CASA of Westmoreland Gives Children a Voice

Casa of Westmoreland is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that has been a powerful voice for children for the last 20 years. CASA provides a voice in the courts on behalf of abused and neglected children. Thanks to the advocates, supporters, and community partners CASA brings together, the lives of the children they serve in Westmoreland County are demonstrably better. North Hills Monthly spoke with Executive Director Evan Markowitz to learn more about this incredible organization.

North Hills Monthly (NHM): What is CASA?

Evan Markowitz (EM): CASA of Westmoreland, Inc. stands for Court-Appointed Special Advocates. We recruit, train, and support community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are involved in the Westmoreland County court system. Our goal is to ensure every child we serve has a consistent, caring adult advocating for their safety, well-being, and future.

NHM: Who was instrumental in creating CASA of Westmoreland?

EM: CASA of Westmoreland was established in 2006 through the efforts of a group of dedicated community members, led by Family Court Judge Christopher Feliciani, who recognized the need for a CASA program to advocate for the most vulnerable children in Westmoreland County. Since then, the organization has grown tremendously, serving more than 1,000 children throughout the county.

NHM: What path does each child follow with CASA?

EM: When CASA is appointed to a child’s case by the court, one of our trained volunteer advocates is assigned to advocate for that child. The advocate gets to know the child and gathers information by communicating with family members, caseworkers, teachers, service providers, and others involved in the child’s life. They then provide the court with information and recommendations focused on the child’s best interests and remain involved throughout the case until a safe and permanent outcome is achieved.

NHM: Why are volunteer advocates so important to your organization?

EM: Our volunteers are truly at the heart of CASA. While professionals involved in a child’s case may change over time, a CASA volunteer can provide a consistent presence throughout an incredibly uncertain period in that child’s life. Their advocacy helps ensure the child’s needs and best interests remain at the center of every decision.

NHM: How does CASA find volunteers, and what are the requirements to become a special advocate?

EM: We recruit volunteers throughout Westmoreland County through community outreach, partnerships, events, social media, and word of mouth. Volunteers do not need a legal or social work background, as CASA provides comprehensive training and ongoing support. We look for compassionate, dependable adults who are willing to learn, listen, and make a meaningful commitment to advocating for a child. Serving as a CASA volunteer typically requires just a few hours per month, making it possible to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life while balancing work, family, and other commitments.

NHM: What are other ways community volunteers can support CASA besides being a special advocate?

EM: There are many ways to support CASA beyond becoming an advocate. Community members can volunteer at fundraising and outreach events, help spread awareness of our mission, connect us with local organizations and businesses, or support our work through donations and sponsorships. Simply sharing CASA’s mission with others can make a meaningful difference.

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NHM: Describe your organization’s Internship Program and its importance.

EM: Our internship program gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while learning about nonprofit work, child advocacy, community engagement, and the court system. Interns support our team in a variety of meaningful ways while gaining skills they can carry into their future careers. The program also allows CASA to introduce a new generation of professionals to the importance of advocating for vulnerable children.

NHM: How does your Board of Directors help CASA fulfill its mission?

EM: Our Board of Directors provides leadership, oversight, and support that are essential to CASA’s success. Board members help guide the organization’s strategic direction, strengthen community relationships, support fundraising efforts, and ensure CASA remains positioned to serve children effectively for years to come.

NHM: What types of events does CASA hold annually to raise money? Tell us about your upcoming Casino Night on Nov. 14, 2026.

EM: Throughout the year, CASA hosts several events that bring the community together while raising critical funds for our mission, including our Annual Leadership Breakfast each April and our Annual Golf and Tennis Tournament. On Nov. 14, 2026, we will host our Annual Gala fundraiser at Live! Casino in Greensburg, an evening of entertainment, community, and supporting the children we serve throughout Westmoreland County. Funds raised through these events are crucial to CASA’s efforts to continue to recruit, train, and support the volunteer advocates who make our work possible.

NHM: What would you like our readers to know about CASA of Westmoreland?

EM: For 20 years, CASA of Westmoreland has worked to ensure that children who have experienced abuse and neglect have someone in their corner. More than 1,000 children have been served since our founding, but there are still children in our community waiting for an advocate. Whether someone chooses to volunteer, donate, attend an event, or simply help spread the word, everyone has an opportunity to be part of CASA’s mission and make a difference for a child. To learn more about becoming a volunteer advocate, supporting CASA, or attending one of our upcoming fundraising events, visit casaofwestmoreland.org.