WILMINGTON — Kim Vandervort of Wilmington has been elected to the Ohio CASA Association Board of Directors.

Vandervort, as director of the Clinton County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), will serve as one of three local program representatives for a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2018.

CASA is a nationwide network that recruits and trains volunteers to advocate in court cases for the best interest of abused and neglected children. The Clinton County CASA program is one of 42 in Ohio that serve 50 counties.

“I’m very excited to have Kim as a member of our board,” said Doug Stephens, executive director of Ohio CASA. “Her initiative and perspective will be invaluable as we seek to expand our existing programs, establish new programs, and recruit the additional volunteers needed to better serve Ohio children.”

The need for CASA programs and volunteers is growing as parental deaths from opiate overdoses increase, Stephens said.

Vandervort, and colleague Beth Cardina, director of the CASA program of Summit County, were elected at a June meeting of Ohio’s local program directors.

“I’m honored that my peers chose me to represent their programs to the board,” Vandervort said. “It’s a challenging time for CASA in Ohio. I’m glad for the chance to contribute at this level.”

Vandervort is recruiting volunteers for the Clinton County CASA program. Pre-service training will begin in September. She can be reached at 937-383-1137.