Live First Grant Supports Sioux Falls CASA
Sioux Falls Area CASA advocates for abused and neglected children in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties through a network of trained volunteers and advocate supervisors.
When Melissa Otten completed volunteer training with Sioux Falls Area CASA in 2022, she knew she was stepping into an important role. What she didn't know was just how deeply the experience would reinforce her commitment to helping children and families build brighter futures.
Now, nearly four years and several cases later, the First International Bank & Trust (FIBT) Senior Marketing Strategist for Payments continues to advocate for some of the most vulnerable children in the Sioux Falls community as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
This year, Melissa's passion for the organization was met with exciting news: Sioux Falls Area CASA was selected to receive a $10,000 Trailblazer Award grant through the 2026 Live First Community Giving Campaign. "I was ecstatic when I found out," Melissa said. "I can enthusiastically say that any support of this organization is going directly to backing one of the most vulnerable populations in our community."
A Voice for Children
Sioux Falls Area CASA advocates for abused and neglected children in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties through a network of trained volunteers and advocate supervisors. Volunteer advocates are appointed by the court to represent a child's best interests and help ensure their safety, stability, and permanency.
Melissa remembers the significance of the role from the very beginning. During her swearing-in ceremony in September 2022, Judge Robin Sabers shared that CASA reports are often the first documents she reviews when considering a case. "That made a large impact on the way that I see my role in these cases and in these children's lives," Melissa said.
A Mission Close to Home
Melissa's connection to CASA is deeply personal. Growing up in a family affected by addiction and mental health challenges, she experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to break generational cycles. Her experiences shaped her desire to help families create healthier futures for themselves and their children. "I consider myself a cycle-breaker," Melissa said. "I believe that I can have a positive effect on families, coaching and inspiring them to break their own generational cycles so their children can live happy and healthy lives."
Her interest in CASA was strengthened years earlier while serving as a foster parent. During that time, she saw the lasting impact a CASA volunteer could have on a young person's life. "The only person from her past who continued to show up for her was her former CASA," Melissa said. "She was the one constant in this young girl's life."
That experience inspired Melissa to become a volunteer advocate herself.
Seeing Families Succeed
Over the years, Melissa has been assigned to three cases involving six children. Some of her most meaningful moments have come when families successfully reunified after parents completed the steps needed to provide safe and stable homes. "Helping and watching parents break the generational cycles of addiction that have plagued their families so that their children can thrive is what keeps me motivated to do this work," she said.
Investing in More Advocates
The $10,000 Live First Community Grant will help Sioux Falls Area CASA recruit, train, support, and retain more volunteer advocates so more children in foster care have someone focused on their well-being and future. Currently, CASA is only able to assign advocates to about half of the open cases in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties. Additional funding will help the organization expand its reach and provide support to more children who need a trusted voice during challenging times.
According to Melissa, the organization is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful difference. "They have amazing support, structure, and people there," she said. "If you're interested in getting involved and making a difference for children in care, I strongly recommend Sioux Falls Area CASA."
Living First Together
At FIBT, the Live First Community Giving Campaign is about supporting organizations that strengthen the communities we call home. Through the dedication of volunteers like Melissa and organizations like Sioux Falls Area CASA, that impact extends far beyond a single grant. By investing in advocates who help children find safety, stability, and hope, we're helping build stronger futures for generations to come.