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?”
Here, Winfrey shares stories from her own past, understanding through experience the vulnerability that comes from facing trauma and adversity at a young age. In conversation throughout the book, she and Dr. Perry focus on understanding people, behavior, and ourselves. It’s a subtle but profound shift in our approach to trauma, and it’s one that allows us to understand our pasts in order to clear a path to our future—opening the door to resilience and healing in a proven, powerful way.
Please join us and bring a friend! This event is open to both CASA Volunteers and those interested in learning more about the program!
National Adoption Day is a collective, grassroots effort to raise awareness of the more than 113,000 children waiting to be adopted from foster care in the United States. A coalition of national partners — the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Alliance for Children’s Rights and Children’s Action Network — founded National Adoption Day.
During this annual event, courts and organizations in more than 400 communities across the country have opened their doors on or around the Saturday before Thanksgiving to finalize and celebrate adoptions from foster care. To date, National Adoption Day has recognized more than 75,000 children moving from foster care to a permanent family. Learn more at nationaladoptionday.org.
Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her "head-for-the-hills bag". In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged in her father's junkyard.
Her father forbade hospitals, so Tara never saw a doctor or nurse. Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education and no one to intervene when one of Tara's older brothers became violent.
Then, lacking any formal education, Tara began to educate herself. She taught herself enough mathematics and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history, learning for the first time about important world events like the Holocaust and the civil rights movement. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge. Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home.
Educated is an account of the struggle for self-invention. It is a tale of fierce family loyalty and of the grief that comes with severing the closest of ties. With the acute insight that distinguishes all great writers, Westover has crafted a universal coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one's life through new eyes and the will to change it.
Continuing Education Hours
CASA Volunteers and Staff are required to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each calendar year.
**This includes volunteers who have taken a break and are not actively working a case!**
CASA Volunteers and Staff are required to complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each calendar year.
**This includes volunteers who have taken a break and are not actively working a case!**
You may accumulate and log over 12 hours per year.
You may accumulate and log over 12 hours per year.
In-service trainings held by the CASA office in person, or offered via video
Indiana State CASA Webinars,
the CASA Office has a catalog
Up to 3 hours per book read
Plus 1 hour for attending CASA Book Club Meetings
Please use at least 3 different methods to complete your 12 hours
Attending the State or National CASA Conferences
Up to 6 hours per year
watching movies/
documentaries or TV series approved by your supervisor
Some College Courses
Any training/webinar that pertains to your work as a CASA volunteer approved by your supervisor or sent out by the CASA office
Explicit Language
What to watch:
The mask you live in:
the representation project
The Mask You Live In follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity.
Pressured by the media, their peer group, and even the adults in their lives, our protagonists confront messages encouraging them to disconnect from their emotions, devalue authentic friendships, objectify and degrade women, and resolve conflicts through violence. These gender stereotypes interconnect with race, class, and circumstance, creating a maze of identity issues boys and young men must navigate to become “real” men.
Experts in neuroscience, psychology, sociology, sports, education, and media also weigh in, offering empirical evidence of the “boy crisis” and tactics to combat it.
The Mask You Live In ultimately illustrates how we, as a society, can raise a healthier generation of boys and young men.
November
October
December
11/3
Tammy M.
11/9
Christina B.
11/21
Stephanie L.
8/23
David G.
11/25
Jenny C.
11/29
Corky S.
10/21
Barb R.
10/23
Dale S.
10/26
Nairuti S.
10/130
Hope E.
12/17
Don W.
12/29
Amy C.
12/31
Gina D.
10/2
Kirstin R.
10/8
Erin H.
10/13
Mark K.
10/16
Kathy H.
10/19
Tom B.
10/21
Julie A.
12/2
Ann D.
12/2
Jon P.
12/3
Gianna K.
12/4
Amanda G.K.
12/14
Laura M.
12/17
Ashley G.
volunteer
Birthdays
Volunteer
anniversaries
Volunteer
anniversaries
October
October
9 years
- Don W.
- Pam W.
11 years
- Chris G.
9 years
- Don W.
- Pam W.
11 years
- Chris G.
1 year
- Monica L.
- Christina B.T.
2 years
- Jessica C.
- Laura M.
- Nairuti S.
3 years
- Terri P.
- Christine G.
- Andrea O.
- Susan M.
- Michelle E.
- Ruth N.
1 year
- Monica L.
- Christina B.T.
2 years
- Jessica C.
- Laura M.
- Nairuti S.
3 years
- Terri P.
- Christine G.
- Andrea O.
- Susan M.
- Michelle E.
- Ruth N.
November
November
4 years
- Jenny C.
- Cindy F.
- Mark K.
- Dale S.
- Angie W.
5 years
- Kathy H.
- Mark M.
- Donna R.
- Heather C.
6 years
- Beth V.P
4 years
- Jenny C.
- Cindy F.
- Mark K.
- Dale S.
- Angie W.
5 years
- Kathy H.
- Mark M.
- Donna R.
- Heather C.
6 years
- Beth V.P
Staff Birthdays
Staff Birthdays
October
Ann Y. - 10/8
November
Kristy A. - 11/14
December
Lindsey W. 12/7
15 years
Stephanie S. - 10/6
October
Staff anniversaries
1 year
Lindsey W. - 11/28
5 years
Kristy A. - 11/26
November
5 years
Brittany O. - 12/10
7 Years
Kim M. - 12/12
December
2023 Holiday Schedule
The CASA Office will be closed on the following date(s):
- November 7, 2023, for Election Day
- November 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day
- November 23 & 24, 2023, for Thanksgiving Break
- December 25, 2023, for Christmas Day
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Take A Stand is a call to action meant to bring attention to the issue of domestic violence for Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) and throughout the year. By taking a stand we intend to remind the nation that there are still countless people--victims and survivors, their children and families, their friends and family, their communities--impacted by domestic violence. We, all of us, should not stop until society has zero tolerance for domestic violence and until all victims and survivors can be heard. To learn more visit:
November is National Adoption Month
National Adoption Month is an initiative of the Children’s Bureau that seeks to increase national awareness of adoption issues, bring attention to the need for adoptive families for teens in the U.S. foster care system, and emphasize the value of youth engagement. To learn more about National Adoption Month visit: https://www.childwelfare.gov
December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month
December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month, a time to learn about a type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder and different ways to ease the of those impacted by this mental health condition. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is more than an experience of “winter blues.” Most commonly associated with fall and winter, SAD affects approximately 5% of the US population in any given year according to the nonprofit organization Mental Health America—that’s over 16.4 million Americans. SAD is more common in adults, especially those with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder; it also sometimes runs in families. For more information visit: https://www.mayoclinic.org
You may have noticed our Facebook page has been inactive. Our program is diligently working with Facebook in efforts to get our page up and running again.
In the meantime, keep up with program news by following our X (Twitter) account!
@CASAofSJC
and our NEW LinkedIn account!
Thank you for your continued support of the CASA Program of St. Joseph County!
follow us on facebook
Contact us
By Phone:
574-233-CASA (2272)
By Email: casa@jjconline.org
