Thursday night a wine and cheese social was held at the home of Ryan and Janell Cleveland to benefit CASA of Southwest Georgia.

Janell has been involved in CASA for two years and serves as treasurer on the board. Janell and the board had looked a variety of different ways to raise money for CASA and she thought a wine and cheese social was a great way to raise money and increase community awareness.

Janell has a special connection to CASA. All three of her children were adopted and she feels she has a duty to be involved in the foster care system. She wants to make sure every child in foster care has a voice and an advocate to speak on their behalf.

Janell said they feel very fortunate to the community for the support they have given the cause. While the community has given great support, Janell said CASA has a dire need for volunteers.

Volunteers are trained advocates appointed by a judge to speak up for the best interests of children in foster care- both in and out of the courtroom. Volunteers are required to undergo some training, but Janell said it is minimal and the joy volunteers feel by changing a child’s life is well worth it.

Foster children who have a CASA volunteer are twice as likely to find a safe, permanent home.

Janell invites anyone who may be interested to visit gacasa.org or contact her directly.

She said she hopes Thursday night’s success will provide for future charity opportunities so other people can come out and learn about what CASA does.

The event was made possible by hosts: Lee and Lane Bush, Niki and Darrell Cox, Randee Eubanks, Lauren and Mark Harrell, Leslie and Mike Harrell, Kelly Higgins, Joy and Steve Key, Alle and Joey Lee, Erica and Todd Martin, Megan and Rob McRae, Tish and Matt Palmer and Susan and Ronnie Burke.