By Chrissy Palmer

REXBURG — Want to make a difference but are unsure where to look? Well, picture this:

Board games lay on the dining room table that had recently held a full meal. With full stomachs and smiles spreading across the faces of parents and children, a happy, warm night is shared between a family. 

A night that should be a common childhood experience, sadly, is as much a fantasy as Wonderland for some. For some children, a great night consists of merely surviving, having a portion of a meal, and avoiding abuse. 

The child’s immediate world is telling him he does not matter. We must prove to him that he does matter. We have to let children who live in such conditions know that someone cares for them, and that their life does not have to stay that way forever. 

Several organizations exist to do just that, one being CASA. CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocate, provides assistance to children by being a voice for the child in court cases. 

CASA volunteers are trained to advocate for children in difficult situations. They help provide the child with a support system and safety. According to the report in 2021, CASA programs in Idaho helped 2855 children or youth. 

To get involved, you can either volunteer or donate to the cause. For more information go to Idaho Falls CASA division’s website.

The report describes perfectly what a CASA volunteer does. “They advocated for the children/youth in the formal way they are trained, and they also did extraordinary human things on their behalf. They sat with them in times of pain. They laughed together. They played together. They connected. They advocated. They gave every child a chance.”