The Jackson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) renovation and expansion project has won the Capstone Award for Community Impact. Sponsored by the Kansas City Business Journal, the award recognizes outstanding construction projects that display exceptional innovation, sustainability and community impact in the Kansas City area.

The Jackson County CASA program opened its doors in 1983, and since then, it has been a critical advocate for children who are involved in abuse or neglect cases. The organization pairs volunteers with these children to provide them with much-needed guidance and support as they navigate the complex legal system.

Project Details

The winning project highlighted Jackson County CASA’s new building—a house right next to their existing building. The renovation and expansion improved the facility by expanding the space and improving the systems and technology. U.S. Engineering replaced the old residential-style heating/cooling furnaces with a new VRF system for more individual heating/cooling control for the various rooms/offices in both buildings. The new system includes new DOAS units, along with 34 individual fan coil units. U.S. Engineering also updated the plumbing system and fixtures for the bathrooms.

According to the judges, the project is “A wonderful example of creating a transition between two historic buildings that is architecturally sensitive.”

The expansion has allowed the organization to serve more children and provide additional services to the community. And with the upgrades, the Jackson County CASA program is well equipped to continue its vital work for generations to come.

U.S. Engineering’s Partnership with CASA

U.S. Engineering started the partnership with CASA almost a decade ago because of U.S. Engineering’s Chief People Officer, Rebecca David. Rebecca, who began her career as a social worker, uses her platform at U.S. Engineering to help CASA and other charities. She continues to inspire team members to volunteer and serve with CASA. Additionally, CEO Tyler and wife Leigh Nottberg served as Honorary Chairs of CASA’s Space to Thrive campaign, which helped fund the new facility.

More reading about U.S. Engineering’s partnership with CASA:

• Tyler and Leigh Nottberg attend groundbreaking for new CASA building
• Tyler and Leigh Nottberg Serve as Honorary Chairs at CASA’s Light of Hope Fundraiser