About CASO
CASO stands for Come Along Side Others. At CASO, we walk alongside families in some of their most vulnerable moments. Whether a child has just entered care or a caregiver is feeling the weight of the journey, our services are designed to ease the burden and remind families they’re not alone.
We believe that when the community works together, everyone benefits. We are committed to bring our community together to serve vulnerable children and families and aim to do this with the love and compassion of Christ.
Your Title Goes Here
Donor-Funded
Sign up to hear about needs, updates, and events!
CASO, Come AlongSide Others, is a community based nonprofit organization which supports children impacted by abuse and/or neglect and their families both biological and foster/adoptive/guardianship.
Through acts of service and the CASO Foster Care Closet, we hope to reduce trauma, prevent burn out, and support families.
At CASO, we believe that every child should be placed into a good fit home.
Often there are not enough foster homes, so children will need to be placed into any foster home that will say yes. It is our goal to help recruit enough foster parents to allow caseworkers to match children and homes to create a healthier environment for all. Interested in becoming a foster parent? Click the button below. Maybe you are not ready to take on a child full time but still want to help. Please consider becoming a respite provider and having kids stay with you for a few days while giving the foster family a break.
The History of CASO
CASO was founded in February 2021 and became a nonprofit in 2023 after Executive Director and founder Jolene Haffner stopped fostering but could not let go of the ache in her heart for foster kids and families. She knew there were practical ways the community could help those affected by the foster care system.
It began with bringing a meal to a struggling foster family. Soon after, a case manager reached out about a biological family that needed help preparing their apartment so their children could be reunited. The needs kept coming, and CASO began meeting with the county and foster families to identify the greatest needs. Volunteers were matched to provide practical support where it was most needed.
Through more than 50 foster placements over 11 years, the Haffners realized that nearly every child arrived with only the clothes they were wearing. This should not be how a child begins their foster care journey.
What started with simple clothing donations from neighbors, churches, and community members grew into a full collection of items. Jolene began offering clothing and beds to youth entering foster care at no cost to them or their foster parents. As donations increased, her basement was no longer enough, so CASO established a dedicated Foster Care Closet. Case managers and foster families can now bring children to choose clothing, shoes, toys, blankets, hygiene items, and seasonal items. Each child leaves with a suitcase or duffel bag, helping them maintain dignity as they enter foster care.
Looking ahead, CASO hopes to expand into other North Dakota communities and beyond to help redefine the foster care placement process. The goal is to reduce the trauma youth experience when entering foster care and restore their dignity throughout their journey. CASO will continue to support the families caring for these children through meaningful acts of service.
Your Title Goes Here
Your Title Goes Here
Our Mission, Vision, & Values
Our Mission
CASO, Come AlongSide Others, is a community based nonprofit organization which supports children impacted by abuse and/or neglect and their families both biological and foster/adoptive/guardianship.
Through acts of service and the CASO Foster Care Closet, we hope to reduce trauma, prevent burn out, and support families.
Our Vision & Values
We believe that when the community works together, everyone benefits. We are committed to bring our community together to serve vulnerable children and families and aim to do this with the love and compassion of Christ.
Reduce Trauma | Prevent Burnout | Support Families
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CASO stand for?
CASO stands for Come AlongSide Others. We are a nonprofit that supports children impacted by abuse and neglect, and the families who care for them.
Who can receive support from CASO?
We serve:
- Foster and adoptive families
- Kinship/guardianship caregivers
- Biological families in crisis or reunification
- Children impacted by trauma or neglect
Nonprofit in Good Standing
CASO became a nonprofit on January 26, 2023, and has maintained a Certificate of Good Standing with the North Dakota Secretary of State each year since. We provide care with integrity and the utmost respect for the families and individuals we support, using all financial and material donations with full transparency.
Contact Us
Get Help. Call Today.
We can create a safe and hopeful future for kids in crisis.
CASO, Come AlongSide Others, is a community based nonprofit organization which supports children impacted by abuse and/or neglect and their families.