The Hastings Community Foundation is a valued partner in community problem solving! When donors give to the Community Grant Fund, their permanent gift can meet ever-changing community needs. One of the community groups that we often team up with is CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).
Hastings Community Foundation has been a tremendous support for CASA of South Central Nebraska. Thanks to generous financial support we have been able to help many abused and neglected children in our community.
The Hastings Community Foundation allowed us to renovate a room within the Adams County Courthouse that youth and their families can use while they are waiting to testify. Before the room, youth had to wait, sometimes for hours, before they were called to the witness stand. Anxiety would often take over and the children would melt down by acting out, crying, or refusing to talk. We purchased 2 chairs, a TV, posters for the walls, books, CD’s, a radio, colors and coloring books, and some board games, a PlayStation with several games and a cabinet to store everything in. Now, they have a safe and secluded spot where they can go, get their minds on something else and reduce some of their nervousness. As the director of CASA I can tell you from personal experience this room has helped many children and families struggling through a tough time. RuAnn Root
