CASA thanks community for support
So far this year 98 abused, neglected or abandoned children in Bonner and Boundary counties have been served by court appointed advocates. The Court Appointed Special Advocate Program is a non-profit organization that is funded totally by grants, donations and fund raising.
The success of our program involves the kindness, generosity and work of many individuals and local organizations. At this time of reflection and Thanksgiving we would like to take this opportunity to thank some of the people who have contributed to the success of our local CASA progam this year.
n Sponsors: Finan McDonald, North Idaho Title, Panhandle State Bank, Table Captains, committee members, speakers, helpers and especially the guests and donors who attended the biggest CASA fundraising event in Sandpoint. The Ray of Hope Breakfast raised about $20,000 this year.
n The Equinox Foundation awarded a $11,000 grant for the local CASA Program.
n Rhonda Tate, Sandy Hughes-Rose, Mia Bartlett, Susan Chapman Caswell, Sue Haynes, Bruce Dykers and all the other people who made the Open Your Purse for Kids fundraiser such a success. That event raised about $4,000 for local CASA Program.
n This year the Community Assistance League awarded two grants for training. One for training new CASA volunteer advocates and another to bring a presentation on the effect of trauma on children. This was very well attended by community members. Thank you Toni Jones for the thought-provoking presentation.
n Coldwater Creek, Festival at Sandpoint and Angels Over Sandpoint have stepped right up fulfilling various requests.
n Everyone who has contributed books to the Books for Kids in Court program. Going to child protection hearings can be very scary for children. Each child gets to pick out a book to keep at every hearing they attend. Donations of gently used and new books, journals and sketch books are so appreciated by the children.
n The first ever Reunification Day celebration in Idaho was held in Bonner County this year. David Gunter, local journalist, wrote a compelling article in June for the Bee. Thank you, “Jan,” for your powerful story of recovery and the personal work toward reunification with your kids.
n Thanks to the 6 new advocates trained in 2012 we have been able to keep up with the goal of a trained volunteer appointed to each court case. There are currently 27 trained advocates serving Bonner / Boundary Counties involved in 40 open cases.
n Thank you to the local businesses that have offered discounts or free publicity to CASA: Blue Sky Broadcasting, Selkirk Press, Bonner County Daily Bee, Ponderay Events Center, KRFY Public Radio.
n Kinderhaven and licensed foster families are key to child well being after they have been removed from their homes. The CASA Program is grateful for the extraordinary people in the community who provide foster care to our children at risk.
n Thank you Children and Family Services team at the Department of Health and Welfare for the collaboration on case management, the Christmas Party for foster children and families and volunteer training.
n And finally a big thank you to the 27 advocates who give of their time and energy to investigate cases, get to know the children and their needs and do the work of advocacy. Volunteers also pitch in to make events within our community successful.
It takes about $58,000 per year to keep the Bonner / Boundary CASA office open and provide two part-time staff members to operate the Program and supervise cases. The community generosity of spirit and funds make this program the success that it is. Child advocacy matters and local support is vital.
CHERIE PEAK and
JUDY LABRIE