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WHITE HALL - Community members can join a Family Fun Day while learning more about an organization that helps children experiencing abuse or neglect.
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From 12–3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at Whiteside Park in White Hall, Great Rivers CASA/GAL will host their first Family Fun Day complete with games, a bounce house, food, prizes and more fun. The goal is to raise awareness about Great Rivers CASA/GAL, an organization that provides support for families and kids affected by the foster care system.
“We try to serve our communities in the best way we can. We believe every child deserves a voice,” said Billy Springman, the marketing coordinator for Great Rivers CASA/GAL. “There’s always children coming in and out of the child welfare system, and those children need a voice.”
Great Rivers CASA/GAL trains court-appointed special advocates (CASAs) or guardians ad litem (GALs). These volunteers are appointed by a judge to work with children affected by the foster care system. The volunteers visit the child’s home and learn more about their experiences.
Springman noted that the aim is always reunification, but the most important goal is to make sure the child is safe and healthy. The CASA or GAL acts as “another set of eyes and ears for the court.” They make recommendations so the judge can decide where to place the child.
Springman explained that most kids come to Great Rivers CASA/GAL after the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) makes a report. These kids have typically experienced abuse or neglect. The CASA or GAL makes home visits and serves as a consistent presence in the child’s life to help the court determine the best course of action.
“It’s definitely an emotional job or position. The training you go through, they tell you what you’re going to see, what you’re going to hear,” Springman said. “To be an advocate is more so a calling. We really want to help these children.”
The Family Fun Day on Sept. 12 is a way to raise awareness about the organization’s work while providing a fun experience for families to enjoy. All families are invited to the event, and kids will enjoy the games, bounce house, face-painting and other free activities.
Great Rivers CASA/GAL serves Jersey, Greene and Calhoun Counties. Springman noted that they are always looking for volunteers and board members who are willing to help.
To volunteer, you must be 21 or older and have a clean background check. Volunteers go through a 30-hour training program and 10 hours of courtroom observation before they are sworn in by a judge and assigned a case.
Springman emphasized that volunteers are prepared and always have support as they work with kids. He believes that being a CASA or GAL is a powerful experience that can make a big difference for a child.
“It’s an awesome way to make the greatest impact on someone’s life. You can truly change the trajectory of a child’s life just by being their sole voice and someone who shows up consistently and is there for them when sometimes no one else is,” he added. “Just remember that while cases come and go, the impact you make on the lives of children stays forever. That’s important.”
For more information about the Family Fun Day, click here. To learn more about Great Rivers CASA/GAL, including how to get involved, check out their official website.
This featured article is sponsored by Great Rivers CASA/GAL. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
