Important Message from CASA of Lane County's Board of Directors
Dear Friends and Partners of CASA,
The Board of Directors of CASA of Lane County wishes to share that Kendra Jones will be stepping down as Executive Director at the end of December 2025. Kendra has accepted the role of Executive Director of the Oregon Association of Relief Nurseries, where she will continue to support vulnerable children and families across Oregon and champion collaboration among organizations serving children statewide, including CASA programs.
Under Kendra’s leadership over the past four years, CASA of Lane County has grown stronger and more impactful. Some highlights include:
Increased support for children: Expanded the number of children served with a CASA and/or Academic Empowerment Advocate (AEA) to 480, with a goal of serving 650 children annually by 2029.
Volunteer engagement and support: Launched CASA Connects, providing volunteers a space to connect, share guidance, and build relationships.
Enhanced community partnerships: Strengthened collaborations with school districts through the Academic Empowerment Program and offered enrichment opportunities with organizations such as the CLF Network, InstaBallet, Back2Youth, MECCA, Every Child Lane County, and more.
Research and impact measurement: Partnered with the University of Oregon and Iowa State University to evaluate the AEA program and lay the groundwork for measuring CASA volunteer impact.
Business and multi-faith partnerships: Expanded support through the Deepening Our Roots Initiative and launched the Business and Faith Advocate Partnership programs to create sustainable pipelines for volunteer engagement and funding.
Financial growth and stability: Strengthened CASA’s financial foundation, expanding funding to support programmatic advancement, doubling capital reserves and increasing the operating reserve from $41,000 to over $600,000, ensuring long-term stability.
These achievements reflect the passion, dedication, and generosity of our board, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
Kendra shares:
"Serving as CASA of Lane County's Executive Director and as a CASA volunteer on my own personal case has been a deeply moving experience. CASA volunteers play a critical role in our child welfare and dependency court systems. Few volunteer opportunities impact a life, and, in particular, the life of a child, in ways that can change the trajectory and break cycles like the role of a CASA. The children aren’t the only ones transformed; serving in this volunteer capacity has had a profound and lasting impact on me and my husband, who serves alongside me as a Co-CASA. I want to extend my gratitude for the opportunity to work collaboratively with each of you to advance CASA’s vital mission."
The Executive Committee, together with the full Board, will lead the process to identify CASA’s next Executive Director. Kendra remains fully committed to ensuring a smooth and successful transition.
Please join us in thanking Kendra for her extraordinary leadership and celebrating the bright future ahead for CASA of Lane County. Our mission and programs remain strong, and our commitment to children in Lane County is unwavering.
With appreciation,
Karissa Hibbard
Chair, Board of Directors
CASA of Lane County
