CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline, Inc. has been a part of this amazing community since 2009. CASA which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates is a nonprofit organization that strives to improve the lives of children by being a voice for abused and neglected children in St. Landry and Evangeline Parishes.
The organization which has occupied their current location at 421 N. Main Street in Opelousas for over 10 years is needing to relocate.
“Our current location will be sold very soon. This means we have a short timeframe to relocate. Our landlord has certainly been gracious to us. He is just interested in selling. At the moment, we can only rent or have in-kind rent -someone let us occupy a building at no cost.“
CASA is unable to purchase a building with federal dollars (a mandate). Bellevue Street Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Joel Greene Jr. and with assistance of Deacon Martin McLendon, have agreed to let the organization occupy a location- a cottage style historical house at 346 W. Bellevue Street.
An agreement was made to allow occupancy with the understanding of repairing and getting the building up to par prior to occupying it. The church has been making renovations, but with the help of the community the repairs can be made quicker to occupy the building before September 30th. Repairs consist of, but are not limited to, flooring, painting, plumbing, having a ramp outside, etc.
The building is close to the 27th Judicial District Court, where majority of child welfare cases are located. In order to continue serving the community CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline is reaching out for assistance.
“Unfortunately, we do not have the financial resources to make the necessary repairs. We reached out to State Representative Dustin Miller, Parish President Jessie Bellard, and Sheriff Bobby Guidroz for guidance and support with this big project. Graciously, all have agreed to help. Even with their generosity, we are still in need of financial support to see us through this upcoming move.”
There is a deadline for repairs to be made before September 30th.
This is where CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline, Inc. needs the community’s support. Madelyn Rosette has organized a fundraising project to help raise the necessary funds to complete repairs.
“When it comes to serving children, I will continue to advocate with every breath in my body” Madelyn stated. “Please help us keep CASA in St. Landry.”
If you have a skill that would help with this process or would like to make a donation, please contact the organization at 337-948-3550
A GoFundMe has been launched for donations. The link can be found below. Additional payment methods that are being accepted include CashApp ($CASAofSLE), PayPal, and Donorbox. Any donation amount would be appreciated!
“HELP US TO KEEP CASA OF ST. LANDRY-EVANGELINE, INC. IN ST. LANDRY PARISH”
For more information on how you can help, please do not hesitate to reach out at 337-948-3550! Clarence Lee Lazard
About CASA of St. Landry-Evangeline, Inc.
The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of St. Landry Parish speaks for abused and neglected children in the juvenile dependency process through the use of highly trained competent volunteers.
CASA volunteers help to secure safe and permanent homes for abused and neglected children by investigating and monitoring cases involving children in foster care.
