CASA of South Central Nebraska adds space, services with new building

HASTINGS, Neb. — A new office is helping a Nebraska nonprofit to better serve kids in its area.

CASA of South Central Nebraska cut the ribbon on its new space in Hastings last week. It now occupies the former high school administration building. Executive Director RuAnn Root says her organization bought the building and paid for it in full.

“As a nonprofit, one of the most expensive things you can pay for is rent," Root said. "Now that we don’t have to pay rent, we can put that right back into providing additional services for kids.”

CASA stands for court appointed special advocate. Volunteers work with kids in foster care to make sure their voice is heard in the judicial system.

Now, the nonprofit has expanded its offerings because of its expanded space, including a community toy store filled with donations.

“We have three room-fulls of brand new toys that would love to see get in the hands of children that need them," Root said. "That was not a service that we could have done before.”

In total, CASA upgraded from 1,700 square feet to 8,300 square feet with the move. The organization used savings and funds from a capital campaign to pay for the building.

“We are who we are simply because of this community," Root said. "They have opened their hearts and their wallets to make sure the children that are abused and neglected in this county are well taken care of.”

CASA of South Central Nebraska is looking for more volunteers. There are more than 20 kids on a wait list for the program.