Get Involved

Becoming a part of CASA means becoming a part of an organization dedicated to helping children within the community. You're invited to get involved!

Volunteer

We love volunteers.  We see great things happen when over 400 people come around us every year to help.

Academic Coach

General Information

CASA volunteers are paired with and commit to coaching, mentoring and tutoring at least one elementary child from the greater Holland area for an entire semester at a time. CASA volunteers commit to attending two sessions each week, each session lasting two hours, for a total of four hours per week beginning early October through early December for the fall and early February to late April in the Spring. CASA is not in session when Holland Public Schools cancels classes or when Hope College is on break. 

Dates, Times, and Location
CASA consists of two groups: 

• Orange Group: Monday and Wednesday
  Times: Mondays from 3:30–5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3–5 p.m. (note the half hour shift).
• Blue Group: Tuesday and Thursday
  Times: Both days from 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Program location: Dimnent Memorial Chapel Basement (Rooms 10, 11, 12 and 14)

CASA Library & Offices: Graves Hall Basement (Rooms 036, 037 and 040)

REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS

1. Application
   
   
2. Orientation & Training
   There are two days of training, all of which count as part of volunteer hours if you are fulfilling a class requirement. All applicants are expected to attend both days. Prior arrangements need to be made with the program coordinator/director if a volunteer will have a class schedule conflict with any of the training days.
   
   
   • Training Day One
     • Orange Group (Monday/Wednesday): Wednesday, January 22, 3:30–5 p.m.
     • Blue Group (Tuesday/Thursday): Thursday, January 23, 3:30–5 p.m.
     • Location: Dimnent Memorial Chapel Basement, Room 11
   • Training Day Two
     • Both Groups: 3:30–5 p.m.
       (part two of training is provided by the Children's Advocacy Center).
     • Location: Bultman 010
     • Please note this training includes discussions on child abuse, sexual abuse, signs to look for and how to report it.
3. Attendance: Coaches/volunteers are expected to attend all sessions the entire semester. Any schedule conflicts need to be discussed with program coordinator. Program coordinator must be notified of any absences due to sickness/illness or family emergencies as soon as possible so we can make arrangements for children. 

Questions? Please email CASA at casa@hope.edu

CASA Office: Graves Hall Basement, Room 040

Apply Now to Be an Academic Coach!

Organize Special Activities and Events

Interact with students

What are the meaningful, interactive opportunities for elementary school students?

These can take the form of:

• Wellness activities
• Science projects
• Holiday parties
• Arts and crafts
• Sometimes just plain, simple games are a great addition to our sessions

Please contact us at casa@hope.edu if you or your group would like to plan one of these opportunities.

Work behind the scenes

For those who like to work behind the scenes, events can take the form of:

• Helping to equip our students with books, homework supplies or backpacks
• Adding to our enrichment supplies with educational games and materials
• Benefit fundraisers that boost the services we offer
• Family events that build relationships and celebrate our students’ accomplishments

Volunteer at Summer CASA

Apply to become a summer volunteer

Addendum for volunteer applicants under the age of 18

Become a Donor

Give online today!

“CASA is great because we get to read and play games! Every Tuesday and Thursday I can't wait to come to CASA after school. My reading has improved a lot since I came to CASA.”
—Jactavius, 2nd grade