The CASA Program of St. Joseph County
The Advocate
4th Quarter 2023
CASA Demographics to date for 2023:
- Number of Children Served to Date: 645
- Number of Children on the Waiting List: 48
- Number of CASA Staff Full-Time: 17
- Number of CASA Staff Part-Time: 3
- Number of Active Volunteers to Date: 103
CASA Makes a Difference
Congratulations CASA Summer Training Graduates!
Congratulations CASA Summer Training Graduates!
Come join us this fall! Sign up for Pre-Service Training and learn what it takes to become an advocate for children in the child welfare system. Make a difference in your community and change the lives of children who need a voice.
To fill out a volunteer application visit:
https://in-stjoseph.evintosolutions.com/VolunteerApplication
The only Saturday Training in 2024!
Michelle
Please help us welcome our newest Supervisor of Volunteers, Michelle!
Michelle graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice. After graduation, Michelle moved to the Michiana area and was a DCS Assessment Family Case Manager until moving back to Michigan where she was a corrections officer, and most recently she conducted forensic interviews.
During her free time, Michelle enjoys spending time with her partner and their fur babies. Michelle is excited to be back in the Michiana area and to be advocating for children's best interest!
New Supervisor of Volunteers!
Kennedy
Kennedy was born in upstate New York and moved to Indiana as a preteen prior to being adopted.
Kennedy currently resides in Elkhart with her husband, children, and her 3 rottweilers. When she is not cheering on her children from the sidelines, you will find her hiking, camping, or fishing.
Prior to her employment at CASA, Kennedy worked as a preschool teacher while studying Child Development and Early Childhood Education.
Kennedy has always had a passion for working with families and children and understands the need for each child to have stability and permanence.
Kennedy is thrilled to be a part of CASA's mission and is looking forward to advocating for children in need.
Please help us welcome our newest Staff Advocate, Kennedy!
New Staff Advocate!
Staff Spotlight:
Staff Spotlight:
Staff Supervisor Becca H.
Staff Supervisor Becca H.
I worked at DCS and wanted the ability to better advocate for children’s best interests.
Working to see our kids thrive and live in safe, stable homes.
Just to be there for your kids and listen to what they have to say. The more you’re present the more they will trust you and the better you can advocate for them!
Volunteer Spotlight:
Volunteer Spotlight:
Pam W.
Pam W.
What drew you to the CASA Program as a volunteer?
I had heard of CASA, had been a Nurse Medical Case Manager in my professional life and thought this would be a way I could give back using my skills and time. Having Don, my husband, be willing to also do this with me, sealed the deal as it was something we could do as a team.
What is something you wish you knew before becoming a volunteer?
I can’t think of anything at this time as I was ready for the time commitment and somewhat understood the need. I suppose it would have been good to know more about the judicial system but our orientation was really pretty good about teaching us that information.
What is some advice you would give someone considering becoming a volunteer?
If you like children, have a desire to give back to our community’s children/families, take this on! The benefit to you will be greater than for those you are assisting. If you are considering and hear from others, “I just couldn’t do that, it would be too emotional” I’d say, give it a try. Yes, it can be frustrating and emotionally impactful, but know that you are hopefully part of the solution.
Why do you enjoy volunteering as a CASA advocate?
To advocate for children, to help see families reunite and heal and to volunteer for an
organization that truly cares for their clients, their volunteers, and their employees, makes
it all so worth the time and effort needed to do the job! One of the best volunteer positions
I have ever had! Thank you CASA Program of St. Joseph County.
Bob M.
Bob M.
Recognized by Indiana State CASA
& INdiana Supreme court!
did a fantastic job in a recent Termination of Parental Rights Trial.
His effectiveness as a CASA was brought up in an Indiana State CASA Conference due to the case being sent to appellate court.
The Indiana Supreme Court even cited Bob’s advocacy in the case as a reason to uphold the trial court’s decision.
Kudos to who is in constant communication with all parties multiple times a week. He obtains provider reports and updates regularly. His Optima notes are always timely and detailed. Josh also does a great job testifying in court on relevant and pertinent information regarding the case. Thank you, Josh, for being an AMAZING CASA! Your dedication is appreciated!
Josh W.
Josh W.
66
Children
Served
Tom B.
Tom B.
has been a CASA volunteer for over 9 years and is currently the volunteer on 4 cases. He has served, including his current cases, 66 children from St. Joseph County! Thank you, Tom, for your hard work!
Kudos to
for being a HUGE support to her CASA kiddo. She does a great job at making sure the child is heard and feels supported. Thank you for all you do, Ashley!
Ashley O.
Ashley O.
Terry P.
Terry P.
graciously took on a second case and has been tirelessly advocating for all the children she serves! Thanks, Terry!
‘s testimony in court is not only a clear depiction of the case facts, but she also follows up with DCS regularly to make sure nothing is missed. Recently a hearing was continued. Two months later, Heather conveyed to the court that DCS had requested a modification to suspend visits. During this hearing, the modification was addressed by the court. If not for her quick thinking, this motion would have been stalled, delaying permanency for her kiddos. Great job, Heather!
Heather C.
Heather C.
lou ann w.
lou ann w.
Sue S.
Sue S.
carries multiple cases, not only making time to visit with all of her kids, but also meeting with the teams and service providers, so she can ensure her children receive all necessary services. Great job, Sue!
recently advocated for her children to receive a much needed service. She presented the team with information that she had gathered, and diligently advocated for their best interests! Thanks for being your kids' voice, Lou Ann!
Trivia Night is back! For those of you who were disappointed to see our first Trivia Night canceled, we have rescheduled and we are excited for you to join us on October 4th.
Please plan on joining CASA Staff and fellow Volunteers for a night of competition and flexing all of your random knowledge on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Trivia Night will be held at Chicory Cafe in Mishawaka. Come grab a drink and a bite to eat, mingle with other volunteers, and show off your smarts! You are welcome to bring friends and family to this event or come by yourself and we will connect you with other CASAs!
Next Meeting:
When: October 16, 2023, at 6:30 PM
Where: South Bend Chocolate Café Downtown South Bend
Have you ever wondered "Why did I do that?" or "Why can't I just control my behavior?" Others may judge our reactions and think, "What's wrong with that person?" When questioning our emotions, it's easy to place the blame on ourselves; holding ourselves and those around us to an impossible standard. It's time we started asking a different question.
Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry offer a groundbreaking and profound shift from asking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?”