BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — CASA of New River will host “Meet the Candidates CASA Style” on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Beckley Art Center, 600 Johnstown Road, Beckley, West Virginia.
The community event will provide an opportunity for candidates seeking public office to engage in a conversation centered on issues affecting children, families, and the communities CASA of New River serves.
Unlike a traditional candidate forum, questions will come from individuals whose work and community involvement place them close to the everyday challenges facing local children and families. Teachers, social workers, community organizers, and advocates will pose questions to participating candidates, bringing perspectives from education, child welfare, family support, advocacy, and community life into the conversation.
“We wanted to create an event that moves beyond campaign talking points and creates space for meaningful conversation about the issues our children and families experience every day,” said Dr. Kristi W. Dumas, Executive Director of CASA of New River. “The people asking these questions understand those challenges firsthand. This gives candidates an opportunity to talk directly with the community about how the decisions made in public office can affect children and families.”
CASA of New River serves children who have experienced abuse and neglect by recruiting, training, and supporting Court Appointed Special Advocates who advocate for children’s best interests throughout court proceedings. Through that work, CASA also sees the broader systems that affect children and families, including education, behavioral health, substance use, family stability, access to services, and community resources.
Meet the Candidates CASA Style is a nonpartisan community engagement event. CASA of New River does not endorse or oppose candidates for public office. The purpose of the event is to encourage informed civic engagement and provide a forum in which candidates can address issues relevant to children, families, and the broader community.
Community members are encouraged to attend and hear directly from participating candidates.
EVENT DETAILS
Meet the Candidates CASA Style
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Beckley Art Center
600 Johnstown Road
Beckley, WV
Questions will be presented by teachers, social workers, a community organizer, and advocates.
To RSVP or for additional information, contact Jennifer Joseph at 304-278-3338 ext. 104 or [email protected].
About CASA of New River
CASA of New River provides court-appointed advocacy for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. CASA recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of children involved in the child welfare and court systems. Through consistent advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement, CASA of New River works to ensure that children are heard, supported, and connected to the resources they need to move toward safe and permanent homes.
