|
Meet Our Newest Advocates
 Laura O'Connor (Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County) was inducted on 4/27/11 and is currently a junior at JMU. She is majoring in speech language pathology with a minor in special education. She has participated in Mission Trips with her youth group and has volunteered with the Special Olympics bowling group in Harrisonburg.
 Michael Fulcher (Lexington/Rockbridge County) was inducted on 4/21/11 and resides in Lexington with his wife and 2 children. He has just recently been partnered with volunteer Kay Dean on his first CASA case.
|
|
A Talented Community!
CASA's Got Talent
 On Friday, May 6th, performers from all over the valley showcased their talent. From dancers to comedian musicians, from pianists to the Valley Mission choir, these 15 individual acts definitely entertained the audience and our guest judges. Throughout the evening the audience cast their votes for their favorite talent in each category. And the Winner is...Category 1 (12 and Under) Walter Pultz  Category 2 (13 through 17) The Fatal Accidents Category 3 (18 and over) People with Fingers Walter Pultz also won the Judge's Choice Award, which was the overall winning prize for the evening. After receiving both awards, Walter graciously donated the cash prizes back to CASA! Thank you to everyone who participated! The event helped raise over $1500 to fund advocacy services to abused and neglected children in our community.
|
|
Restored
Local Artist Paints Her Story
During a recent CASA event, artist, Christine Anderson, shared her story through her artwork. Her piece is now being auctioned online and proceeds will benefit CASA for Children. Current Bid as of 5/21 is $200.
About The Artist
Christine Anderson graduated in 2009 from Salem College where she majored in Studio Art, concentrating in Graphic Design, and minored in Psychology. Although she is a naturally talented artist, Christine did not become passionate about her work until her junior year in college. Christine identifies herself as an abstract artist and is constantly inspired by the works of Mark Rothko. She has recently been experimenting with altered and collage art. Christine is the single mother of a wonderful angel Gabriel and currently lives in Staunton, Virginia. Read More...
|
|
Cathy's Corner
Visiting a CASA Child
Advocates must lay eyes on their CASA child once a month when placed in the area and every 6-8 weeks when placed out of the area. We strive to assure that each child is seen in that allotted time.
The following are ways to think outside of the box to get this done!
In the area:
- Schedule to observe a supervised visitation. This way you will see the children and parent interaction and have the opportunity to get updates from the social worker.
- Schedule an announced visit to the foster home. When visiting at the foster home it opens the door for non-traditional times; evenings and/or weekends to get your visit in.
- More Ideas...
Out of the area:
- Foster care case workers need to visit with the child(ren) monthly (You need only to go every 6-8 weeks). Co-ordinate a date/time to ride along with the foster care worker. This saves gas and will allow you time to discuss the case with the social worker.
- Contact and arrange a time to visit the child with their GAL. Again, this will save gas and allow you time to catch the GAL up on the case and find out what you can do to better assist him/her on the case.
- More Ideas...
There are many opportunities to visit your CASA child(ren) each month. However, we understand that life is busy, if you cannot fit it into your schedule for the month, please reach out and call the child (if age appropriate) and let them know that you will not be able to see them. Let them know that your supervisor will be stopping in to check on them for you! Give me a call and we will work it out, there is no reason for any child not to be seen each month.
|
|
CASA Chick-Fil-A Night
 Eat at Chick-fil-A of Waynesboro on June 9th from 5-8pm and a percentage of your meal total will be give to CASA for Children.
*Make sure to tell the cashier (at the counter or drive thru window) that you are from CASA and they will record the total!
|
|
Our Generous Sponsors
|
|
|
Advocate Institute
Below are a few opportunities for volunteer advocates to earn their annual in-service training hours.
Synthetic Drug Use - June 14th - More Information
2004 & 2010 Volunteer Class Reunion
July 14th 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Cranberry's Grocery and Eatery
This is a time for volunteers to fellowship and share experiences being an advocate with the group. Of course, all CASA volunteers are welcome to join us as well! Attendance is free, but drinks, snacks or meals are available for purchase. Please RSVP by July 7th.
Middle River Regional Jail Tour
Sept 23rd, 1:00pm - 2:30pm All volunteers are invited to attend this informational "field trip". Please RSVP by Sept 16th.
CPS Investigation Procedures Sept 29th 6:00pm - 7:30pm. All volunteers are invited to learn the CPS investigation process and procedures. Presented by Nenita Fisher-Cromer, CPS Supervisor, SVDSS. Please RSVP by Sept 23rd.
Attachment Relationships Oct 6th 6:30pm - 7:30pm All volunteers are invited to learn about attachment relationships, secure and insecure and the causes and consequences of different patterns. Presented by Megan Fulcher, W&L professor. Please RSVP by Sept 29th.
|
|
Foster Care Alum Story
Education Became My Compass to the Future and My Key to Permanence Ashley Jackson
2010 FosterClub All-Star Today, more than 420,000 children in the US foster care system struggle with issues including sibling separation, permanency, education and reunification. I was once one of these statistics-a young person who spent five years in foster care, uncertain of what my future would hold. I was one of hundreds of thousands of youth trying to navigate my way through a complex system. As if being 16 isn't a difficult enough time in a youth's life, adding foster care to the list of obstacles didn't make things any easier. Read More This story came from the Winter 2011 edition of "The Connection", an online magazine by NCASAA. |
Thank You Volunteers and Supporters
- Terry Short, Emcee
- Debbie Reid, Judge
- Kathy LaFon, Judge
- Jonathan King, Judge
- John, Katie, Anne and Josh Huff
- Chantel Williams
- Fran Stauffer
- Sarah Crenshaw
- Dawn, Tenor and Victoria Nay
- Travis Lewis
- Kyleen McMackin
- Rixey Bernier
- Pam McGovern
- Diana Beam, WMHS Director of Theater Arts
- Wilson Memorial High School
- Memorial Baptist Church
- Engage at Calvary Baptist Church
- United Way of Greater Augusta
- The Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce
- CASA Board Members
|
CASA for Children is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gifts are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
|
|
CASA Staff
Michael Nay
Executive Director
Cathy Ballew
Volunteer Supervisor
Shelly Reitenauer
Office Support Specialist
|
|
