Philanthropy
National CASA/GAL
For more than 35 years, the national philanthropy of Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation has been National Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians ad Litem (CASA/GAL) for Children. National CASA/GAL was created by a juvenile court judge in 1977 to ensure that the abuse and neglect suffered by some children at home does not continue as abuse and neglect at the hands of the judicial system.
Today, National CASA/GAL is one of the fastest-growing community service projects in the country. CASA/GAL volunteers are ordinary citizens recruited from the community and trained to speak for abused and neglected children in court. They are provided with resources to research a case by interviewing parents, foster parents, family members, teachers, doctors, and the child involved. Volunteers then appear in court with attorneys and social workers to recommend to the judge what is best for the child’s future, thus becoming the child’s voice in court.
Both college and alumnae chapters host events throughout the year to support their state and local CASA/GAL organizations. In addition, Theta Foundation funds a yearly grant to National CASA/GAL, providing for the development of a public campaign, promotional materials, and the annual Kappa Alpha Theta Program Director of the Year Award.
CASA in Columbia
Local CASA/GAL programs are known by many names and are often referred to as Child Advocates, Guardians ad Litem, and/or CASA. Zeta Kappa Chapter at USC will support Richland County CASA.
Learn More About Richland County CASA“Because of CASA’s hard work and love, I have my home back, and without a doubt it’s because of CASA that I can stand tall as the woman I’ve become.”
Lauren Smith
Gamma Omega/Auburn charter member and former CASA child
"Whether through fundraising or volunteering, every member of Kappa Alpha Theta contributes to supporting children in foster care in some way."
Katie McAuliffe
Theta Nu/Georgia Tech
"Learning about Theta's commitment to CASA/GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians ad Litem) during recruitment solidified my decision that Theta was where I belonged."
Bella Rogers
Beta Nu/Florida State
The Friendship Fund
Another way Theta spreads the widest influence for good is through the Friendship Fund. The Fund serves as a tangible expression of Theta’s love and concern for her sisters experiencing severe financial distress, catastrophic illness, natural disaster, or urgent family crisis. Any Theta is eligible to receive a gift from the Friendship Fund with no expectation of repayment. Most recently, the Friendship Fund has helped members in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Southern California fires.
