Upstate, SC... The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program invites community members across the Upstate of South Carolina to a special region-wide recruitment event on Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m.
“You Are the Missing Piece” is a coordinated campaign to raise awareness about the GAL Program in all 11 Upstate counties to inspire new volunteer applications. Each county will host its own local gathering—either at the county GAL office or another convenient community location—offering residents an opportunity to learn more about becoming a voice for children in need.
Guests will enjoy a piece of pie while speaking with staff members and experienced volunteer GALs who can answer questions, share anecdotes, and explain how they can improve a child’s life by becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem—an everyday citizen who stands up for the best interests of children involved in family court proceedings due to abuse or neglect.
“Our volunteers are truly the missing piece in ensuring that every child in the Upstate has someone advocating for their safety and well-being,” says Erin Petrella, Upstate region recruiter/trainer. “This event is a chance for community members to see just how much of a difference one person can make—and to take that first step toward changing a child’s life.”
The Guardian ad Litem Program provides all necessary training and ongoing support for volunteers, who serve as independent advocates to ensure that children’s voices are heard in court and that their best interests remain the focus of every decision.
LOCATIONS FOR "YOU ARE THE MISSING PIECE" ARE:
Abbeville County
Abbeville/Greenwood County GAL Office, 104 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC | (864) 321-5785
Anderson County
Anderson County GAL Office, 2804 E. North Avenue, Anderson, SC | (864) 749-5441
Cherokee County
Cherokee County GAL Office, 412 Wall Street, Gaffney, SC | (864) 508-6423
Greenville County
Greenville County Library - F.W. Symmes Branch, 1508 Pelham Road, Greenville, SC
Greenwood County
Abbeville/Greenwood County GAL Office, 104 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC | (864) 321-5785
Laurens County
Laurens County GAL Office, 4 Liberty Lane, Laurens, SC | (864) 554-0052
Newberry County
Newberry County GAL Office, 1303 Main Street, Suite 201, Newberry, SC | (803) 374-9266
Oconee County
Oconee County GAL Office, 80 Short Street, Walhalla, SC (864) 710-0953
Pickens County
Pickens County GAL Office, 140 W. Main Street, Pickens, SC | (864) 508-2595
Spartanburg County
Hope Center for Children, 202 Hudson L. Barksdale Blvd., Spartanburg, SC | (864) 508-2718
Union County
Union County Carnegie Library Historic Room, 300 E. South Street, Union, SC | (864) 508-6423
For public inquiries about the event, please contact Erin Petrella, GAL Upstate region recruiter/trainer, at erin.petrella@childadvocate.sc.gov or (864) 381-3725.
For all media inquiries, please reach out to Rob Schaller, director of communications for the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, at rob.schaller@childadvocate.sc.gov or (803) 734-4155.
About the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program
The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, recruits, trains, and supervises volunteers to advocate for children involved in abuse and neglect cases in family court. By serving as the voice of the child, Guardian ad Litem volunteers help ensure that every child has a safe, permanent home. Learn more at gal.sc.gov.