“Start With One” program helps one child at a time
Marigold Cafe & Bakery donated $5 for every yule log sold during the holidays.
In 2023, over 18,000 calls were made to the Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline from Colorado’s El Paso and Teller counties. Hundreds of these children ended up being removed from their homes for their own safety. In a 12-month period, approximately 800 children in the Pikes Peak Region need a CASA volunteer to advocate for the b est interest during their time in the court system.
The numbers are staggering, and for some it seems impossible to help 800 children.
But what if you could help one child… one child who, because of you can look ahead to a brighter future? What if 800 individuals or businesses helped just one child? Then certainly, we could start with one and change the world.
This is the premise of CASA’s “Start With One” Program.
Last year, 14 local businesses became CASA “Start With One” Partners and committed to raising $1,200, which is the cost to provide a single child with a CASA volunteer advocate for one year.
Businesses like Marigold Café & Bakery incorporate giving into their everyday transactions. During the holiday season, Marigold donated $5 to CASA for every Yule log they sold. It added up too, with the final check being cut to CASA for $1,500.
“It was an easy answer. To be able to provide to community and to bring joy to kids who probably don’t get the love and attention they deserve is just a blessing Marigold is privileged to take care of,” says Owner Gus Nehme.
First Company Theater (part of the First United Methodist Church) became a CASA “Start With One” partner last November.
There are many ways to be involved in “Start With One” and the possibilities certainly are not limited to restaurants. Last November, First Company Theater at the First United Methodist Church benefitted CASA through its production of Peter and the Star Catcher, and Kissing Camels Dentistry donated to CASA for every new patient acquired.
Other Start With One partners have included Stir Coffee and Cocktails, Parry’s Pizza, Bubba’s 33, Colorado Brewing Company, Cereberus & Seven’s Gate Brewery, the Self Love Dance Party, Jersey Mike’s, Colonel Mustard’s Sandwich Emporium, Stellina Pizza Café, Doherty High School Student Council Fashion Show, One Hope, and Vultures.
If YOUR business would be interested to raise at least $1,200 to help one child for a year, please consider being a CASA “Start With One” partner. Get started by contacting Fund Development Director Elizabeth Albo at elizabetha@casappr.org.