Body art meets child advocacy

TIFFIN — Community members will have the opportunity to leave a lasting mark — both literally and figuratively — at Ink for Impact 2026, a unique community event hosted by CASA of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot Counties. The gathering aims to raise awareness and recruit volunteer advocates for children in the local foster care system. The event cleverly pairs the permanence of tattoos and jewelry with the enduring impact a dedicated adult can have on a child's life. Attendees can receive fine-line tattoos from XO, LU Fine Line Tattoos or get fitted for permanent jewelry by Soul Sisters Handmade. While the body art is a draw, the heart of the event is education. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is actively seeking individuals to serve as Guardians ad Litem. These trained volunteers advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect, ensuring their voices are heard in juvenile court. As the organization notes in its latest outreach, 'Every child deserves to feel seen, heard and supported,' and volunteers can step up to be the voice that makes a tangible difference for a vulnerable child. "Ink for Impact is about starting conversations, breaking down barriers, and showing our community that ordinary people can step forward and make an extraordinary difference," said Abby Needles, Program Assistant for CASA of Seneca, Sandusky & Wyandot Counties. The need for community involvement is clear. In 2025 alone, 61 local CASA volunteers stepped up to help 229 children navigate the complexities of the foster care and court systems. For those analyzing whether they have the capacity to volunteer, CASA emphasizes that no prior legal or social work experience is necessary — only compassion and a commitment to helping children reach their full potential. Becoming a Guardian ad Litem requires an upfront investment of 30 hours of training and six hours of court observation. Once trained, the ongoing commitment is highly manageable, typically requiring just a few hours a month to check in on the child and report to the court. For community members who are moved by the mission but cannot commit to becoming a Guardian ad Litem at this time, there are other ways to support the cause. CASA is always looking for event volunteers for fundraisers like the upcoming 2026 Stars Dancing for CASA and the Zombie Run. The Ink for Impact event will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Hampton Inn, 2492 S SR 231, Tiffin, which offers free parking for attendees. Throughout the day, guests can walk in to receive flash sheet designs from XO, LU Fine Line Tattoos, priced at $50 for one or $80 for two. While tattoo services are walk-in only during the event, attendees have the option to prepay and secure an appointment for a later date. Additionally, Soul Sisters Handmade will be on-site offering permanent jewelry, with bracelets available for $35 and anklets for $45. For those inspired to take the next step, CASA staff will be readily available to talk through the process and answer any questions. They will have digital resources, informational packets, and volunteer applications on hand for anyone ready to take the leap. Submitting an application at the event perfectly aligns with CASA's upcoming Training Orientation, which is scheduled for April 21, 2026. Community members who want to learn more, review the volunteer requirements, or make a direct financial contribution can visit the organization's website at www.casaofssw.org. The CASA office can also be reached by phone at 419-448-1442 or visited in person at 21 Court St. in Tiffin.