[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 61 (Thursday, April 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    HONORING COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 8, 2021

  Mr. PANETTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
indispensable advocacy of a Central Coast organization that gives a 
voice to some of our most vulnerable community members. Court Appointed 
Special Advocates (CASA) of Santa Cruz County improves the lives of 
children in the foster care system by pairing them with trained 
volunteers from the community who advocate for them and stand by their 
side as stable adults they can count on as they go through the chaos of 
the foster care system.
  CASA and its devoted staff and team of volunteers are guided by the 
needs of children in need of someone to stand by them and ensure they 
are not alone as they face instability, fear, and unfamiliar 
surroundings. Since 1994, the organization has continued to be the only 
local nonprofit of its kind that recruits, trains, and supports 
community volunteers to serve as court appointed advocates for abused 
and neglected foster children throughout Santa Cruz County. CASA of 
Santa Cruz County exists so that abused and neglected children in 
protective care have the chance to become successful adults.
  Thanks to the devoted advocates and the Santa Cruz CASA team, these 
children have a voice as they navigate a tumultuous system. CASA 
provides these children the compassion, clarity, and care they so 
desperately need. And it is because of CASA that these children and 
youth have the tools they need to go on to successful adulthoods.
  Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize this treasured 
community organization that has protected and advocated for countless 
foster children and youth. I thank all of those who have given their 
time and resources to help these children feel safe and succeed. I 
extend my gratitude to CASA Santa Cruz's Board of Directors, Board 
President Andrea Willy, Executive Director Lynne Petrovic, and its 
devoted network of advocates.

                          ____________________