Louisiana CASA

Each week, we’re spotlighting one of our 2026 Awards of Excellence winners, remarkable individuals whose dedication is changing lives across Louisiana.

This week, we proudly celebrate our Advocate of the Year: James Barse of CASA Jefferson, Inc. ❤💙

For more than 15 years, James has been a steadfast advocate for children in foster care, serving with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to every child entrusted to his care.

One of his most impactful cases involved a medically fragile child who spent more than two years hospitalized while awaiting an appropriate foster placement. Throughout that time, James remained a constant presence, visiting weekly, checking in regularly, and ensuring the child's needs were never overlooked.

As CASA Jefferson Executive Director Wendy Magee shared: “Mr. Barse embodies the very best of what it means to be a CASA advocate. His service is marked by compassion, perseverance, humility, and an extraordinary commitment to children who often have no one else.”

His dedication left a lasting impression not only on the child he served, but also on the medical team who cared for him. Following the child's passing, hospital staff personally commended James, describing his advocacy and commitment as “second to none.”

Beyond his direct advocacy, James also mentors and encourages new volunteers, sharing his experience and reminding others of the power of showing up consistently for children in foster care.

Advocate Coordinator Debbie Mack described him as “a humble, gentle, yet fierce advocate” whose efforts help create safe, permanent families for children who need them most.

We are honored to recognize James Barse as the 2026 Advocate of the Year. His compassion, dedication, and presence reflect the very best of CASA.

📖 Read more about James's story: https://www.louisianacasa.org/post/2026-advocate-of-the-year-james-barse

Looking to make an impact in your community this summer? 💙 Become a CASA volunteer and start making a difference in a child’s life: one visit, one report, one voice at a time. Find a CASA program near you at www.louisianacasa.org/local-programs

What an incredible day at the Louisiana State Capitol! ❤️💙

Yesterday, CASA staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters from across the state came together for CASA Day at the Capitol to raise awareness for children involved in the foster care system and highlight the impact of CASA advocacy throughout Louisiana.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Governor’s Office for joining us and officially proclaiming May 27th as CASA Day at the Capitol. We were also honored to see special recognition presented to our 2026 Advocate of the Year, James Barse, and our 2026 Heart of Advocacy recipient, Ja'Nika Stanley, for their outstanding dedication and service to Louisiana’s children.

A special highlight of the day was our CASA pinning ceremony, where we celebrated the years of service and commitment of CASA staff and volunteers across Louisiana. Thank you to Volunteer Louisiana and Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana for providing volunteer service pins and helping us recognize the individuals who make such a profound difference in the lives of children every day.

The celebration continued as the Louisiana CASA network was recognized during the House of Representatives session through a legislative resolution honoring CASA’s statewide impact. Thank you to Representative Kathy Edmonston for sponsoring the resolution and for her continued support of CASA programs and the children we serve.

Most importantly, thank you to the Louisiana Legislature for your ongoing support of child advocacy efforts and to every local CASA program, staff member, volunteer, board member, and supporter who joined us at the Capitol. Together, we demonstrated the strength of the CASA network and our shared commitment to ensuring every child has a voice and the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for making CASA Day at the Capitol 2026 such a meaningful success!