Ascension CASA Volunteer Spotlight

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Linda Lewis was sworn-in as a CASA volunteer on May 21, 2003, one year after the Child Advocacy Services Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program was established in Ascension Parish. Shortly after being sworn-in, she accepted her first case as a CASA. Linda has now been serving on the same case for nearly 7 years and has remained the only consistent person in the lives of the children she serves. Because of Linda’s efforts, one of her two CASA children is now in an adoptive home awaiting her adoption. There have been many obstacles over the past 7 years, but Linda has endured them all with one goal in mind, permanence for these children.

As a school secretary, Linda is well acquainted with juggling multiple tasks and addressing the needs of the children, parents, and teachers that she comes in contact with at her school. She serves her children with the same vigor. Linda wants her CASA children to have everything they need and know who they are. Linda’s dedication and commitment has benefitted both her children and the program. Everyone at Gonzales Primary School knows that Linda is a CASA. She proudly wears her CASA t-shirt on free dress days and shares the many rewards of being a CASA. Linda has gained the support of her co-workers and students at her school. Staff has pulled together to provide new school supplies and school uniforms for CASA children when funds were short in other areas, and many of the students have expressed a desire to be CASA volunteers “when they grow up.” Linda has also assisted in making the first Blue Ribbon Campaign for Child Advocacy Services a huge success by soliciting the assistance of her school and members of the community.

It is unquestionable that Linda has remained persistent to make sure that her CASA children receive the specific services that they need and find a safe, permanent home. The twins that she serves have been in separate homes for many years and have exhibited many different behavior problems along the way. With the constant change in state workers and foster homes, Linda has made sure that she spoke with the children within 24 hours of them being moved to a different home and visited with them within the week so that they would know that she was still there to represent their best interest. In an effort to make sure that these children kept in touch with each other, Linda took it upon herself to take pictures during many of her visits and give them to the other child so that they can see each other growing up. She continued to advocate for visitations between both of them so they can know each other, and she advocated for proper counseling services to help them work through their problems with each other and their transition when their parents’ rights were terminated. Linda has often been the only one present to cheer on her CASA children during school plays and other events. Though there have been difficult times throughout her case, Linda has remained committed to seeing her children find a place that they can call home. In the words of her CASA children, “when people don’t want anything to do with you or when someone is playing with your heart, she [Linda] is there and gives you a shoulder to cry on….we love her with all our hearts.” Without a doubt, Linda’s CASA children know that she will be there through all the changes in their lives. Linda’s persistence and consistency has enabled to her reap a precious reward, the hearts and respect of the children she serves.

By: Stephanie Breeden
CASA Lead Supervisor, Gonzales

Livingston CASA Volunteer Spotlight

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

This month CASA volunteer, Laura Borzacchielo, is in the spotlight.  Laura was sworn in December of 2007 and since that time has proven herself to be a dedicated child advocate.  Laura has had the opportunity to serve 16 children!  She has served many of these children in her role as “adoption specialist” in an effort to ensure that the adoption process moves swiftly and to address any concerns that may arise.

Currently, Laura is advocating for six children all while maintaining a full time job of her own.  Laura is not afraid to speak up and advocate for the best interest of her children as this is her main objective that drives all of her good work.  Her supervisor never has to continually ask for court reports and she always updates and consults with her supervisor in the midst of her busy schedule.

She definitely does a lot, but she is always willing to do more.  Laura also serves on our Community Council that helps grow our CASA program in this parish and helps to raise awareness of child abuse.  Laura is truly an asset to all of the children in our parish as well as to our agency.  So thank you, Laura, from your supervisor, the whole CAS agency, and of course from the many children that you have served!

Tangipahoa CASA Volunteer Spotlight

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Child Advocacy Services CASA Program Welcomes Our Newest Volunteers

(Back Row) Jeannine Scamardo, Mike McShan, Amanda Serpas, Krystal Waymeyer, (Front Row) Rachael Lites, Amber Coates, Cassandra Maier.

I feel that we are so lucky to have such a great group of volunteers! The above mentioned volunteers have accepted their cases and relieved 10 children from our waiting list! Thank you so much for completing the CASA training to become advocates for our children. Your enthusiasm and eagerness are inspiring.

Our next training will begin on July 27, 2010. If you are interested or know someone who would make a great children’s advocate please forward them to Donna Bliss at (985) 902-9583 or dbliss@childadv.net.