National CASA/GAL Association for Children

Challenge

The National CASA/GAL Association for Children (NCASA) sought to develop a strategic plan to guide its efforts from 2023 to 2030. NCASA’s primary goals were to scale its programs to serve more eligible children and families with family-centered outcomes and to foster a culture of diversity and inclusiveness. With a vast network of over 900 state and local programs, NCASA needed a clear and actionable plan to align its network and drive innovation, engagement, retention, and improved outcomes.

Solution

NCASA engaged Orr Group to help create a comprehensive strategic plan. Orr Group collaborated closely with NCASA’s staff and board leadership, facilitating multiple sessions with the board and working groups to define the organization’s strategic goals and focus areas. Orr Group then led an extensive vetting process to gather critical feedback from key stakeholders across NCASA’s network, including local programs, volunteer and judicial leadership, and national staff.

This feedback allowed Orr Group to ensure the plan reflected the needs of the entire network and aligned with NCASA’s long-term objectives. The finalized plan, approved by NCASA’s leadership and board in late 2022, included a refreshed vision, mission, values, and detailed implementation plans for the first three years of the strategy.

Impact

The strategic plan set a clear direction for NCASA’s growth, ensuring alignment across its vast network. With Orr Group’s guidance, NCASA developed a roadmap for scaling its programs and enhancing outcomes for children and families. The plan also laid the groundwork for a culture of inclusivity and innovation within NCASA, fostering engagement and retention across the organization. Moving forward, Orr Group’s contributions helped position NCASA to meet its ambitious goal of serving all eligible children by 2030.