CASA for Douglas County announces the appointment of Kimberly C. Barnes, Executive Director, to the Urban Leadership Council of the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association.
Serving a two-year term, Barnes, along with child welfare leaders from across the nation, will play an integral role in voicing the unique needs of 895 local programs that make up the National CASA (CASA) and Guardian ad Litem (GAL) network. In 2022, the CASA/GAL network, with its 87,937 volunteers, served 227,500 children who were involved in judicial proceedings related to abuse or neglect. With approximately 569,000 children in foster care annually, the leadership council will focus its efforts on ensuring that the network achieves its mission of serving all children through best-interest advocacy.
“The National CASA/GAL Leadership Councils are a vital part of our strategic priorities to reduce the number of children in foster care, strengthen and preserve families, and increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our network,” said National CASA/GAL Chief Executive Officer, Tara Lisa Perry. “We are so excited and grateful to have Kimberly C. Barnes providing her insight and expertise as we strive to move our mission forward on behalf of all children who have experienced abuse or neglect.”
Kimberly C. Barnes, pronouns She|Her, is the Executive Director at CASA for Douglas County. She has a strong passion for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, especially within systems for children and families that impact Black and Brown children. She has dedicated her career of over 25 years to serving in this capacity, advocating for children and families to enhance engagement. Kimberly is a graduate of Nonprofit Association of the Midlands – Nonprofit Executive Institute, (NEI) - class 12, Inclusive Communities - LeadDIVERSITY cohort #2, and Leadership Omaha, Class 45. She serves on the Leadership Omaha curriculum committee for the Greater Omaha Chamber. She is a mentor for the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) – Rising Leaders Institute (RLI). She also serves on the curriculum and selection committee. Kimberly completed the Morehouse School of Medicine – Satcher Health Institute, Community Health Leadership Program. Additionally, she serves on the African American Unity Fund committee with the Omaha Community Foundation. She was a recipient of the 2023 National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Omaha Chapter, Culture Award. She serves as President of the Native Omahans Club, Inc. Kimberly received her bachelor’s degree in human and social service administration from Bellevue University with Honors.
“I am honored to be appointed to this important national role,” said Barnes, Executive Director of CASA for Douglas County. “As a member of the Omaha community, I’m looking forward to bringing our successes and challenges to a network that makes us stronger as we strengthen our work across the nation in relation to the Child Welfare System for children/youth who reside in urban communities.”
This appointment underscores the commitment and dedication of Kimberly C. Barnes to the mission of CASA for Douglas County and the broader CASA/GAL network. Her extensive experience and passion for advocacy will undoubtedly contribute to the council's efforts in enhancing the welfare of children across the nation.
