Council Member Sydney Harrison Supports CASA Volunteers

When the pandemic struck, volunteers throughout Prince George’s County sprung into action to make sure that children in foster care were safe.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County’s more than 100 trained volunteers are appointed by the Prince George’s County Juvenile Court to provide best interest advocacy for children in foster care due to abuse and neglect. Knowing these vulnerable youth have already experienced so much trauma and upheaval; CASA staff and volunteers knew
it was essential to pivot quickly to serve as a source of stability.

Most CASA volunteers grew up before the advent of the internet, yet quickly became experts in video chatting and got very creative in their approaches to staying connected with their assigned kids and the relevant adults in their lives.

“Our volunteers are truly heroes,” says Executive Director Ann Marie Binsner. “Like all of us, they had to figure out where they could buy toilet paper and face masks, adjust to working from home or caring for sick relatives. But at the same time, they were also helping kids in foster care figure out distance learning, sourcing virtual therapy, making sure kids had enough to eat and calming the nerves of frazzled foster families.”

Council Member Sydney Harrison, District 9, knows from personal experience that kids in foster care have experienced a lot of trauma in their young lives. That is why he wanted to find a way to thank and honor CASA volunteers for protecting the best interests of children in foster care and for being a source of stability amidst a terrifying pandemic.

“I was that kid in foster care. I know what it’s like. That’s why my hat goes off to these incredible volunteers. They’re changing lives and we need more people, like them, to help children living in
foster care in our County,” says Council Member Harrison.

Council Member Harrison stepped up to sponsor a volunteer appreciation effort, which in turn led to a great partnership between one of Prince George’s County’s prominent nonprofits and a local minority-owned business that knows a thing or two about supporting the community.

In A Minute Cafe, which not only held a rare successful launch during the pandemic but has already expanded as a result of early success, is co-owned by Chef Steven Wilson who is a long-time community leader and supporter.

“I am committed to bringing not only delicious food to our community but also jobs to residents in Prince George’s County,” says Chef Wilson. He also believes in constantly giving back. In a Minute Cafe initiated an effective outreach program committed to helping those that have
been affected by Covid-19. In September they provided dinners and backpacks to over 100 families. The first Wednesday of every month, senior residents eat free at In A Minute Cafe. This month they are providing Free Chili Dinners to local Firemen. In December they’ll extend that same gratitude to the nurses at local Prince George’s County hospitals.

Says Chef Wilson of CASA, “I have known about CASA for a long time but really got invested in their mission after an event I hosted for them where they showed a video about what happens with kids who transition out of foster care to adulthood. I was just amazed and realized how important CASA’s work is for our community.”

Through the sponsorship from Council Member Harrison, CASA was able to purchase gift certificates to In a Minute Café to send to their volunteers as a token of gratitude for their amazing
dedication and the countless hours they have put into helping kids in foster care get through the chaos and stress of a pandemic.

Thanks to Council Member Harrison, the volunteers will not only be able to pick up a meal for themselves and their foster youth but will be honored with a Proclamation and Certificate of Appreciation.

“It is my honor to be able to support these incredible CASA heroes,” concludes Council Member Harrison.