CASA of West Central Illinois’ Executive Director, Kelly Radeke, has been selected by the National CASA/GAL Association to serve on its Rural Leadership Council. The purpose of the Rural Leadership Council is to advise and partner with National CASA/GAL on policies, resources, and strategies that impact rural programs, bring a voice to National CASA/GAL’s work on developing a network-wide growth process and strategy, and to conceptualize and develop support systems, tools, and communications specific to the needs of rural programs.
“Over the past seven years, the leadership councils and National CASA/GAL have partnered in our efforts to strengthen and grow the CASA/GAL network, and most importantly, to generate better outcomes for the children we serve,’ said National CASA/GAL Chief Executive officer, Tara Perry. “We look forward to Kelly bringing her positive enthusiasm and support to our work and collaborating on the important efforts ahead.” Radeke will serve a two-year term with monthly meetings focused on the specific needs of rural programs.
Radeke joined CASA of West Central Illinois in April 2021. Prior to this, she spent over 18 years in nonprofit leadership. Radeke has her Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln College, and an Associates in Applied Science Degree in Business Administration and a Certificate in Accounting from Carl Sandburg College. Radeke’s extensive volunteer experience with the Galesburg Noon Lions Club, Galesburg Kiwanis Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Orpheum Theatre, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, Galesburg Business Network, Macomb Altrusa Club, Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Western Illinois Red Cross, and the United Way of Knox County helped her better understand the needs of the community and gain skills in collaboration and volunteer recruitment. Radeke was also chosen as Illinois CASA’s Staff Partner of the Year for 2023.
“It is an honor to have been invited to participate in the Rural Leadership Council. With over half of all CASA programs being rural based, it is important our specific needs are heard in the National CASA/GAL network,” said Radeke, Executive Director, CASA of West Central Illinois. “Our program serves over 175 children in foster care each year in our four-county service area with over 40 volunteers, with many more children waiting for a CASA volunteer. I look forward to sharing the work being done in Central Illinois and helping to make the entire CASA/GAL program stronger.” said Radeke.
The mission of CASA of West Central Illinois is to speak up for and support the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system. CASA is celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2024. CASA is always seeking new volunteers to help “Change a Child’s Story”! More information on how you can make a difference can be found at casaofwestcentralillinois.org.
***Courtesy of CASA of West Central Illinois***
