Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA celebrates 15 years serving children
The organization has served Grand, Routt and Moffat counties for 15 years, assisting 500 children who have experienced abuse or neglect as they navigate the judicial system.
For Sky-Hi News
On Saturday, Oct. 3, Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA celebrated 15 years of service to the region at Thunderhead Lodge at Steamboat Resort. Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA advocates for children who experience abuse or neglect and need someone to advocate in their best interest while navigating the judicial system. The organization has served Grand, Moffat and Routt counties since its founding 15 years ago. Since then, the program has assisted 500 children.
Court-Appointed Special Advocates, or CASAs, are trained volunteers who advocate to a judge for a neglected or abused child’s best interest. They dedicate time to helping the children access appropriate resources and, whenever possible, strengthening and reunifying families.
Working with attorneys, social workers and others, CASA volunteers build a trusted relationship with children. They review records, interview parents, teachers and neighbors and meet with the child two to four times a month. Volunteers then submit a report to the court with recommendations of the best way to support the child’s well-being, taking the child’s own wishes into consideration.
Over the past five years, Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA has handled more than 100 cases involving nearly 200 children, according to their 2025 Annual Report. The program served 100% of the eligible cases in the district.
Fundraising events and individual contributions provide much of the organization’s operating support as government funding declines. In 2025, Dancing with the Steamboat Stars raised nearly $200,000 for the foundation. The community also contributed 1,925 volunteer hours and more than 500 individual donors.
People who can complete 30 hours of training, communicate with people experiencing difficulties, commit time to the program and show deep consideration and care for all children can become a volunteer. Each county also has a local outreach committee that supports presentations, public relations and fundraising.
In 2025, Northwest Rocky Mountain CASA grew its staff, programs, fundraising event participation and revenue. With a new Executive Director Jim McCormick and new board President Talitha Appenzeller, the organization celebrated its 15th anniversary and looks to continue serving the community.
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