To the editor:
What do tattoos, permanent jewelry, pancakes, coffee, and advocating for children have in common? They’re all coming together for the third annual Tats & Chats with CASA!
On October 3, CASA of Athens County will once again bring our community together for a fun-filled day at Remedy 22 Salon. Local businesses and artists are donating their time and talents to support CASA, including fine-line tattoo artists Sweet Pea Ink and Amy Scott Artistry, permanent jewelry from Oasis Nails & Salon, mini pancakes from Mini Stack Shack, and coffee generously donated by Donkey Coffee. Guests can purchase a ticket and reserve a 20-minute tattoo appointment, add a little permanent jewelry, enjoy some food and coffee, and—most importantly—learn more about CASA and how they can become involved.
While Tats & Chats is meant to be fun, the reason behind the event is incredibly important.
CASA volunteers serve as a consistent voice for children who have experienced abuse or neglect and have become involved with the court system. These children are facing circumstances that no child should have to face, and they deserve someone who will listen to them, learn about their needs, and make sure their best interests do not get lost in the system.
That someone can be you.
Our CASA program needs more volunteers from our community. You don’t need to be a lawyer, social worker, or child welfare expert. You simply need to care about children and be willing to show up for them. CASA volunteers receive training and support as they advocate for the needs of a child and help ensure that the child’s voice is heard.
Sometimes making a difference doesn’t look like what we expect. Sometimes it looks like sitting in a courtroom. Sometimes it means visiting a child, listening to what they have to say, or making sure an important need doesn’t go unnoticed. And sometimes, it looks like getting a tiny tattoo while having a conversation about how you can help change a child’s life.
We hope you’ll join us on October 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Remedy 22 Salon. Come get some ink, add a little sparkle, grab a pancake and coffee, and leave knowing that your support is helping give local children a voice.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you could be a CASA volunteer, consider this your invitation to start a conversation. For a child going through one of the hardest chapters of their life, having one consistent adult in their corner can make all the difference.
Come for the tattoo. Stay for the conversation. Become the voice.
Carly Ferguson