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Lakeway CASA held their annual Light the Way for Hope Gala last week at Morristown Landing.

It’s an organization that provides trained community volunteers, Court Appointed Special Advocates, to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children so they can help them find safe, loving and permanent homes.

“Thank you for being here tonight to show that you believe children matter, that you believe their voices matter, and that every child deserves safety, stability and someone who will stay with them forever,” Lakeway CASA Executive Director Natoisha Hager said. “Our CASAs are not attorneys. They are not prosecutors. They are consistent, caring adults who volunteer their time to ensure that a child’s voice is heard.”

Speaking from inside Morristown Landing, which catered the event, at the KTVAECU Sprint Zone, Hager showcased the work the CASAs have put in this year.

“In this last year alone, Lakeway CASA has served over 260 children who have experienced disease in their life,” she said as she thanked the volunteers. “We have supported 157 families navigating the child welfare system. We have trained and empowered 11 new volunteers to step into this role themselves. Our volunteers have contributed over 3,146 hours of advocacy on behalf of our community’s children.

“So, our CASAs, just this year, from January to now, completed and driven 29,683 miles to visit their children, attend court hearings, and ensure a child gets that consistent support. We’ve completed more than 300 in-person visits.”

In addition to celebrating the work put in to advocate for children, the gala recognized volunteers and families to show examples of good work that is going on in their advocacy system.

Michelle Napier received the 2026 CASA of the Year award and was noted for her advocacy, service hours and commitment while balancing a full-time job and family.

Judge Lane Wolfenbarger, Grainger County General Sessions and Juvenile Court judge, spoke about CASA’s value in the courtroom.

He said the reports that CASAs provide in family cases was invaluable and said that advocates allow for rulings that are more informed.

A foster youth described her experience and the support she felt from Lakeway CASA and said she was able to build confidence and learned self-advocacy during her journey through the system.

A family stepped up and shared their story of overcoming destructive behavior, and with the help of CASA and their faith were able to remain whole as a family.

After several moving moments in the night as the work of the group was on full display, many in attendance were moved to give at the end of the evening.

With a prayer of blessing and thanksgiving, the gathered attendees finished their meals, and headed home.