Volunteer of the Quarter
Amy Whitham became a certified CASA volunteer in June 2022. Amy hit the ground running taking her first case in August 2022, her second case in September 2022 and her third case in January 2023. Amy has worked on her 3 cases consecutively since she was certified. Way to go Amy!!
She selflessly has been dedicated to giving these 3 children a voice by working with other agencies and case parties involved to gather pertinent information to establish a permanency goal and to make strong recommendations to the courts. Amy has spent countless hours working on monthly reports and forms, writing court reports, attending case plans, and court hearings. Most importantly, Amy takes the time necessary to get to know the child, she listens as they share their experiences and wishes, and she takes that into great consideration when acknowledging the best interest for the child.
As Amy’s supervisor, it has been rewarding to see how she interacts with her CASA kids and is especially rewarding to hear one child ask her and say “how many visits can I have with you? You are fun!” This shows how important it is for a child to feel valued and to have a trusted and constant person in their lives that can bring them hope and a feeling of security.
Amy is a compassionate advocate who is committed to serving children and families. We’re happy to announce her as this month’s Advocate of the Quarter.
Volunteer of the Month
Deanna Berry became a certified CASA volunteer in March 2022. Deanna brings many years of early childhood development and intervention experience to the CASA organization and to her families.
When CASA was assigned two separate cases both involving children having significant medical issues, Deanna was the perfect advocate to assign. She is currently the advocate for 3 young children. She is kindhearted, thorough, and works collaboratively with our families, caregivers and community partners.
As Deanna’s supervisor, it has been rewarding to see Deanna work her cases. Her first court report was exceptional. I’m honored to work along side someone who leads with honor, action and passion for this work.
Why Deanna became a CASA Volunteer: “As a recent retiree from the field of early childhood education, I wanted to volunteer in a role where I can make a positive difference in the trajectory of a child’s life”.
Deanna has recently retired as the Executive Director of Russell Childhood Development. Her dedication and devotion to CASA’s mission is highly valued. We’re happy to announce her as this month’s Advocate of the month.
Volunteer of the Month
APRIL 2022
Chloe Bennett became a CASA volunteer in June 2021. She takes her role as a CASA advocate very seriously and looks for the best way to connect with each child.
Chloe documents and turns in her paperwork in a timely manner, she efficiently meets the organization’s requirements. She communicates and works collaboratively with community partners.
She is currently advocating for a sibling group of 5. She has been instrumental and played a vital role in giving these children a voice even in the most challenging times. She is thoughtful and caring and puts the children’s best interests first.
As Chloe’s supervisor, I have enjoyed watching her navigate her case and watching her grow as an advocate. She is compassionate and understanding, warm-hearted, funny and is a great asset to our organization.
Chloe is an audiologist, wife and new mother to beautiful twin daughters. CASA is greatly appreciative of her continuous dedication to the children she serves. We’re happy to announce her as this month’s Advocate of the month.
Volunteer of the Month
JAN 2022
Joyce Lauber became a certified CASA volunteer in June 2021. She took her first sibling case of 4 in July of 2021. Joyce has a big heart and represents the best interests of the 4 children she advocates for.
She has:
Values centered on the importance of doing good work. Integrity, and honesty.
Professionalism when working collaboratively with families, attorneys, and other professionals. Always asks good questions.
Complied with agency rules and protocols and turned in her monthly reports and forms on time.
Been an asset to this organization and attended community events, representing CASA with a smile.
Joyce is a retired school teacher of 39 years. She continues to substitute teach for USD 466. She is a joy to be around and our organization is so blessed to have her serving children and families. Thank you, Joyce, for the good work you do. We’re happy to announce Joyce as this month’s Advocate of the month.
Volunteer of the Month
DEC 2021
Debra became a certified CASA volunteer in 2006. She has advocated for over 30 children in her 15 plus years of advocacy. She has put in over 1300 hours to date. She’s a person with great integrity who our organization can count on to always conduct herself in an honest, trustworthy, and respectful way.
She has:
Shown an exemplary level of ethics by putting the best interest of the child first even if that means reporting a family for maltreatment or neglect.
Been dutiful and professional when working collaboratively with families, attorneys, and other professionals.
Complied with agency rules and protocols and turned in her monthly reports and forms on time or more times than not ahead of time.
From 1995-2021 Debra worked as a counselor for USD 457, Debra is currently retired and enjoying her grandkids, reading, and family time. Debra’s dedication to CASA has been a blessing to the children and families she advocates for as well as the organization itself. This is why we’re happy to announce her as this month’s Advocate of the month.
Volunteer of the Month
NOV 2021
Jina became a certified CASA volunteer in 2019. Jina has advocated for 9 children since she was sworn in as a CASA volunteer. She has put in over 300 hours to date. She is always ready to rise to the occasion.
She has:
Spent many hours and weekends collaborating with attorneys, agencies, school, and court officials, going the extra mile.
Done an exceptional job being supportive to her CASA families. Taking time to really listen to their concerns.
Gone above and beyond to advocate for her kid’s best interest even in the most challenging times. She is honorable, and dependable, and has the biggest heart.
She has complied with agency rules and protocols and turned in her monthly reports and forms on time and most of the time before the deadline.
Since 1988 Jina worked as a special education teacher for USD 457, after briefly retiring Jina went back to teaching special education where she is at today. Jina is an absolute joy to work with. Her kindness and compassion for families are why we’re happy to announce her as this month’s Advocate of the month.
OCT 2021
Julie became a certified CASA volunteer in June of 2021. In the same month she was assigned her first case, two sibling girls. She hit the pavement running by getting to know her kids and caregivers right away. She jumped right in and started working her case. Julie arranged to get a food box for the family when they did not have transportation. Julie volunteered many hours by sorting and stuffing back packs for the annual Stuff the Bus and also volunteered at the Volunteer Fair at T- Mobile.
She has:
Spent quality time getting to know each of them, spending countless hours helping them get caught up on schoolwork, attending court hearings, speaking to caregivers, counselors, collaborating with court and school officials.
She has done an extraordinary job of meeting with her kids on a regular basis and more often if needed. Ready at a moment’s notice!
She has gone above and beyond to advocate for her kid’s best interest even in the most challenging times and shown exemplary ethics.
She has complied with agency rules and protocols and turned in her monthly reports and forms on time.
Julie is a hardworking and dedicated advocate, she’s a retired 5th grade school teacher of 37 years, she’s an absolute joy to work with, she is an asset to our organization, we’re happy to announce her as this month’s Advocate of the month.