA Executive Director Darcy Hubbard notes that well over 50% of their cases in the past two years involve domestic violence (up from 30%), with increased cases involving substance abuse and mental health issues. She adds, “We have over 70 children on our waitlist (unheard of). We saw a 141% increase last year in cases. We served the most kids we have served since 2014, and we are on track to do it again. Coming out of the pandemic, children and families—especially the ones we serve—are not okay.”

The mission of Fairfax CASA is to advocate for the best interests of each abused and neglected child referred to this nonprofit by the Fairfax County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court. Fairfax CASA recruits, screens, trains, and professionally supervises volunteers, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs). CASAs are assigned to a case by the court with the goal of advocating for the best interest of an individual child until they are in a safe and permanent home. More information can be found on Fairfax CASA’s website.

You are invited to meet Darcy Hubbard Feb. 4th, when she will be speaking during the Sunday service.

Outreach Donations to Fairfax CASA may be made through the AUUC website anytime during February. Click Donate, then check “Monthly Outreach Offerings.” Donations of cash and checks may be placed in the collection basket during the Sunday service. You may also mail your check to AUUC, making checks payable to AUUC with a note ‘outreach’ in memo line. Thank you!

Outreach collections are sponsored by AUUC’s Social Justice Committee.