MANSFIELD — Megan Ward, a CASA volunteer sworn in last November, has been selected Ohio CASA’s 2025 Rising Star Volunteer of the Year for representing the best interest of more than half a dozen children.
A record number of CASA volunteers, attorneys, and child advocates attended Ohio CASA’s 30th annual Celebrate Kids! Conference in late September, where Ward was honored.
“I am very honored and humbled to win this award,” Ward said. “CASA work is essential because children are some of the most important and vulnerable people in our communities, and they need someone to speak up for them.
“I hope this encourages others to give back.”
Ward was nominated by the Richland County Juvenile Court CASA program. Director Brooke Henwood says Ward is making a major difference in the lives of children.
“Megan’s done an amazing job in less than a year,” Henwood said. “She does a fabulous job of building a rapport and relationship with them, so they can tell her what’s really going on in their lives and help them figure out some plans for their own futures as well.”
Henwood notes that Ward’s dedication was already on display during her first case.
“Megan thoroughly investigated the case and worked through the facts,” Henwood said.
Ward’s work has also caught the attention of Richland County Juvenile Court Magistrate Sheryl Groff.
“I have been exceedingly impressed by Megan,” Groff said. “I’ve observed in court how she’s developed a wonderful rapport with the children and genuinely takes their wishes into consideration when making her determination as to what she feels is in their best interest.”
Ward says there are plenty of volunteers doing the same important work she’s doing and encourages others to get involved with CASA.
“If you have the time and the energy, you could really make a big impact,” Ward said. “You can make them feel heard for maybe the first time in their life.”
CASA volunteers are community members who undergo rigorous training to advocate for a child experiencing abuse and neglect in court. They are serving an average of 6,000 children per month across Ohio in 2025.
The Richland County Juvenile Court CASA program holds training each spring and fall. Fall classes start this Thursday. For those interested, please call Director Brooke Henwood at 419-774-5827.
Richland County Juvenile Court CASA Program
The Richland County Juvenile Court CASA program began in 1998 to serve the unique needs of abused and neglected children in the community.
The program recruits, trains, and supports CASA volunteers who are dedicated to providing children with safe, stable, and permanent homes.
To learn more, volunteer or support their work, visit the Richland County Juvenile Court CASA website.
About Ohio CASA
The Ohio CASA/GAL Association is a nonprofit organization supporting a network of local CASA programs serving 61 counties. CASA volunteers are trained community members who advocate in court for children experiencing abuse and neglect.
Learn more at OhioCASA.org.