Photo session proceeds benefit CASA....read to the end to learn more!

Our work over the years has afforded us the blessing of meeting so many amazing people in Kentucky. They care deeply about the communities they serve. Take CASA, for example. CASA, which stands for “court appointed special advocate,” is one of our favorite local organizations because of the meaningful ways they support the overwhelmed foster care systems in Kentucky. They help children every single day. 

“The Courier Journal recently reported that for the third year in a row, Kentucky has the worst rate of child mistreatment in the nation,” Ben Kleppinger, their Community Engagement Coordinator, explained the crisis and where CASA seeks to intervene. “We had just over 20 cases of child abuse and neglect per 100,000 children in 2020. More than 1,200 children in our four counties were affected by abuse or neglect in 2020 — and those are just the children we know about because the abuse or neglect was detected and substantiated.”

In response, CASA organizes trained volunteers to partner with these kids in the foster system.

“In 2020, CASA of Lexington had more than 200 CASA volunteers, who advocated for the best interests of 583 abused or neglected children. Because cases last on average 18-24 months, there may be 2,000-3,000 children who are involved in the family court systems served by CASA of Lexington on any given day. CASA volunteers are usually assigned to the worst or most complicated cases, where the judge really wants an additional set of eyes to help evaluate,” Kleppinger explained the great need, and how CASA has become an essential part of meeting it.

CASA advocates, unlike lawyers or social workers, focus specifically on the needs of the child. They work through the family court system to place a consistent advocate in the life of the child, regardless of what other figures may change in their lives.

Pictured is the pre-pandemic Bourbon & The Bayou Gala, CASA's primary fundraising event for the year. With the 2021 Gala canceled, CASA needs your support!

We’ll be looking forward to their fall 5K (to be announced soon), but in the meantime, please find a way to get involved - anything from donating, participating in the auction or signing up to volunteer is beneficial! Kleppinger urged, “There are hundreds more children in our local communities who could have benefited from a CASA volunteer in 2020; and there will likely be even more in 2021.”

Because we care about this cause, for the first two people who book a one-hour portrait session* with us and mention this email, 100% of the profits will go to CASA! Email [email protected] to book! Or, ask us how to get involved in volunteering or donating other goods and services, and we will be thrilled to put you in touch with CASA.

*A one-hour session in Central Kentucky, only - either family or headshots - is $275. Includes 10 retouched high resolution digital images with print release. Prints not included.