A thoughtful strategic plan includes the ideas and perspectives of Board, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders. It was a privilege to facilitate a strategic planning retreat with the fantastic team from CASA of the Lincoln Trail this past weekend. CASA of the Lincoln Trail provides trained community volunteers to speak for children in court who are victims of dependency, neglect, and/or abuse. If you want to make a difference in the life of a child, consider becoming a CASA volunteer!
The cornerstone of an effective strategic plan is a vision that is graphic, inspiring, and attainable. CASA programs and volunteers help change the story for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. It was my privilege to facilitate a strategic planning retreat with the leaders of CASA of the Northern Bluegrass last week.
As a facilitator, one of the most rewarding experiences is spending time with a Board that asks “How can I best serve the mission and support the team?” I was honored to spend the day with the Board and leaders of CASA by the Lakes for their strategic planning retreat. CASA by the Lakes envisions a community where every abused and neglected child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and loving home.
It is magical when talented, passionate, and engaged leaders who are committed to the mission gather to plan for the future. Had a wonderful time facilitating a strategic planning retreat with the team from CASA of the Ohio Valley. These amazing leaders and volunteers advocate for abused, neglected, or dependent children within the Family Court systems of Daviess, McLean, Hancock, and Ohio Counties.
CASA of the Bluegrass recruits and trains Court-Appointed Special Advocates so every child who has experienced abuse, neglect, or dependency can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive. I had a great time this past Saturday facilitating a Board retreat with the leaders of this amazing organization!
Healthy nonprofits are built on strong foundations. Two critical components of a strong foundation are an informed, engaged Board of Directors and a compelling vision for the organization supported by actionable goals and strategies.
I am thrilled to announce an innovative partnership between NTC and Kentucky CASA Network (KCN) to develop dynamic Boards and actionable strategic plans with CASA programs across the State of Kentucky. With support from KCN, over the next 12-18 months NTC will have the opportunity to work with CASA programs across the State -- facilitating Board retreats and strategic plannings projects. Our vision is to amplify the great work being done in these programs by providing resources to elevate Board governance and develop actionable goals and strategies.
“The KCN recognizes that in order to deliver high quality advocacy services to abused and neglected children, we must build and sustain highly effective CASA programs across the Commonwealth. This all starts with strong board governance to provide this critical infrastructure and support. We are excited to work with NTC to further enhance our work as we move towards the vision of every child in Kentucky having access to a CASA volunteer.”
Andrea Bruns - CEO, Kentucky CASA Network
The Kentucky CASA Network provides ongoing development, training, technical assistance, and resources to local CASA programs across the Commonwealth. Currently, the Kentucky CASA Network is an association of 21 local programs, covering 92 Kentucky counties, which served 3,538 abused and neglected children in 2022. The KCN also advocates for the needs of CASA programs with industry stakeholders in the Capitol and throughout the state. The CASA programs in Kentucky are part of a larger national network.
Had a great time facilitating a strategic planning retreat this weekend with the Board and leaders of Tri-County CASA. Tri-County CASA trains volunteers to advocate for abused, neglected, or dependent children to help them find safe, permanent and loving homes.
16,721 Kentucky children were involved in court cases of abuse, neglect, and dependency in 2022. CASA volunteers are community members, just like you, who stand up and speak out to help abused and neglected children. This week, I was honored to speak and lead two sessions at the Kentucky CASA Network Annual Conference. I remain inspired by the talent, passion, and commitment of CASA leaders, volunteers, and Board members in Kentucky and across the country.
Honored to spend time last week facilitating a strategic planning retreat with the talented and committed Board members of CASA of Lexington. Their vision is a community where every child lives and thrives in a safe, caring and permanent home. They are getting there one child at a time!
A thoughtful strategic plan informs the direction of the organization, generates heightened ownership of the mission, and inspires staff, board, and the community to envision bold possibilities. Honored to facilitate a strategic planning retreat with the incredible team from Kentucky CASA Network. Court Appointed Special Advocate® (CASA) volunteers are community members, just like you, who stand up and speak out to help abused and neglected children. The Kentucky CASA Network is committed to providing resources, technical assistance, and advocacy for the local CASA programs across Kentucky.
I have had the privilege of working with many Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs across the country. This weekend, I had the honor of facilitating a Board retreat with the amazing team of CASA of Lincoln Trail. CASA supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. If you want to make a difference in the life of a child, consider volunteering for your local CASA program!
Honored to spend time last week facilitating a retreat for the talented and committed Board members of CASA of Lexington. Their vision is a community where every child lives and thrives in a safe, caring and permanent home. They are getting there one child at a time!
Had a great time yesterday facilitating the strategic planning retreat with the outstanding team from Kentucky CASA Network (KCN). KCN provides ongoing development, training, technical assistance, and resources to local CASA programs across Kentucky. CASA volunteers are community-based and are appointed by judges to serve in child abuse and neglect cases. Once assigned to a child, the volunteer researches the child's case, reviews documents, interviews relevant people, and makes a report to the court as to what is in the best interest of the child, in terms of services, placement, visitation, reunification, and permanency. You can get involved and make a difference in the life of a child. To learn more and explore volunteering visit Kentucky CASA Network or your state’s CASA web site.
Enjoyed a fantastic day facilitating a Board retreat with the leaders of CASA of Lexington. CASA of Lexington’s trained and supervised volunteers advocate through the family court system to ensure all victims of child abuse and neglect are safe and thrive in a permanent home. If you are looking to make a difference in the life of a child, please consider volunteering with your local CASA program!
Congratulations to the Board and staff of CASA of Graves County and Southwest KY on the approval of their exciting new strategic plan! It has been an honor to facilitate the strategic planning process for this organization that impacts the lives of so many children and families. CASA of Graves County & Southwest KY provides trained community volunteers for court appointment to advocate on behalf of dependent, abused, and neglected children.
Strategic planning presents an opportunity for nonprofits to systematically assess the landscape, enthusiastically engage their stakeholders, and thoughtfully plan for the future. Nielsen Training & Consulting is proud to be facilitating the strategic planning process with the talented team of CASA of Graves County & Southwest Kentucky. The mission of CASA is to provide trained community volunteers for court appointment to advocate on behalf of dependent, abused, and neglected children. Thoroughly enjoyed facilitating the Board strategy retreat as part of our process this past weekend!
Thoroughly enjoyed spending yesterday with the Board of Directors of CASA of Northeast Kentucky leading our Board Champions workshop. CASA of Northeast Kentucky recruits, screens, trains, supervises, and supports community volunteers who advocate for children who are removed from their homes due to substantiated child abuse and neglect. If you want to make a difference in the life of as child in your community, look into becoming a volunteer for your local CASA program!
Effective strategy development requires thoughtful planning, an understanding of your nonprofit’s landscape, and a process for Board and leadership to make critical and effective decisions. I was honored to facilitate the strategic planning retreat this week for CASA of Lexington. CASA of Lexington’s trained and supervised volunteers advocate through the family court system to ensure all victims of child abuse and neglect are provided a safe and permanent home. So grateful for the vital work of CASA to benefit children and families!
Board Chairs and CEOs may come from different backgrounds almost assuredly reflecting different life experiences, but together they hold the promise of what an organization can become and the impact it can have on the lives of those served. Honored to facilitate a series of workshops with the Executive Directors and Board Chairs of CASA programs from across Kentucky entitled “Pivotal Partners: Board Chair-Executive Director Partnership to Propel Your Mission.” With Executive Directors and their Board Chairs attending as a team, this engaging and interactive program featured critical discussions focused on developing the habits, practices, and relationships necessary to propel the organization’s mission forward. Special thanks to Kentucky CASA Network for sponsoring the workshop and bringing these outstanding leaders together!
Fostering and embracing ongoing conversation about strategy is vital for healthy nonprofits. Honored to facilitate a staff strategy retreat this week for the amazing leaders of CASA of Lexington. CASA of Lexington’s trained and supervised volunteers advocate through the family court system to ensure all victims of child abuse and neglect are safe and thrive in a permanent home. Whether you are in one of the counties they serve or elsewhere around the country, I highly encourage all to consider serving as a CASA volunteer!