A blog devoted to the Washtenaw County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Community.
This blog is administered by Washtenaw County Friends of CASA.
Please visit our website at www.casawashtenaw.org!
Although reunification was the goal, the mother was not making progress in what she needed to do to get her children back.
The CASA volunteer assigned to the case, who has a Master's degree in social work and and previous work experience in the child welfare system, observed the mom and felt that the mom's behavior indicated depression. The CASA volunteer asked that the mom be evaluated for clinical depression.
Even though the mom's attorney was defensive towards the request, a referral was made to the reunification program, and the mom was evaluated and diagnosed for depression. With the help of mental health professionals, and a regiment of effective medication, the mom made a turn-around. She is well on her way to getting her children back!
On November 15, 2008, CASA held its second annual fundraiser with great success.
The stage was set as the Washtenaw County Farm Council building transformed into a beautifully-lit celebration of children, friends, music, and autumn, complete with straw bales and pumpkins.
Nearly 300 gatherers enjoyed the line dancing, BBQ, and great items in the silent auction. Most importantly, our 2nd fundraiser was a financial success, raising almost $15,000 for CASA of Washtenaw.
“In a time of uncertainty, it’s truly uplifting to see a community come together to support a cause,” says Nikki Huang, Friend of CASA’s executive director. “We had over 100 business and individuals donate to our auction, over 30 volunteers who helped make it happen, and the support of close to 300 people who turned out.” Rockin the CASA has become the “umbrella” for Friends of CASA’s annual fundraiser. This year’s theme, “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll,” featured country and rock music set to a country theme. Next year’s theme, already in the making, promises more fun and excitement. Look for an announcement and save-the-date in our next newsletter.
On Oct. 31, 2008, the wildly successful Rock the CASA concert was held at Mendelssohn Theatre. Rock the CASA is a variety show including performances by the best entertainment groups on the University of Michigan campus. Student performances included an array of comedians, a capella groups, bands, and dance groups. 100% of ticket sales benefit CASA of Washtenaw County.
Please check out the 2008 Rock the CASA Photo album below:
Thanks to Kappa Alpha Theta for providing some of the pictures! _________________________________________________________
YOU ROCK!!
CASA of Washtenaw County would like to thank the following event supporters. The concert would not have been successful without them!
SPONSOR:
Kappa Alpha Theta - Eta Chapter annually holds a variety show called Rock the CASA to raise money for CASA of Washtenaw County. For information about Kappa Alpha Theta, please check out their website: http://www.umich.edu/%7Etheta/
PERFORMERS: (ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Amazin' Blue:
Amazin' Blue performers: Elise Amato, Camila Ballario, Caitlin Bloom, Jessica Bloom, Austin Chrzanowski, Joe Dimuzio, Gabriel Fazio, Bethany Felder, Lance Fletke, Andres Holder, Kirsten Knisely, Jake McClory, Adam Moskal, Peter Preonas
Amazin' Blue has a big concert on Saturday, Nov. 15th (8 PM) at Rackham auditorium. Tickets can be bought at the door or at MUTO (Michigan Union Ticket Office). They have also just released a new CD (Lost in Sound). For more information, please check out their website, www.amazinblue.org
Below is a video snippet of Amazin' Blue's 2008 Rock the CASA performance:
Cadence
Cadence performers: Michelle Chirby, Danielle Berridge, Kaylie Hanson (Co-President), Laura Thompson, Lara Leitner, Megan Argillander, Megan Avesian, Cassie Ruch, Sarah Hardy, Sophie Kruz, Sarah Schleicher, Sabrina Tharani
ComCo performers: Mallory Bradford, Alex Weatherup, Erica Ranade, Adnan Pirzada, Jamielyn Beatty, Teddi Milan, Alex Stuessy, Spencer Smith, Matthew Blinstrub, Jordan Rochelson
ComCo is University of Michigan's oldest and best improv group. For more information about Comco, please check out their website: http://www.umuac.org/comedy/index2.html
EnCore
EnCore performers: Adie Angrist, Keith Binion, Lauren Boumaroun, Gabi Brazg, Akiya Brown, Jonathan Choi, Karl Josef Co, Sasha Compère, Kevin Duong, Liane Hajduch, Tynika Johnson, Lara Leitner, Carmen Loo, Maddie Moore, Trang Nguyen, Courtney Power, Jasmine Sadler, Rachel Wehner, Lauren Wolfe, Amanda Wong, Talun Zeitoun
Below is a video snippet of EnCore's 2008 Rock the CASA performance:
The Friars
Friars performers: (1) Andrew Mueller, (2) Sean Morris, (3) Andy Ballard, (4) Drew Bollinger, (5) Danny Dunlap, (6) Abraham Heller Hiatt, (7) Alex Weatherup, (8) Eric Emeott
Below is a video snippet of The Friars's 2008 Rock the CASA performance:
FunKtion
FunKtion performers: Tomas Kim, Andrew Krebsbach, Justin Tien, Steve Lai, Anthony Baber, Terence Chua, James Dean, Vincent Giang
Loosen your hips, unhinge your joints, stretch your legs and get ready to dance. Nod your head, clap your hands, move you feet and melt with the beat as FunKtion brings you it's unique blend of fun-loving entertainment. From street corners to stage center, funKtion has been doing it right since '99. For more information about FunKtion, please check out their website: http://www.umfunktion.com/
Great Divide
Great Divide performers: Teddy Grossman-Guitar,Vocals; Jeff Leibovich-Keyboards; Joey Gaon-Lead Guitar; Josh Teitelbaum-Drums; Hiro Sato-Bass; Jake Kenowitz- Trumbone Eric Schindler- Saxaphone
Great Divide is influenced by the traditional roots of Blues, Country, Soul, Funk or otherwise, good ol' fashioned Rock and Roll. Great Divide strives to preserve the elements of Rock's rich history, while exposing a new generation to the experience of their brand of honest, down-home music. For more information, please check out their MySpace site: http://www.myspace.com/greatdivideannarbor
RhythM is a student-run performance group comprised of passionate and dedicated, advanced tap dancers. For more information, please e-mail them at rhythmtap@umich.edu and/or rhythmexec@umich.edu
Grab your blue jeans and get your dancingshoes ready for a grand ol' time!
Think Sheryl Crow, Bruce Springsteen and Kid Rock mixed with some Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood and Alan Jackson...so you know you're in for some boot stompin' fun!
Learn some line dances, break out your old rock ‘n roll moves, or sit back and tap your feet as our DJ spins it all.
Don't forget to check out our auction items, bring a bottle of wine to the event, and buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a wine cellar!
WHEN: SATURDAY, NOV. 15, 2008, 7 - 11 PM
BBQ BUFFET, OPEN BAR (beer, wine, & soft beverages)
Doors and auction open at 7 PM. Raffle tickets are available at 7 PM. Grub starts at 7:30 PM. Dancing begins at 8 PM (Lessons on the hour).
- 78 kids served - 26 volunteers actively advocating for kids - 11 on leave but still interested or actively working on fundraising and community awareness - Class of 6 - 8 new volunteers to begin training on Oct. 28th
Held in Washington, D.C. at the Omni Shoreham Hotel (home to the Presidential Inaugural Ball), National CASA’s 27th annual conferencebrought together over 1400CASA volunteers, staff, board members and interested parties from across the country.
Three days of workshops, exhibits, speakers and entertainment was topped off by an exciting visit to Capital Hill and an opportunity to speak directly to members of Congress and their legislative staff.There, CASA staff had the opportunity to personally acquaint their legislators with the work of CASA programs on behalf of abused and neglected children.
Ava Adler met personally with State Representative Tim Wahlberg and his legislative assistant, Jessica Van Beek along with staff from Ingham County CASA who shares his district.
Some highlights of the program included:
Alma J.Powell (wife of Colin Powell) who spoke at the opening luncheon about her work, on a national level, on behalf of youth;
Steve L Robbins, PhD., a powerful and humorous story teller who spoke to us about diversity and cultural competence; and
a fantastic performance by young people from the Duke Ellington School of Arts who put on a Motown Review that rocked!!
Workshopswere organized by tracks (fundraising, public policy, volunteer skills and resources and cultural competency)and included:
“When my CASA child breaks the law-what now?” ,
“Developing a Personal Donor Cultivation Process” ,
“Opening Doors Project: Improving the Legal System’s Approach to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Youth in Foster Care” and
“Considerations for Transitioning Youth”.
Of course, there was also the opportunity to visit the sites in DC like the HolocaustMemorialMuseum and the WashingtonMonument where National CASA launched a dramatic exhibit which helped the public understand how many children enter our foster care system each day.For one week, National CASA staff, volunteers and supporters placed 850 life-size cutout displays of foster children on the Mall.
These displays represented the number of children who enter the foster care system each day; six versions illustrated the diversity of children in care.By the end of the week, 4,250 life-size cutouts stood on the Mall.Each held a placard with a message and a call to action.These FORGOTTEN CHILDREN cutouts may eventually tour the country and be available to display in local communities.
Next year, the national conference will be held in Denver, CO April 25-28, 2009, at the Sheraton Denver HotelIt’s theme is "Taking Advocacy to a Higher Level".
Please check out the National CASA Conference photo album below!
Back in May, we introduced a site called Google for Non-Profits, to showcase the tools organizations can use to raise funds and collaborate easily and efficiently. These tools, we hoped, would enable non-profits to focus less on creaky email systems or lost documents -- and more on their missions.
For at least one non-profit, this was old news. Months before we unveiled our non-profit site, Marianne Clauw, who chairs CASA Washtenaw, an organization pairing volunteers with children in the local court system -- learned about Google products through an employee in our Ann Arbor office. With a website that she now compares to a "dusty storefront" and data sitting in a "scarily unsecure, un-backed up" state, she remembers, "I could see right away that we needed to switch to Google services."
Clauw and her colleague Ferlie Yruma used Google Page Creator (now Google Sites) to develop a shiny new website, complete with a YouTube video, a Google Calendar that reflects real-time updates, and a Checkout button allowing users to donate with a few clicks of a mouse. They applied and earned a Google Grant to run free AdWords advertising. As volunteer applications and donations trickled in, they began using Gmail and Docs to streamline the way they worked internally.
Here's what they have to say about the experience:
"Non-profits are not competitive by nature,” observes Clauw. “But we live in a competitive landscape: for donors, for volunteers, for grants. What we've done with Google is a major step in being competitive.”
When CASA Washtenaw competes at a high level, Washtenaw County kids win. And for this non-profit, that's the biggest prize of all.
CASA of Washtenaw County extends a big THANK-YOU to Jan L., Anne S., and Knut S., who hosted a gardenparty at Jan’s home in Dexter. Jan donated a party to an American Red Cross auction, Anne and Knut bought it, and they turned it into a CASA fundraiser.
The garden was gorgeous and the friends were fabulous! Thanks for helping two local nonprofits!
For pictures of the event, please check out the June 2008 Garden Party photo album (right column of this blog)!
Earlier this year, National CASA CEO Michael Piraino was interviewed on Dr. Phil. To watch the video, please click here.
Psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, the host of the very successful syndicated daytime talk show DR. PHIL, and his wife Robin McGraw, bestselling author and frequent contributor to DR. PHIL, were named official spokespersons for the National CASA Forgotten Children campaign in May, 2008. For more information, please click here.
That it was for children in the county in a vulnerable situation. It seems there is always an awful story in the news about foster children being further abused, and the CASA program is a way to directly help these children.
Tell us a little bit about your previous Work and/or Volunteer Experience and/or Education:
20 years as a consultant, managing large systems integration projects.Switched to the nonprofit sector in 2005 when I joined Nonprofit Enterprise at Work.Currently work as a NEW board advisor for nonprofits.I have volunteered primarily in my children’s schools and for church organizations.I’m currently a youth counselor at FirstUnitedMethodistChurch in Ann Arbor.
Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:
I love to read and garden.I’m perfectly happy digging weeds for hours at a time.
What is your favorite quote of all time?
“The distance is nothing.It is only the first step that is difficult.” - Madame du Deffand, French intellectual and writer, 16th century.
How did you hear about the CASA Program?
I had an assistant who was a graduate student at the University of Michigan School of Social Work, and she had an internship at the Toledo CASA program.I also read about the Washtenaw CASA program in an Ann Arbor News profile of Ashwin Patel.
We were honored to receive Governor Granholm’s Certificate of Tribute recently, recognizing the CASA program as an effective way of ensuring that courts have access to thorough and reliable information on the circumstances of abused and neglected children. Click hereto see exactly what the certificate says!
Important legislation supporting foster youth beyond age 18 and relative guardianship has recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and is looking for support in the Senate.
The issue of foster youth, especially those “aging out” of the system, has gained increased media attention of late and the bill’s passage is a giant step toward providing federal funding to states that opt to support youth in care beyond age 18.
The bill also provides federal support for relatives caring for foster children, extends IV-E support to Native American tribes and includes $50 million/year for a new Family Connection grant program. It also requires reasonable efforts be made for sibling placement and notification to relatives within 30 days of a child’s placement.
Primary funding for the Fostering Connections to Success Act would be tax dollars recovered from individuals who fraudulently collected unemployment benefits and improved cash management by the U.S. Treasury.
The provision for relative guardianship is expected to result in a cost savings by reducing caseworker oversight requirements. Please contact your legislators with “thanks” and “support.”
On June 4, 2008, CASA of Washtenaw County and NEW's npServ co-hosted an event to present live demonstrations of a range of Google applications offered free for nonprofits. CASA of Washtenaw County case studies were used to show how Google tools specifically benefit nonprofits' needs, whether it is enhanced outreach, higher productivity, or simply doing more with less. Topics such as online advertising, website enhancement and hosting, word processing and office applications, donations processing, shared calendars event ticket sales and processing, and collaborative document management were discussed during the event.
The Detroit Google training brought together 50 nonprofit representatives at Techtown, representatives who recognize the value of using free technology to improve operations of nonprofits. This is the second event hosted by CASA of Washtenaw County and NEW's npServ, an event that was also made possible by our event partners: Hannan House and NEW Detroit. The first one was held in Ann Arbor in March, 2008.
According to the audience feedback, the event was a huge success! It was evident that the techphiles and techphobes alike simply got it.
For pictures of the event, please check out the photo album below.
The National CASA Conference provides a unique opportunity for members of the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/ Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) programs across the U.S. to socialize, listen, and learn from each other.
The theme of the 2008 Conference is "How are the Children?" Attendees of the 2008 National CASA Conference will gain a greater understanding of their role in improving the condition of abused and neglected children and obtain tools to further advocate for permanence to stop the cycle of abuse.
For more information about the 2008 National CASA Conference, please click here.
In 2007, two members of our Washtenaw County CASA Program, Virginia H. and Ava A., attended the National CASA Conference at Orlando, Florida. The following excerpt talks about Virginia H.'s experience at the conference: ___________________________________________________________
2007 National CASA Conference By: Virginia H.
The National Conference in 2007 was attended by representatives from several CASA programs in Michigan – about 20 persons in all.Ava A. and Gini H. attended from the Washtenaw CASA program.
The conference was held in beautiful and sunny Orlando, Florida.Of course the location offered many attractions and pleasant distractions – but the conference agenda itself offered hefty competition to the distractions.
A pre-conference day offered an in-depth focus on issues of poverty and understanding and intervening within the culture of poverty as well as community-based strategies to break the cycle of poverty – from an individual as well as a system-level perspective.
There were great workshops offered in several different tracts, designed to meet the needs and perspectives of Board Members, volunteers, staff and, in many instances, all of these perspectives.Several topics involved program issues and challenges; while others informed and challenged participants to become involved on emerging issues as well as current ‘hot topics’.
There were leadership development opportunities; tutorials on the “new” training curriculum; technical assistance available for data base applications, media and marketing strategies; and recruitment and retention.
There were also very informative sessions on heavy-weight issues such as:
Over representation of African American youth in the Child Welfare system;
Understanding the cycle of sexual abuse (focusing on both victims as well as perpetrators); when it is appropriate to – and why/ how-to pursue the termination of parental rights.
Cultural competence - making your program culturally responsive;
Reaching out to dads - developing programs of positive male role models; and
Sessions led by persons formerly in the welfare system that had the experience of a CASA having significant impact on their lives.
In addition to workshops and sessions, there were Luncheons with speakers of national importance and supportive of CASA:
Susan Taylor of Essence Magazine,
William C. Bell of the Casey Foundation;
Jonathan Kozol, author, educator and activist;
Michael Piraino, CEO of Nat’l CASA) and
Some VERY impressive and inspirational former CASA youth.
Dinners and luncheons also featured dancers and other performers from the local area.Vendors abounded with delightful and informational wares.At the end of most days, it was all one could do to make it to the pool and a pool-side repast!!
The 2008 Conference promises to offer equivalent delights unique to the Nation’s capital – as only the Capital can offer.
Biological brothers, who were split up, were able to keep in touch because their CASA volunteer was willing to drive between Detroit and Marshall for them to have contact with each other.
The CASA volunteer would bring the younger boy, who was in foster care in Marshall, down to Detroit for his orthodontist appointments (which had begun when he was in residential placement there). They would then pick up the older brother, who lived in Wyandotte, and go to dinner, the park, etc.
Why did you choose to be involved with this organization?
I have been looking for a while to find a volunteer position that gave me a chance to have hands-on experience with a neglected or abused child. When I heard about CASA in a college course, I was intrigued, and looking into it further only assured me that I had made the right choice.
Work Experience/Volunteer Experience/Education Currently, I am a full time student at Eastern Michigan University majoring in Psychology with a minor in Women's Studies. I am hoping to continue my studies and eventually branch out into the non-profit world. I also spend some of my time volunteering with the Safehouse Center.
Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself
I am very interested in women and child advocacy. I am an alumnus of Delta Zeta. I am currently Hospitality Chair of National Association of Career Women. I am also involved in the Ann Arbor Coalition Against Rape.
How did you hear about the CASA Program?
I first heard about CASA in a Psychology course mentioned by a Child Advocacy Center Speaker.
A two year old was reunited with her biological father after the CASA volunteer was able to give the judge some perspective and feedback on exaggerated allegations of neglect that her foster mother was making about the care she got during visits with her Dad.
The child had been living with her foster mom since birth and the foster mom was having separation issues. Photo courtesy of Calgary Counselling Centre.
Why did you choose to be involved with this organization?
I was touched by the stories presented on the website and felt that the work of a CASA volunteer could offer assistance to children who are victims of a chaotic social environment.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us at our first annual Pancake Supper! We especially would like to thank our CASA volunteers and the First United Methodist Church Youth Group for volunteering their time for a good cause!
Please check out the Pancake Supper photo album (right column of this blog) as well as video snippets of the event (CASAWashtenaw YouTube Channel). __________________________________________________ What: Join us for a Pancake Supper! Who's Invited: Everyone Where: First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor (120 S. State Street, Ann Arbor) When: April 13th, 5 - 7 pm
Although reunification was the goal, the Mother was not making progress in what she needed to do to get her children back.
The CASA Volunteer assigned to the case, who has a Master's degree in Social Work and previous work experience in the child welfare system, observed the Mom and determined that the Mom was depressed. The CASA volunteer asked for an evaluation of this issue.
Even though the Mom's attorney was defensive towards the request, a referral was made to the reunification program, and the Mom was evaluated for depression. She was found to be depressed and was put on medication.
She has made a turn-around and is now making good progress towards getting her children back.
My experiences working with Children's Advocacy have inspired me to become increasingly involved in the issues surrounding child welfare. When I heard of the opportunity to advocate for abused and neglected children, my perspectives on ethics and social justice were supported by the role of a CASA volunteer. This position to advocate and empower today's youth was an opportunity that I was immediately interested in.
Work Experience/Volunteer Experience/Education: I am currently a senior at the University of Michigan School of Literature, Science, and the Arts. I am pre-law with a concentration in biopsychology. Throughout my time as an undergraduate, I have had the opportunity to become involved in a number of experiences that have helped to shape my interest.
This past summer, I had the opportunity of working as an Intern in the Pediatric Advocacy Clinic at the University of Michigan. This position exposed me to a number of advocacy cases that I worked on to organize and maintain for the law clinic.
I have also had the the chance to become a member of the Children's Advocacy Initiative at the University of Michigan Mott's Children's Hospital. As part of this program, I have worked to speak up for kids by communicating with legislators regarding improvements in the health and well-being of the children in Michigan.
Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself: I love to travel and I am currently working on becoming proficient in Spanish! I enjoy learning about different cultures and plan to someday go abroad. I also love taking pictures and going to concerts.
How did you hear about the CASA Program?
I was speaking with a friend of mine (who is also pre-law at the University of Michigan) when he mentioned I should look into CASA. We were discussing the different areas of law that we were interested in when he said that CASA seemed like it would be a great fit for me.
There was once a tree full of apples which was my family. Then one day I fell off. Some grownups came and put me in a pear tree. Then I fell off. A little boy came and put me in a tree with apples, pears, and peaches. Then I fell off. Then I sat there forever wondering, who will pick me up next? Where will I go? Will I go where I belong? Or will I waste my whole life living with fruits who I don't belong with because they can't encourage me to accomplish my dreams, or can't tell me who I am because they don't know who I am. It's up to you. Who am I?
Danielle Marie B. - age 14, in foster care (source)
The Connection is a quarterly magazine designed to keep CASA programs, volunteers, and the public abreast of the latest news and developments affecting CASA advocacy for abused and neglected children.
The Winter 2008 edition is now available, featuring an article called "Count the Ways to Encourage Child Resilience," a Top Tips for Volunteers article focusing on skills for building family connections, and the 30th anniversary reflections by the CASA program founder, Judge David W. Soukup.
Please tell us what you think of The Connection. Leave a comment on this blog post!
It provides an opportunity to actually make a difference in a child's life. You can see and feel the results.
Tell us a little bit about your work and/or volunteer experience and/or education.
I'm a University of Michigan graduate. I've worked in software development for almost 25 years and currently work at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:
I design kiln-formed glass pieces that are sold at various art galleries in the Midwest, including the Detroit Institute of Arts Museum Shop and the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
What is your favorite quote of all time?
"...try to see life as a child would, but with the knowledge of an adult - that's true wisdom." - Truman Capote
How did you hear about the CASA Program?
I read about the National CASA Program about 15 years ago in a magazine.
CASA of Washtenaw County's 2007 End-of-Year Appeal was a huge success; within a month, we raised over $4500!!
We had supporters throughout Washtenaw County, Michigan, and even received donations from individuals living in California and Washington!
The appeal letters were sent out to over 700 individuals in early December, 2007, with a newsletter about Friends of CASA's progress and 2007 milestones.
We hope to send news updates throughout the year, so look out for those newsletters because we are doing such great work!
Send us your mailing address or e-mail address at admin@casawashtenaw.org if you would like to be on our mailing list.
Pictured (left to right): Diana C., Sara B., Shelley S., Janice G., & Sondra S.
On January 30th, 2008, five (5) new CASA volunteers were sworn in at the Washtenaw County Juvenile Court by Referee Gail A.
Sara B., Diana C., Janice G., Sondra S., and Shelley S. took their oaths to carry out the duties of a CASA volunteer to the best of their ability, and received their training certificates and CASA pins.
Several experienced volunteers joined the celebration, along with a couple of family members, Nikki H. (Friends of CASA Development Director), Ava A. (CASA Coordinator), and Deborah S. (Supervisor of the CASA Program at the Court).
The new volunteers shared their reasons for becoming child advocates, and cake and coffee were enjoyed by all. ___________________________________________________________
For more pictures of the event, please check out the Swearing-In Ceremony (Jan. 30, 2008) Photo Album (located at the right column of this blog).
Role: Coordinator of the Washtenaw County Trial Court CASA Program
What interested you about the CASA Program?
The potential to intervene with children and stop the cycle of abuse and neglect that occurs in families over generations. It was also an opportunity to develop some new skills in administration of a Social Work program.
Tell us a little bit about your previous Work and/or Volunteer Experience and/or Education.
Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
I worked as a medical social worker at Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan Health System for many years. I did adult medical social work for a dialysis company and did Substance Abuse Therapy with women prisoners at Camp Brighton, a minimum security facility for women which has now been closed down.
I was also a therapist at The Home of New Vision, a residential treatment program in Ann Arbor for women coming from jail for substance abuse-related crimes. Believe it or not, my work with women with substance abuse issues, especially in the prison system, was some of the most rewarding I've done.
Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:
I'm an avid dance fan (ballet and jazz) and studied dance in my 20's and 30's (which is now a while ago!). I also love to read and exercise.
A fun fact about me is that I was at Woodstock!
What is your favorite quote of all time? I don't know if it's my favorite of ALL time, but here's one I like:
"You must BE the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi
How did you hear about the CASA Program?
I actually had not heard about it before I was approached by the director of the Juvenile Court, Linda Edwards Brown, who was a friend of mine, about the court's desire to develop and grow their CASA Program. I applied for the position of volunteer coordinator and the rest is history!
Although reunification was the goal, the mother was not making progress in what she needed to do to get her children back.
