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Several local residents are taking on the responsibility of providing a voice to the largely voiceless.

Laurie Cooper and Sultana Dusang of Nederland and Abigail Pedraza of Groves will be sworn in Wednesday as CASA volunteer advocates.

The event, normally held in person, will take place this week via Zoom Meeting.

CASA of Southeast Texas provides a volunteer for every foster child in Jefferson County to represent the child’s best interest in cases of abuse and neglect.

Without CASA volunteers, the children have no voice, CASA leaders said.

Cooper, Dusang and Pedraza completed more than 30 hours of training to be sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Those interested in becoming a CASA advocate can sign up for training scheduled May 26. For more information about being an advocate, call 409-832-2272.