Amanda Brackett, Program Coordinator, CASA of the TN Heartland will give a presentation about “What is CASA and the Need for Volunteers.” Amanda Brackett has been the Program Coordinator for CASA in Anderson County for almost two years. Amanda supervises CASA volunteers and does the community outreach for the organization. She has lived in East Tennessee most of her life and graduated from Maryville College in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Child Development. Amanda has experience in social services, program development, and was a CASA volunteer previously before taking a full time position with CASA of the Tennessee Heartland. She has a passion for helping those in need, especially children. She is active in our community by serving on several boards and committees.

Background (from CASA website):

“The core purpose of CASA of the Tennessee Heartland is to provide a voice for abused and neglected children in our community. CASA of the Tennessee Heartland serves Anderson, Blount, and Scott county. As a non-profit, volunteer-based agency, our mission is to empower CASA volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in juvenile court. Our vision is to provide a court-appointed volunteer advocate for every child who needs one. CASA of the Tennessee Heartland was founded in 1988 and since that time has served countless numbers of innocent children who, through no fault of their own, have been brought into the court system. CASA of the Tennessee Heartland has given these children a voice.  It has been proven that children with a CASA volunteer do not get ‘forgotten’ in the foster care system, they receive necessary services and are less likely to return to the court system.”

Lunch with the League is a public service program open to the community.  Membership in the League of Women Voters is not required, there is no cost to attend, and no reservations are required. The presentation will begin at 12:00 noon.  Lunches are provided by the Soup Kitchen and are available at 11:30 a.m. on a first-come basis for a reasonable cost, or you may bring your own.  Coffee and tea are provided.

The League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge, a nonpartisan political organization for men and women, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.