CASA hosting spring Ray of Hope luncheon on Thursday

Community invited to help honor ‘Everyday Heroes’ in mental health

SANDPOINT — Because child protection court never shuts down, neither can CASA.

That’s why North Idaho CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is moving forward with the opportunity for the community to join them for the free Ray of Hope lunch at the Tango Cafe on Thursday from 12-1 p.m.

“If you choose to not stay for the program, there will be to-go boxes for food and we will gladly accept donations,” said Kristin Ludwig, director of development for North Idaho CASA.

This year, CASA is celebrating its partners in mental health who work with children and their families. ISP Detective Leslie Lehman will be sharing what law enforcement is doing to stem the flow of illegal drugs into North Idaho and the impact on families of substance use disorder, now commonly combined with mental health disorders. They will discuss the effect of this dual occurrence on children and highlight how mental health providers and advocates help reverse the impact of childhood trauma.

While sensitive to concerns regarding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, in the end Ludwig said at the end of the day the community’s children still needed their help, that they still needed to raise funds to help them. That’s why they are offering the to-go boxes so folks can still support CASA, and those who chose can stay to learn more about CASA and its role in the community.

“We are leaving it up to individuals to attend and not cancelling our annual fundraiser for Bonner County, as we need to keep our advocates fighting for child victims, even throughout this medical crisis,” Ludwig said.

The 2020 annual event is sponsored by Finan MacDonald and Bonner General Health. Table sponsors include: Trinity at the Beach, 219 Lounge, Century 21 Riverstone, and Elsaesser Anderson Charter. Table sponsorships are still available for $250.

“Connecting CASA with local donors and sister organizations like Kinderhaven, is so important,” said CASA board liaison, Lara Wohllaib, who said she found her passion for the Sandpoint community as a volunteer and supporter for services caring for children in need. “Providing for our youngest victims shows we care about their futures. These kids need to feel supported and valued.”

CASA recruits and trains volunteer advocates for child victims of abuse and neglect in North Idaho. Advocates investigate child protection cases, represent the child’s best interest in court and help find them a safe home with a forever family.

Pre-service training will begin the second week of April with dates/time again to be scheduled to accommodate potential participants. Those interested in learning more about becoming a CASA advocate or to schedule an informational meeting, can call Jan Rust at 509-879-1793.

The First Judicial District CASA Program serves the five northern counties of Idaho and served over 500 children in 2019 — 97 of those children were in Bonner and Boundary counties, including 29 were under the age of 5. Twenty-eight active advocates served these cases under the leadership of Bonner supervisor Jessie Sheldon.

Businesses can support CASA by sponsoring a table at the March event. Interested individuals are invited to attend for no charge.

For Sandpoint, please RSVP to Kristin Ludwig at kristin@northidahocasa.org or text 208-660-6707 to reserve a seat or a table. The event is free.

Information: northidahocasa.org/outreach-581458.html