CASA Cherokee, Program of The Children’s Haven, Inc., Receives Established Program Award of Excellence from Georgia CASA
CASA Cherokee has received the 2025 Established Program Award of Excellence from Georgia CASA. The award was officially received at the Georgia CASA Conference in Atlanta on August 23rd. Marcie Smith, Executive Director of The Children’s Haven, shared, “It’s an honor for CASA Cherokee to receive state-wide recognition as the 2025 Established Affiliate of the Year. I’m so proud of our dedicated CASA team members and our incredible CASA volunteers. Our program has grown with the core mission of providing quality advocacy services for every child experiencing the foster care system. Our volunteers and our staff members are making real impacts in the lives of children every single day. We’re grateful to our community for the partnerships and support that make this work possible.”
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA Cherokee was established in 1993 with just 13 volunteers and is the flagship program of The Children’s Haven in Canton. In its 30 years, CASA Cherokee has served nearly 3,000 children in foster care with the help of over 800 dedicated CASA volunteers—who together have driven more than a million miles on behalf of the children they serve.
Today, CASA Cherokee operates with 163 active volunteers, who served 345 children in fiscal year 2024, representing 72% of the children in foster care in Cherokee County. The team recently played a key role in launching Cherokee County’s first Family Treatment Court, where every child has a CASA volunteer. CASA Cherokee also continues to grow. The CASA Cherokee team trained 37 new CASA volunteers in fiscal year 2024 and expanded outreach efforts through fun and innovative recruitment events.
CASA Cherokee’s commitment to volunteer support and retention is evident in its long-standing community of advocates; 35% have served for more than five years. Engagement efforts include a Book Club, quarterly “Taco ‘Bout It” peer discussions, and an upcoming “Teen Talk” initiative to better serve older youth. CASA volunteers also play a central role in organizational fundraising and strategic efforts, including the annual Adult Prom. Julie Carter, Advocacy Director of CASA Cherokee, states, “We are honored to be recognized but more importantly humbled by the amazing work that our CASAs do every day. Each child is worth fighting for, every family important. Our court expects us to do fine work and the CASAs who serve Cherokee County rise to that occasion every day. Thank you to our very dedicated volunteers and a staff who work tirelessly supporting them. The children of Cherokee County deserve the best and it is our goal to deliver that level of advocacy.”
Known for its strong community partnerships, exceptional staff, and financial transparency, CASA Cherokee is deeply embedded in Cherokee County’s child welfare system. Jennifer King, Executive Director of Georgia CASA, states that, “For over three decades, CASA Cherokee has stood the test of time and continues to grow stronger each year. Now as the flagship program of The Children’s Haven, their commitment to excellence, innovation, and unwavering advocacy for children is felt across every aspect of advocacy and collaboration. It’s an honor to recognize their legacy and leadership.”
CASA Advocates are always needed. Volunteers are everyday citizens who offer individualized attention and best-interest advocacy for children in foster care. The CASA organization is the only model of this kind, built around one child and one compassionate, highly trained adult advocate. For more information about CASA Cherokee and The Children’s Haven, visit http://www.cherokeechildrenshaven.org.
