The CASA of Collin County office in downtown McKinney, located at 101 E. Davis St., is expected to undergo renovations later this month that will allow the organization to expand its reach. Renovations will include a new floor plan inside the facility that will create a more open work environment. Training space will be expanded as well as the advocate and staff community resource area. The new floor plan also allows for more offices and cubicles. The Collin County office operates with 18 staff members and 250 active volunteers, but renovations will allow staff to grow to 30 members, said Tricia Clifton, CASA of Collin County executive director, in an email. The building will also have a capacity of up to 50 people in quarterly advocate training classes. CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are assigned to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. These advocates act on behalf of children in court to place them into a permanent home that serves the best interest of the child. “Unfortunately, our caseload has been steadily growing, and we don’t see any sign of a decrease,” Clifton said. “This new building will allow us to create a space for our current and future advocates to grow and learn more so they can continue being the best advocates for these vulnerable children.” As of May 31, CASA of Collin County has served over 445 children from the county this year. “This renovation will allow CASA to continue serving 100% of abused and neglected children removed from their homes and placed into the care of the state every year,” Clifton said. "Through this project, we will be able to increase awareness of this growing epidemic and continue to provide a Court Appointed Special Advocate for every vulnerable child that needs a voice in Collin County." For more information on CASA of Collin County, visit www.casaofcollincounty.org or call 972-529-2272. See how the current floor plan and the new floor plan compare in the images below.