CASA is one of the many outstanding programs at MHA where our Advocates are trained volunteers who work alongside other local professionals to provide a non-biased approach towards advancing the wellbeing of the children and families within our community. Our Advocates are sworn in by the Family Court Judges to provide factual reports and attend court proceedings to further their ability to advocate for those we serve. MHA CASA is dedicated to ensuring that the community has access to the support needed to achieve a permanent and loving home for all children and guardians involved. Since the establishment of CASA of Dutchess County, we have bared witness to the adversities our youth face when being involved with the child welfare system. Without the continued support of our generous donors, our program would not have the tools to make the difference we have been for the last 22 years.

Our program has expanded to become part of the North Side Collaborative Coalition for the Pershing Avenue Garden. Our current mission was inspired by the late Dr. Ellen Lynn Hall;

“Ellen Lynn Hall was the founder and Director of Boulder Journey School, (BJS), in Boulder, CO. BJS is an early learning center and master's level teacher program that is respected worldwide for its innovative pedagogy. Ellen's book, 'Seen and Heard: Children's Rights in Early Childhood Education' reflects her view that all children have the right to be heard, and taken seriously, in their families, schools and communities. She was a tireless international advocate for children's rights.” - Dexter Lane 

Our goal is to develop MHA CASA at Ellen’s Place & Outdoor Classroom where we can serve 300+ youth and their families by utilizing the space as a safe and welcoming area that focuses on fine tuning the key development skills children need from infant-youth to early adolescence. We write to you today to share with you some new opportunities for local organizations to get involved. There are many ways you can support our efforts: CASA Wish List: By following the QR Code below, you can view the items our program needs and donate them directly to our program. As a donor^*, you will receive recognition on our “donor wall” in the form of a hand crafted “tree cookie” which will be permanently placed at Ellen’s Place on Pershing Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York to display our gratitude for your participation. We thank you very much in advance for your consideration and are looking forward to hear from you soon.