CASA Community Member of the Week

Name: Priya G.

Role: Volunteer

What interested you about the CASA program?

CASA’s role as both a social service entity with a social justice bent that was also institutionalized. This would allow me to make a noticeable and marked difference in the life of young children who are our future.

Also, CASA provided a diverse set of opportunities, from practicing networking skills to crisis management skills as well as of course making the difference in the life of young children.

Tell us a little bit about your previous Work and/or Volunteer Experience and/or Education:

I am a student at Berkeley Law School, I worked at CASA while finishing my final year at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Hobbies/Fun Fact(s) about Yourself:

Reading, writing, and Indian folk dance.

What is your favorite quote of all time?

“There is nothing to fear, but fear itself.”—Franklin D. Roosevelt

How did you hear about the CASA Program?

Non-profit career fair.

2009 CASA Earth Day Event

Written by: Donna Huntsman

CASA Earth Day's hostesses, Kim Kronick (left) and Betsy McCallister (right) celebrate a successful friendraising event with Friends of CASA Board Chair, Nancy Kelley (middle)

Earth Day, intended to inspire awareness and appreciation, was the back drop for a brilliant CASA event. Hostesses Betsy McCallister and Kim Kronick decided to call attention to the wonderful work our advocates do on behalf of abused and neglected children here in our own community. Betsy opened her beautiful home to forty people whom were invited to learn more about Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Nancy Kelley, our board president, spoke of the powerful impact one-on-one advocacy and mentorship can have on the life of a child. She spoke of her own experience as an advocate in San Jose, CA and her current work serving on the board of CASA of Washtenaw.

“To give a child a CASA is to give them a voice. To give them a voice is to give them hope, and to give them hope is to give them the world.” -Pamela Butler, a former foster child

A special thank you to Betsy and Kim for coordinating such a lovely and successful event. We are pleased to report:

• An increase in community awareness
• Donated money to support Friends of CASA and our work with foster children
• Nine new committee members for our Rockin' the CASA event
• Three new CASA volunteer advocates
• One new fundraising committee member
• One new potential board member
• An invite to host another Coffee Talk

Our foster kids were the ultimate benefactors this Earth Day. They brought a whole new meaning to the old adage of “Think Globally, Act Locally”.
Please check out our event pictures and video snippets below.

2009 CASA Earth Day Photo Album

2009 CASA Earth Day Event Video Snippets

For more CASA videos, please go to our CASAWashtenaw YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=CASAWashtenaw

CASA in the News - Article in the Huffington Post

Standing Up for Abused and Neglected Children Takes on a New Meaning

Written by: Brad Hunt

Source: Huffington Post

One night, about 10 years ago, I went to bed with a sore back, and woke up in severe pain, not able to move from the waist down. I had suffered a spinal cord injury that left me paralyzed. After a few months of medical treatment there was no real improvement; doctors told me the problem was permanent and I might never walk again. I was 48 years old.

My vigorous life came to a standstill. I went through all the stages most people experience when they're suddenly disabled: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and, finally, acceptance. After four months of intense rehab and much to my health caregivers' surprise, I could maneuver myself around in an upright position using arm crutches. I could, on my own terms, walk.

Prior to the injury, as a "Type A" personality, I had been extremely physically active. I continue to serve with American Red Cross as a volunteer Health and Safety Instructor going on 40 years now. Our family took advantage of New Hampshire's outdoor scene by camping in all seasons, although I particularly enjoyed winter camping - maybe because of my other hobby as a dogsled musher. My profession as an ultrasound engineer also provided me with the opportunity to travel coast-to-coast.

The dogs and dogsled racing had been a very important part of my family's life. I built a hand-lashed racing sled out of white ash. We built a kennel in our backyard -- a big fenced-in area so the Huskies could run and I could wrestle and play with them. That changed after my injury. The dogs sensed something was different and they never jumped on me. Those magnificent animals played a key role in my rehab. After being paralyzed, I literally had to crawl out to the kennel to feed the pack. But I wanted -- needed -- to do that. Eventually, I was able to get back on the dogsled. I strapped myself on with a harness and took my wife for a ride. The dogs seemed to know what my wife and I were going through and we valued their support.
But, in other areas of my life, after two years of not doing much, I realized I needed something else to keep me busy and make me feel needed. I told the big guy upstairs, "I'm ready for something."

Toward the end of 2000, my wife and I attended a Christmas party at a friend's house. I sat down on a couch next to a gentleman who also depended on crutches to get around. He told me he had M.S. (multiple sclerosis). I asked, "What are you doing to keep yourself from going mental?" He said he was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for abused and neglected children. We talked all night. Monday morning I called the local program office, CASA of New Hampshire, to find out more. After an initial, comprehensive, screening interview I signed up for the training.

The 40 hours of CASA training were hard for me because I had to sit all day long -- a painful endeavor. But it captivated me. One morning the instructor showed us a film of children who had been involved in abuse and neglect cases. They spoke of what had happened to them and how their CASAs helped keep them safe and brought change to their lives. The voices of those children were incredibly powerful. That was the moment. I realized this isn't fun and games, and I knew I had to do this work. It was important that I become an advocate for these children and that I do the job well.

When a case of abuse and/or neglect comes into the New Hampshire family court system, judges usually appoint a CASA to serve as a guardian ad litem (GAL), for the life of the case with all the rights and privileges of a principal in the case. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate, I think of myself as the eyes and ears for the judge. I work with teams that often include the Division of Children, Youth and Families, school staff, mental health professionals, foster care and health care providers, family service professionals and others. I attend court review sessions and speak to what I deem to be in the best interest of the children. I write a detailed report prior to each court hearing telling the judge what has happened in the case while keeping the focus on the children. I promise to see each of the children on my cases at least once a month and I commit to remain the CASA until each case closes (some cases can stay open for multiple years). If the mitigating situation has been rectified, the children might safely reunite with their biological family; if not, they might be freed for adoption.

CASA has probably done more for me than I have done for the agency in that it has allowed me to feel productive. When I walk into a home where kids five years and older still wear diapers, older kids still sleep in cribs, Mom and Dad use drugs in front of the kids, or where kids encounter domestic violence all around them and perhaps to them, I say to myself, "I can help change this situation." Then I'm thankful I've been given the opportunity to make a difference in a child's life.

I've changed since the day I took my first case eight years ago. I'm probably more tolerant than I was because I recognize everyone has a right to live their lives as they want. I can't impose my cultural values on others. My job is to ensure that the children end up in a safe, permanent home.

Two years ago my wife, Sue, and I took a Jeep ride across the United States. Yes, the country and its history impressed and thrilled me, but what struck me even more was the people -- the great diversity of people and their unbelievable helpfulness when given the chance. I realized we're all capable of being volunteers even if only in some small way. Think of what we could accomplish in this country if we all gave a bit of our time to give back to others some of the good we've received.

The National CASA Association has more than 950 local programs across the country. If you are interested in more information or possibly becoming a volunteer, please visit http://www.casaforchildren.org/. Donating your time to become a CASA may change your life and the life of an abused or neglected child.

In Tough Times, Foundations Still Give Back

Contributed by: Donna Huntsman, Executive Director

Friends of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) was awarded several generous grants and contributions that will help it promote its mission of helping abused and neglected children in Washtenaw County.

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation Clauw Family Fund donated $10,000 to the organization in hopes of providing every child in Washtenaw County a safe, permanent home. The grant is unrestricted and will be used to further the Friends of CASA mission.

The Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor donated $2,000 toward CASA’s Cinderella Fund. The fund allows CASA volunteers to request modest sums to support the special needs of the children not met by standard Department of Human Services stipends. Examples of Cinderella Fund purchases in 2008 included:

• A warm winter coat for a little boy
• Undergarments for a teenage girl
• Boots for three children fostered by a relative
• Beds which allowed a relative to foster two nieces

The continuing generosity of our funders in today’s economy is a clear sign that our community values the incredibly important work we do. We are very grateful for the support of the Clauw Family Fund and the Kiwanis Club. Funders like them help bring us closer toward our goal of providing a CASA volunteer for every abused and neglected child in foster care in Washtenaw County.

Other noteworthy grantors include the Junior League of Ann Arbor with a $500 donation and the First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor with a $400 donation. These two grants will go toward community outreach efforts to recruitment additional volunteer CASAs.

A CASA is a volunteer assigned to a child who regularly visits with the child and speaks with foster parents, biological parents, teachers, therapists, lawyers and caseworkers. The CASA attends court proceedings and recommends to the judge how to best help the child – they are the voice of the child.

Our advocates serve as a consistent, caring adult in a child’s life. They go to court with them; they take them to the park; they help them move from one foster home to another; they follow their progress at school, and they provide the court with a better understanding of who the child is and what he/she needs.

The Washtenaw CASA program serves as a model of government and nonprofit collaboration, and draws from the strengths of each sector to support the children who are in very unfortunate circumstances. CASA of Washtenaw County is a partnership between government, Washtenaw County Juvenile Court, and the nonprofit, Friends of CASA, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Since its founding in 1999, Friends of CASA has made a difference in the lives of abused or neglected children. For more information or to donate, please visit http://www.casawashtenaw.org/.

Logo source: corresponding organization's website

A Look Forward

Contributed by: Nancy Kelley, 2009 Board Chair

This is my first post on the CASA blog as Board Chair for Friends of CASA - an organization I am fully committed to because of it's mission to help abused and neglected children right here in Washtenaw County. That commitment to our local kids, the kids living right here in my community, attending my neighborhood schools etc. - the same kids sitting in our county family court system wishing for someone to tell their story, plead their case or simply to "know" what they think...that's why I chose this organization many years ago and am thrilled to be in the position I am for 2009, Board Chair.

When I look forward into 2009, I see more of the wonderful progress we've made in the last two years under the helm of Marianne Clauw. Thank you Marianne for your outstanding service to Friends of CASA.

Our 2009 board of directors is strongly committed to our mission and in addition, we are diverse enough to strongly represent those we are striving to serve. Our number of volunteers, our financial supporters and our public awareness is growing each year and I feel confident that these trends will continue in 2009. In growing these areas, our ability to serve more children (our ultimate goal) becomes more attainable. Every step counts, small or big.

I'm confident that the biggest impact on our progress in 2009 will be the hiring of Donna Huntsman as our Executive Director, starting February 3rd. Donna brings with her the experience and commitment we need to grow an organization of our size. Her enthusiasm, positive attitude and her simple "Cheers" at the end of her emails contributes to an energetic and upbeat office atmosphere. We are thrilled to have her on the Friends of CASA team.

In my heart and in my head, I feel that 2009 will be a fantastic year for the CASA program. I say that knowing that we are surrounded by big challenges in our economy, in our communities and even in our own homes and offices. Still, when I am reminded of the challenges these children have faced on a daily basis, often for most of their lives, I am given the perspective I need to face the challenges in my own life. I only hope that I have a portion of the resiliency and strength I see in these children. They deserve our support. I'm committed to giving it to them. I hope you join me in continuing to serve them and give them the "voice" they deserve.

CASA Year in Review: 2008

By: Marianne Clauw (2008 Friends of CASA Board Chair)

2008 was a year of commitment and growth for the CASA Washtenaw program. 40 CASA volunteers were advocates for 87 children who had been removed from their homes because of neglect or abuse. These volunteers demonstrated that commitment, persistence, and caring make an enormous difference in the lives of these children. 15 new volunteers were trained and sworn in as CASAs in 2008, continuing the growth of the Washtenaw CASA program.

The Washtenaw County Trial Court-Juvenile Division and the Friends of CASA demonstrated commitment to our government/nonprofit partnership in 2008. The two year Expansion Grant received from the National CASA organization in 2006 expired as planned in June, 2008. The Court and the Friends of CASA are pleased to report that the community outreach and fundraising efforts of the Friends of CASA have resulted in a smooth transition to local funding of the program. The Court demonstrated confidence and commitment to the partnership by including the entire program in the 2008/2009 court budget, including the continued salary grants from the Friends of CASA. This is a very significant step, as the salary grants can now be matched by the State of Michigan Child Care Fund, because CASA is a fully budgeted program.

The Friends of CASA took a major step forward in the hiring of our first permanent staff for the nonprofit. With the addition of an executive director and the continued efforts of the board of trustees, revenues increased from $32,000 in 2007 to $89,000 in 2008. Funding from local foundations and corporations increased, and the individual donor pool was doubled.

Growth in community outreach was a focus of the Court and the Friends of CASA in 2008. The community learned about the issue of child abuse and the CASA program via monthly presentations to civic groups, a University of Michigan campus outreach program, enhancement of electronic outreach through website, blogs, and videos, and the highly successful Rockin’ the CASA dinner dance and auction in November.

Thank you for your interest and commitment to helping the children we serve through the CASA program. It is the support of the community that allows the CASA volunteers to do their vital work.

Frank Vandervort - Guest Speaker at Feb. CASA Meeting

Contributing Writer: Donna H.

We were fortunate to have Professor Frank Vandervort as our guest speaker at our monthly CASA meeting. Vandervort is a Professor of Law; child advocate; writer and lecturer at the University of Michigan's Child Advocacy Law Clinic. He spoke to us about the Consent Decree associated with the recently settled Children's Rights Law Suit against the State of Michigan and the Department of Human Services.

Professor Vandervort provided background information on “the lawsuit” including information on the plaintiffs on whose behalf the class action suit was filed; court-ordered changes still to come and the requirements that exist for Michigan and the DHS as a result of the suit.

The lawsuit consists of 65 claims against the State and the DHS on behalf of 6 kids representing all children in the foster care system. Professor Vandervort believes the biggest impact we will see as a result of the lawsuit will be a reduction in case loads, an increase in case workers and supervisors and changes in educational requirements for personnel.

We really appreciate Professor Vandervort taking the time to join us and educate us on “the lawsuit”. At our next CASA volunteer meeting, February 23rd, we will hear from a representative from DHS regarding the changes taking place here in Washtenaw County. Hope to see you there!

Picture source

Congratulations, Ashwin!

Local Leaders Applaud Volunteers During January 27 Celebration

(Excerpt from the Washtenaw Youth Mentoring Coalition Press Release)

Washtenaw’s new Sheriff, Jerry Clayton, will promote the benefits of mentoring and publicly recognize local “super mentors” at a county-wide celebration in honor of National Mentoring Month on Tuesday, January 27 at the Neutral Zone in Ann Arbor.

Washtenaw Commissioners Conan Smith and Roland Sizemore, Jr., Washtenaw Administrator Bob Guenzel and Washtenaw Department of Children’s Services Director Lisa Greco will also address audience members. Clayton will present awards to the county’s 2009 “super mentors.”

The event, which is open to the public, begins at 4 pm at 310 E Washington St, Ann Arbor.

The 2009 Washtenaw Mentor of the Year is U. Ashwin Patel, who volunteers for the Washtenaw Trial Court Appointed Special Advocates Program.

“Ashwin has worked with the same family over all this time, providing a consistent thread of knowledge and caring concern while caseworkers and attorneys have come and gone,” Washtenaw CASA Program Director Ava Adler said. “Ashwin is calm, consistent and competent in all she does. She is always current in knowing what the kids need and she always brings those needs to the attention of the people responsible for meeting them.”

The case started with a 13-year-old boy and his 4- and 6-year-old stepsisters being removed from the care of their parents who suffered from serious mental problems. The girls were eventually returned to their parents care, but the boy remained in foster care and Ashwin met with him weekly. Eventually, the girls came back into foster care along with their new baby brother. Ashwin became re-involved with them, monitoring their adjustment to life in the home of relatives with whom they were placed.

A mentor is a caring, responsible, dedicated volunteer who guides a young person, helping him or her define and achieve personal goals. Mentored youth are 46% less likely to start using drugs than their un-mentored peers, according to the Child Trends Research Brief of 2004.

The Coalition is an alliance of 39 local youth-focused organizations, including schools, non-profits, government agencies and faith-based organizations. The Coalition enables its member organizations to network, share resources, save staff time and money by jointly recruiting volunteers and hosting events, and meet the Mentor Michigan Quality Standards for youth mentoring organizations.

The Coalition's website, www.washtenawmentoring.org, helps potential mentors and mentees connect via Coalition-member organizatins. Website visitors can also learn more about mentoring and its benefits, the Coalition, and upcoming youth events.

For pictures of the event, please see the picture album below:

December 2008 Swearing In Ceremony

Contributed by: Ferlie Yruma

Pictured Above: Molly Schikora (Attorney Referee), Virginia Harmon (CASA Supervisor); Newly sworn-in CASA Volunteers – Ian S., Amy W., Fran G., Kevin G. and Nancy M.; and Ava Adler, (Coordinator of the CASA program), Washtenaw County Trial Court – Family Division.

On December 17, 2008, the Washtenaw County CASA Program swore in 5 new volunteers!

Please welcome: Kevin G., Fran G., Nancy M., Ian S., and Amy W.

Please check out the photo album below for pictures of the Swearing In Ceremony.

Best Wishes to CASA of Washtenaw County

It has been an honor and privilege to work for such a great cause and with an incredible team. In 2008, the CASA program served 80 children and I'm confident that with the direction and leadership of the Board and staff more children will find loving, stable and permanent homes in the months to come.

Bonjour! Nikki Huang