Assemblymember Kristin Olsen, of Riverbank, recently honored Court Appointed Special Advocates, Stanislaus County as Nonprofit of the Year for the 12th Assembly District during a celebration of California Nonprofits Day at the State Capitol. California Nonprofits Day was formally proclaimed by the State Legislature through passage of ACR 192, a bill that Olsen co-authored. Olsen represents Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon in the 12th Assembly District.

CASA of Stanislaus County is a team of over 60 volunteers trained and supervised by the CASA staff and overseen by the CASA Board of Directors. Since 2002, they have continued to serve hundreds of abused, abandoned, and neglected Stanislaus County children each year giving them a voice and hope for a brighter future. They are a passionate community organization that provides every child received through the court system with personalized advocacy and support.

“There is no work more rewarding than ensuring that children have the tools and support they need to succeed in school and in life,” said Olsen “CASA provides a guiding light to children who need it the most, and I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize their work today.”

“We are humbled by this recognition of our program,” said Steve Ashman, Executive Director of CASA Stanislaus. “We are especially thrilled that Assemblymember Olsen, who has been a long-time champion for our program, sees the value in serving those children who are our most vulnerable.”

The honor was presented in a June 22 ceremony.

“Nonprofit organizations are vitally important to the economy and well-being of California. But too often nonprofits are hidden in plain sight,” said Jan Masaoka, CEO of California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). “We are thrilled that the State Assembly has passed a resolution putting the spotlight on nonprofits as an economic power that uses that power for the common good, and congratulate CASA Stanislaus for their recognition today.”