As red capes appear, support rises for local kids in need of crucial advocates

This piece is sponsored by Sioux Falls CASA.

Not all superheroes wear capes — but you might see some around Sioux Falls in the coming month as a way to support local kids in need.

Sioux Falls Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, marks Red Cape Month each April, and this year reaches 10 years of raising funds and awareness through the event for abused and neglected children in the Sioux Falls area.

“It is so much fun to flit around town in capes during the month of April,” Sioux Falls CASA CEO Stacey Tieszen said. “It is also inspiring to see businesses and community members step up and wear capes, which are then posted on social media. We see red capes and superhero poses, heroes and villains, so there’s really no limit to your creativity, and it definitely helps expand our awareness.”

Sioux Falls CASA volunteers serve as the “eyes and ears” of the court for children who are involved in abuse and neglect cases, visiting regularly with children and their families and submitting reports for the court to consider in determining the best next steps for the children.

Along with encountering capes in person and online, you’ll see Red Cape Month announced on the marquee of the State Theatre in downtown Sioux Falls, and Card My Yard will post CASA signage in the yards of willing businesses or individuals in high-traffic areas to show their support of the advocacy efforts.

April also marks Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month and Volunteer Appreciation Month, “which fits perfectly with showcasing the commitment and compassion of our wonderful volunteers,” Tieszen said.

Jodi Siemers joined CASA’s board of directors during Red Cape Month last year. The senior vice president of marketing and communications at First Bank & Trust planned to be a marketing resource, “but I now know there are so many other ways to become involved,” she said.

“Primarily, it’s my goal to connect compassionate volunteers with this important work. Volunteer advocates make a huge difference in the life of a child who is experiencing abuse and neglect. Children who have an advocate have better outcomes in court, but also at home, in school, in social settings and in life.”

Melissa Phillips also joined the board around the same time after seeing the impact CASA volunteers could have through her neighbor’s experience as a foster parent.

“When the board opportunity became available, I jumped at the chance to get involved. I do plan to become a CASA volunteer in the future, but this was a way to begin supporting the organization right away,” said Phillips, who is vice president of operations strategy and planning at Sammons Financial Group.

“I can’t imagine a more vulnerable time in a child’s life than when they are removed from their home. CASA ensures each child has a dedicated advocate focused solely on their best interests — someone who can provide the court with an independent, informed perspective.”

Red Cape Month is the organization’s largest fundraiser, helping Sioux Falls CASA meet a significant demand for its services in the community. Last year, 573 children were assigned to the program, but nearly half were unable to have an advocate appointed to them and were placed on a waitlist.

“Red Cape support comes from several large corporate donors but even more comes from many, many individual donations throughout the month,” Siemers said. “For $53, you can provide training supplies for one new CASA volunteer, or for $2,127, you can help get one child off the waiting list and access the adult advocate they deserve.”

Small-business support would be especially helpful, she added.

“Even making a $100 donation or displaying materials supporting Red Cape Month would be appreciated,” Siemers said. “My employer supports CASA by allowing me volunteer hours during my regular workday to attend board meetings and complete committee tasks for CASA and by making a donation on my behalf as an additional reward for those hours.”

This year, the Sioux Falls CASA board has set a lofty goal of reaching $100,000 raised for the month.

“We have met our Red Cape fundraising goal every year, which has been super from a financial standpoint, but it only happens because we have an invested community who responds positively when our incredible board and staff connect with them and share their belief in the power of our mission,” Tieszen said.

Red Cape Month is sponsored by PREMIER Bankcard and Sammons Financial Group, and there are additional ways to become a corporate sponsor throughout the year.

“We welcome the opportunity to partner with local businesses to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children in our community,” Phillips said.

There also is always an opportunity to give your time to Sioux Falls CASA. The next volunteer training class starts April 17, and CASA representatives meet continually with prospective volunteers to share more about what the commitment involves.

Since its founding 30 years ago, Sioux Falls CASA has supported 5,140 children in 2,739 cases. Additionally, 820 heroic volunteers have given more than 121,000 hours of their time.

Current volunteers will be recognized during an appreciation luncheon April 30.

“They are everyday heroes to us, but during April, they are superheroes!” Tieszen exclaimed.

This year’s Red Cape events

There are many ways to connect with and support Sioux Falls CASA during Red Cape Month:

• Are you getting into costume? Share your look on social media and use #redcape2026 or tag @sfcasa.
• April 2: The State Theatre marquee will be lit beginning at 6:30 p.m., where CASA volunteers and staff will be donning capes and striking poses, followed by a stop at the Arc of Dreams at 7 p.m. and Falls Park at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to join. There will be capes available as needed!
• April 8: Grab dinner at Qdoba’s location at 2400 E. 10th St. from 4 to 8 p.m. and a portion of your meal will support Red Cape Month. You must use a flyer or code for the donation to count.

• Donate online anytime during the month at siouxfallscasa.org/redcape.
• Have a birthday in April? Many people hold a birthday fundraiser on social media to benefit Sioux Falls CASA.
• Need a cape? The Sioux Falls CASA team will bring some to your workplace. Call 605-339-9492.

Sioux Falls CASA volunteer advocates also get creative in their own fundraising.

“Last year, I leveraged a superhero-themed fitness class to raise awareness and individual donations, and we even had an impromptu visit from Mayor TenHaken,” Siemers said.

“I also posted a Facebook fundraiser that was effortless on my part and not only generated $500 for CASA but showed how compassionate my friends were.”

Phillips suggests hosting a “CASA Connect” event, bringing together friends, co-workers or community groups to learn more.

“These gatherings are often how we connect with new volunteers,” she said.

“If you have a passion for helping children and want to make a meaningful difference during one of the most challenging times in a child’s life, I would strongly encourage you to consider becoming a CASA volunteer.”

The staff “provides exceptional training and ongoing support, ensuring volunteers feel prepared and supported,” Phillips added.

“Many CASA volunteers serve for years, and it’s incredibly powerful to hear from adults who were once served by CASA and can speak to the lasting impact of having a trusted advocate during that time.”

With increased demand, CASA looks for volunteers to help kids as ‘eyes and ears of the court’