CASA cuts ribbon on new HQ

Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri officially has a new headquarters.

Nonprofit officials hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning for the 627 N. Glenstone Ave. campus, according to a news release.

"Over the past five years, CASA has tripled in size and is now serving over 400 foster children in our community," officials said in the release. "Unfortunately, current previous office space maxed out and did not allow additional staff to serve more foster children."

The campus includes a CASA Kids’ Clubhouse, a "first-of-its-kind" safe space for children, officials say.

CASA last year unveiled a multimillion-dollar capital campaign for the new headquarters, according to past reporting. CASA purchased a property previously owned by Council of Churches of the Ozarks Inc. at Glenstone Avenue and Chestnut Expressway. CCO vacated the building and moved into its new $8 million consolidated headquarters earlier this year.

CASA's new headquarters has the space for 20 staff members who recruit, train and support volunteers who work to protect the interests of abused and neglected children involved in court proceedings, according to the release.

CASA most recently operated in leased space at the National Avenue Office Park.