CASA thankful for community's support
In 2013, 44 children in Bonner and Boundary counties were removed from their own homes due to allegations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or an unstable home. Our child protection system is overloaded and under resourced. Our local judges make court decisions that impact the lives of these children possibly forever. The non-profit Court Appointed Special Advocate programs were developed to help provide information and insight.
CASA trains local volunteers who investigate these children’s circumstances, identify their needs, and advocate for their best interests during the course of the Child Protection Act court case. Proudly, our community supports a CASA program locally. As we welcome in the new year, CASA staff and volunteers are reflecting with gratitude on the vitality of our community.
It takes nearly $60,000 a year to keep the Bonner/Boundary CASA program operating. At this time the Idaho Supreme Court provides a grant covering less than one-third of that expense. The rest comes from other grants, donations, and fund raising. In 2013 three fund raising events: CASA Ray of Hope Breakfast, Open Your Purse for Kids Sale, and the Chilly Nights Warm Hearts fun night, successfully raised about $24,000.
There are many great organizations and individuals to thank for these successful events.
n Sponsors: Finan McDonald Clothing Company, North Idaho Title, Sandpoint Furniture Carpet One, Century 21 Riverstone and Angels Over Sandpoint.
n Businesses and organizations that helped with in-kind donations and discounts:
Ponderay Events Center, Coldwater Creek, Festival at Sandpoint, Litehouse, Inc, Schweitzer Mountain Resort, The Valley Studio, Alpine Ski Shop, Powder Hound Pizza, Nieman’s Floral, Super 1 Foods, Bonner County Bikes - Dan Shook, Pine Street Bakery, J.C. Penney, Zany Zebra, Starbucks Coffee, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Bonner Mall Cinemas, Holiday Inn Express, Triple Play Family Fun Park, Pend d’Oreille Winery, Dave and Mary Sturgis, Eve’s Leaves, Pedro’s, La Chic Boutique, Spud’s Waterfront Grill, Carousel Emporium, Bella Jezza, June’s Jools, Lakeside Jewelry, Mt. Baldy Dental, Sa’Haira Salon, Utopia Therapeutic Massage, STEP Training Centre, Tango Café, Panhandle State Bank, Cedar Street Bridge and Marketplace, Creations, Selkirk Press, Blue Sky Broadcasting, KRFY Public Radio, Bonner County Daily Bee, Keokee Publishing, Living Local Sandpoint Magazine, Bashful Dan Young, and Mountain Sky Unlimited, Georgia Simmons, Rhonda Tate, Joanne Geston, Gail Harbison, Bonnie Jakubos and Jaye Schuck.
n These events simply could not have happened without the commitment of time and the helping hands of people like: Carmin Sheffler-Snyder, Amy Bistline, Lara Wohllaib, Tina Stevens, Polly Mire, Judy Thompson, Barbara Eacret, Gretchen Duykers, Debbie Newsholme, Sharon Brill, Katie Elsaesser, Kim Diercks, Barbara Carver, Diane Prior, Cherie Warber, Gloria Weidner, Rebecca Kusler, Jackie and Bill Alexander, Glen and Barbara Shaw, Erica Cookman, Cory Cookman, Susan Moon, Maureen Wood, Marilyn Porath, Rebecca Mares, Jan Rust, Amber Snoddy, Becca Orchard, Diane Newton, Celeste Meurlott, Wesley Dustman, Meghan O’Hara, Kennedy Search, Emily Chatburn, Magistrates Lori Meulenberg and Debra Heise and District Court Judge Barbara Buchanan. The Kinderhaven Board of Directors, the Community Assistance League, Bizarre Bazaar, and Angels Over Sandpoint volunteers have been especially supportive.
We are thankful for everyone who attended the events and shared their financial resources with CASA.
We are truly grateful for the eight community members who committed to being a CASA volunteer in 2013! Child advocacy matters in the life of each of the children served. CASA is offering our next Sandpoint training session for new volunteers early in February 2014. Call 255-7408 if you are interested.
As you reflect on your own 2013, remember that your involvement with CASA has helped a child in crisis.
With respect and gratitude,
CHERIE PEAK and JUDY LABRIE
Bonner/Boundary CASA staff