The 2026 CASA Superhero Run will be at WinStar Farm in the heart of the Blue Grass State on Aug. 22. Registration is now open, with early bird discounts available through July 19.

As always, the event features a 1K fun run for kids 12 years old and younger; a chip-timed 5K walk/run for all ages with strollers and pets allowed; a festival with inflatables, face-painting, games, free food and cosplayers of your favorite superheroes and characters; and superhero costume contests!

Register today at www.lexsuperherorun.com to secure your T-shirt (5K registration) or superhero cape (1K registration) and get the lower, early-bird price.

CASA Volunteer Anna Jones

For Anna Jones, family comes first. She is a proud wife of 45 years, mother of two, and “Nana” to six grandchildren.

Her love for family is how she discovered CASA volunteering, a way for her to help and heal other children and families.

“I first learned about CASA when my daughter and her husband were foster parents. When I retired, I decided I wanted to spend some of my time being purposeful about serving others outside of my church,” she said. “CASA seemed like the perfect fit where my gifts and passions collided.”

CASA volunteers like Jones are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each month, Jones visits her matched child or children, giving them a positive, consistent adult they can trust even if everything else in their life is changing.

Jones also gathers information about her CASA children’s lives and share what she learns in reports to the judge on the children’s cases. Her reports help humanize the children for everyone on the case and prevent the children’s needs from falling through the cracks.

CASA kids can be living in foster care, with a relative, in a treatment facility or still with their biological parents, depending on the situation. They can often change placements multiple times in a matter of months, and cases average around two years in length. The information CASA volunteers gather helps shorten that time and increase the success rate for kids after their cases close.

Jones has been volunteering now for more than three and a half years. Her Jessamine County CASA Volunteer Manager Lauren Hurst nominated her to be a Volunteer of the Month because of her track record of consistency.

“She never misses a home visit and could lead a masterclass on how to interact with your CASA kids,” Hurst said. “The families that she works with always trust her. She just gets to know them in a way that makes them feel comfortable and not judged.”

Jones said she has always connected easily with the CASA children she has been matched with.

“I know I am there first for the children, but I have found building a trusting relationship with the bio parents/caregivers is beneficial, too,” she said. “I have seen first hand the benefits of CASA personally in my own family, and now the children that I serve.”

To learn more about CASA or apply to be a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org. A summer training class for new volunteers will be held at 3245 Loch Ness Dr. in Lexington, June 22-26.

CASA Volunteer Candye Pinkston

A Woodford County CASA volunteer has been named a Volunteer of the Month for the seven-county region served by CASA of Lexington. 

Candye Pinkston has been visiting with and advocating for abused and neglected children in the family court system for three years. One little girl she advocated for just recently had her case close successfully, with Pinkston providing what officials on the case said was “critical” information. 

“She is doing more than just the basic work of volunteering,” said Pinkston’s Volunteer Manager Heather Porter. “She is willing to do anything and everything for this child.” 

CASA volunteers like Pinkston are matched with abused and neglected children with open abuse or neglect cases in Woodford County Family Court. Pinkston visits her matched child monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, and provides reports that include recommendations on what actions would help the child. 

“I originally wanted to be a foster parent, but was not able to make that commitment. Then I heard about CASA,” Pinkston said. “I thought it was a great way to still help children in foster care.” 

Pinkston said the work of being a CASA volunteer is a great way to give back to her community, and it is incredibly rewarding. 

“Meeting with the children I have worked with is a great joy,” she said. “Working to ensure they were in the safest and healthiest environments to grow up has been an amazing feeling.” 

If you would like more information about Woodford County’s CASA program or applying to become a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.  

At Thursday’s city council meeting, Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton declared April 16 “CASA Day” in Fayette County, in honor of the local Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program’s 40th anniversary. 

The declaration came as 31 CASA volunteers serving abused and neglected children were honored with Serve Kentucky Awards for each giving more than 100 hours to the cause in 2025. 

"Kentucky unfortunately is among the worst states in the nation when it comes to the number of new child abuse and neglect cases every year,” Gorton said. “Our Fayette family court system is filled with cases of children who deserve a stable, loving home but are instead navigating a world filled with chaos and uncertainty." 

In her CASA Day proclamation, Gorton explained that “volunteers support children who are going through the court system and provide them with a sense of hope for the future.” 

CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison received the proclamation from Gorton before honoring the 31 Serve Kentucky Award recipients. Jamison said the program could not have provided 159 volunteers to serve 434 Fayette children last year without the financial backing of the Lexington-Fayette council. 

“You've shown your commitment to serving some of the most vulnerable through CASA services. The children we serve find themselves not knowing where they may sleep that evening, if they have a next meal, and unfortunately, don't always get to go to a safe home,” Jamison said. "It is a collective effort with a regional program and we have to have all cities and counties supporting to serve the children." 

Five of the 31 volunteers receiving Serve Kentucky Awards were also named “Top CASA Volunteers” by CASA of Lexington for logging more than 300 volunteer hours each. The five Top CASA Volunteers are Debra Gabbard, Brittney Thomas, Jan Colbert, Jane Crickard, and Cynthia Budek. 

The other 26 Serve Kentucky Award recipients are Rene Saner, Pat Riddell, Jane Bennington, Cynthia Phillips, Sally Brunner, Fawn Torkelson, Sally Schneider, Ava Crow, Elizabeth Westin, Glenda Dees, Maquel Sarantakos, Todd Johnson, Terri Potter, Lisa Travis, Pat Dugger, Jan Roehl, Meredith Feiertag, Susan Pope, Anne Flynn, Barbara Phipps, Jennifer Dishman, Evelyn Mitchell, Jackie Washburn, Kathy Edwards, Kim Mosley, and Cara Duggan. 

Combined, the 31 volunteers gave 6,042 hours last year. 

The Serve Kentucky Volunteer Recognition Program is a partnership among the Office of the Governor, AmeriCorps, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. It recognizes volunteers who make a difference by giving their time within the state of Kentucky. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have been abused or neglected. Each volunteer visits their CASA child at least monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, provides reports to the judge on the child’s case, and speaks up if the child needs something they aren’t getting. 

Jamison said currently, there are enough Fayette County CASA volunteers to serve about 22 percent of children with open abuse and neglect cases.  

"In the last 10 years, we went from 1 percent to 22 percent, so with continued support, we're going to get to 100%,” she said. 

It takes about 5 to 10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, supporting the Fayette County CASA program or learning more about what CASA volunteers do, visit www.casaoflexington.org. 

Six CASA volunteers were honored at the Lincoln County Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday for giving hundreds of hours to help abused and neglected children. 

Each of the six received a Serve Kentucky Award signed by the commissioner of the Serve Kentucky Commission, the head of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and Gov. Andy Beshear. They earned the awards by volunteering for more than 100 hours each in 2025. 

Lincoln County resident Priscilla Miller gave 754 hours last year — the most hours of any CASA volunteer in the seven-county region served by CASA of Lexington. She was named one of seven “Top CASA Volunteers” in the program, who each volunteered more than 300 hours in 2025. 

The other five honored are Pat Bennett, Susan Maupin, Megan Huston, Ava Crow, and Anne Flynn. 

Combined, the six live and/or serve children in Lincoln gave 1,595 hours last year. 

The Serve Kentucky Volunteer Recognition Program is a partnership among the Office of the Governor, AmeriCorps, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. It recognizes volunteers who make a difference by giving their time within the state of Kentucky. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have been abused or neglected. Each volunteer visits their CASA child at least monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, provides reports to the judge on the child’s case, and speaks up if the child needs something they aren’t getting. 

Lincoln’s CASA program used 9 volunteers to serve 16 children in 2025. CASA’s Executive Director Melynda Jamison said that represents an estimated 6 percent of all the children who have open abuse or neglect cases in Lincoln County. 

"We want to see that number increase,” she said. “But when we picked up this county, that number was 0 percent. So six is better than zero." 

Jamison said six out of nine CASA volunteers earning Serve Kentucky Awards is by far the best percentage in any of the program’s seven counties. 

Children who receive CASA volunteers can do better in school, receive more services ordered by the judge, and be far less likely to be abused or neglected again. 

Jamison said more Lincoln County volunteers are needed to help the estimated 250 children with open cases in Lincoln. Serving as a CASA volunteer is something almost anyone can do, she added. 

"We have great people to help you. You just have to have a heart for children and want to make a difference,” she said. 

It takes about 5 to 10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, supporting the Lincoln County CASA program or learning more about what CASA volunteers do, visit www.casaoflexington.org. 

A Bourbon County CASA volunteer was honored by the Bourbon County Fiscal Court Thursday for giving 183 hours to help abused and neglected children in 2025. 

Patricia Agront will receive a Serve Kentucky Award signed by Gov. Andy Beshear in recognition of her volunteer service. Agront was unable to attend the court meeting, but CASA Volunteer Manager Weida Allen accepted the award on her behalf. 

CASA Volunteer and Serve Kentucky Award recipient Patricia Agront

The Serve Kentucky Volunteer Recognition Program is a partnership among the Office of the Governor, AmeriCorps, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. It recognizes volunteers who make a difference by giving their time within the state of Kentucky. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have been abused or neglected. Each volunteer visits their CASA child at least monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, provides reports to the judge on the child’s case, and speaks up if the child needs something they aren’t getting. 

Bourbon’s CASA program used 15 volunteers to serve 34 children in 2025. CASA’s Executive Director Melynda Jamison said that represents roughly 32% of all the children who have open abuse or neglect cases in Bourbon County. 

“We’d like it to be 100 percent. But Bourbon County is one of the top counties in the entire state in terms of percentage served,” Jamison said. “The average around the state is close to 5 percent, unfortunately.” 

Children who receive CASA volunteers can do better in school, receive more services ordered by the judge, and be far less likely to be abused or neglected again. 

Jamison said she is grateful to Bourbon County and the City of Paris for providing the funding that enabled the CASA of Lexington program to become a regional program and expand to serve Bourbon County in 2017. Since that time, the program has expanded five more times, each time following the model built in Bourbon, with the local governments providing some of the funding for a CASA Volunteer Manager to serve the county. 

In Bourbon County, the CASA Volunteer Manager is well-known resident Weida Allen. 

“We have some great volunteers,” Judge-Executive Mike Williams said of the Bourbon CASA program. “Weida is their leader and their trainer. Melynda is certainly a superstar among directors across the country. We are very fortunate to have their presence here.” 

Jamison said there is “still room to grow” but she is proud of the Bourbon County CASA program’s success. 

“Bourbon County is really leading the Commonwealth in making sure that as many of these children get a CASA advocate as possible,” she said. 

It takes about 5 to 10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, supporting the Bourbon County CASA program or learning more about what CASA volunteers do, visit www.casaoflexington.org. 

Georgetown, Ky. (April 7, 2026) – Seven CASA volunteers were honored at a working session of the Scott County Fiscal Court Friday morning for giving hundreds of hours to help abused and neglected children. 

The seven volunteers honored are Debbie Rurik-Goodwin, Pat Bennett, Cynthia Phillips, Bev Chandler, Glenda Dees, Carrie Gordy and Jennifer Dishman. Each volunteered for more than 100 hours in 2025, and they combined to volunteer for 1,330 hours. 

“Our volunteers are really the rock stars of the program,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Scott County’s Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. 

Jamison noted two of the seven are also record-holders for CASA: Cynthia Phillips is the longest continuous-serving volunteer with the program, having volunteered in Fayette County before there was a Scott County program. And Jennifer Dishman is the longest-serving volunteer counting service in other states — she began serving as a CASA volunteer in central Kentucky in the late 1990s, then volunteered in another state, then came back to volunteer here again. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have been abused or neglected. Each volunteer visits their CASA child at least monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, provides reports to the judge on the child’s case, and speaks up if the child needs something they aren’t getting. 

The seven volunteers received Serve Kentucky Awards, which are issued through a partnership among AmeriCorps, the Office of the Governor, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). The awards recognize volunteers who give their time in Kentucky and they are signed by the commissioner of Serve Kentucky, the secretary of CHFS and Gov. Andy Beshear. 

Scott County Child Abuse Statistics 

Jamison also updated the fiscal court on Scott County’s child abuse statistics. New cases of abuse and neglect declined in 2025, dropping to 252 from 307 in 2024. Jamison said that number is still too high. 

“It’s now where we want to see it, but you always want to celebrate the small wins,” she said. 

Jamison said CASA roughly estimates there are more than 550 children in Scott County with active family court cases. That’s because cases typically last a little more than two years. 

A total of 28 CASA volunteers served 68 Scott County children in 2025, meaning about 12 percent of abused and neglected kids got a volunteer. Jamison said CASA wants to grow that percentage because outcomes for children with CASA volunteers are so much better. She also noted 12 percent is much better than where Scott County had been. 

“We’ve come a long way from zero in just a few years,” she said. 

Funding for CASA 

Jamison said the CASA program is indebted to Scott County and Georgetown for providing funding for the local program. 

“We actually have support from all seven counties we serve,” she said. “We are the only CASA program in the state that can say that.” 

Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington said he is glad Scott County has CASA volunteers to be mentors, supporters and “friendly faces” for abused and neglected children in the family court system. 

“We support CASA every year. It’s a fantastic organization,” Covington said. “On behalf of fiscal court, I want to thank you all for what you do for our young people.” 

It takes about 5 to 10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, supporting the Scott County CASA program or learning more about what CASA volunteers do, visit www.casaoflexington.org. 

CASA Volunteer of the Month Kelsey Giurgevich

Kelsey Giurgevich is a difference-maker for a hurt child in Bourbon County Family Court. But she’s not an attorney, social worker or judge.

She’s a CASA volunteer.

“Serving as a CASA volunteer is worth your time because you are able to be a voice and provide input for a vulnerable child,” Kelsey said. “I enjoy being able to raise questions and trying to connect the dots for the child and their family.”

CASA volunteers are regular people in the Bourbon County community who complete a training class and are matched with abused and neglected children. Each volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their life, and speaks up if the child needs something or has a problem.

Kelsey first became a CASA volunteer about a year ago. She first heard about the volunteer opportunity from Ryan Lemond on Kentucky Sports Radio.

“After learning more, I felt this was a volunteer role I was well-suited for and a way I could make a difference in my community,” Kelsey said.

Kelsey clearly is suited to the work: Her Bourbon County CASA Volunteer Manager Weida Allen nominated her to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county region.

“Kelsey has helped identify a lot of useful resources that have benefited her CASA child and family,” Allen said. “She has also helped ensure her CASA child is getting the educational services they need.”

Kelsey said Allen’s support is a major reason she has discovered CASA volunteering can be rewarding and not time-consuming.

“Weida has encouraged me and made the work straightforward and clear,” she said. “She has good feedback and validates me and my work. The time commitment is not a burden because there is continuous support throughout the process.”

Kelsey said she has enjoyed seeing how the information she gathers has helped the people making decisions about the child and led to better outcomes. But that’s not the best part of the work.

“Build a relationship with the child is the best part of being a CASA,” she said. “The training and staff at CASA of Lexington are so great and they will prepare you to be a difference- maker for a child in your community who needs help.”

If you would like to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Susan Maupin

Susan Maupin had crossed paths with CASA too many times to ignore it anymore.

She had heard about Court-Appointed Special Advocates at her job. She had relatives who had been CASA volunteers. Her pastor talked about CASA volunteering. And she had seen children served by her church who were affected by the foster and family court systems.

“At this point, it had simply come to me too many times. Most people have never even heard of CASA,” Susan said. “I feel that my faith has told me that God tells us to take care of our children.”

So, she signed up for a training class and became a Garrard County CASA volunteer.

Every CASA volunteer like Susan is matched with an abused or neglected child in the family court system. The volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their life, and alerts the professionals working the child’s case if something is being overlooked or the child has an unmet need.

It takes about 5 to 10 hours of volunteer time per month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

“It’s rewarding because you’re not just helping the child,” Susan said. “You can be helping the parent or grandparent caring for the child, too.”

Susan was one of the first CASA volunteers in Garrard County and has now advocated for three children over the past two and a half years. Garrard County CASA Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb nominated her to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month for April because of how effective she is.

“She is very calm, which is help for these kids who are often in high-strung situations,” Lamb said. “She is always focused and concerned about doing what is best for the kids.”

Susan said serving as a CASA volunteer is worth her time because she gets to give children with uncomfortable lives a little bit of comfort.

“When you can give a child comfort and a little bit of peace, it’s rewarding. It makes your heart feel warm,” she said. “I didn’t expect to get that when I signed up.”

Susan said she would love to see more people in Garrard County become CASA volunteers because they would be making their own lives better while they’re helping children.

“You might think you’re doing it for the child – and you do. But there’s so much more that you get out of it yourself,” she said. “You know you gave a child something that maybe they never had. It’s just rewarding for your own heart to know you’re helping a child.”

If you would like to learn more about volunteering with Garrard County’s CASA program, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Five CASA volunteers were honored at the Jessamine County Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday for giving hundreds of hours to help abused and neglected children. 

Megan Huston, Maquel Sarantakos, Charlene Floyd, Susan Pope and Erin Hall were recognized for volunteering more than 100 hours each during 2025 as CASA volunteers. The five earned Serve Kentucky awards signed by Gov. Andy Beshear. They also received certificates of appreciation from Jessamine Fiscal Court and the City of Wilmore. 

Nicholasville Mayor Alex Carter joined Judge-Executive David West and CASA program Executive Director Melynda Jamison to present the awards and certificates. 

Judge West commended the advocates for their combined 690 hours given to help abused and neglected children last year. 

“The impact that they have made to the lives of these children and their families is most admirable,” he said. 

The Serve Kentucky Volunteer Recognition Program is a partnership among the Office of the Governor, AmeriCorps, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. It recognizes volunteers who make a difference by giving their time within the state of Kentucky. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have been abused or neglected. Each volunteer visits their CASA child at least monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, provides reports to the judge on the child’s case, and speaks up if the child needs something they aren’t getting. 

Last year, 23 CASA volunteers in Jessamine County advocated for 52 abused and neglected Jessamine County children. Jamison said that means only about 8 percent of Jessamine kids with open abuse and neglect cases have a CASA volunteer. 

“Unfortunately, there were 368 new children who entered the court system with substantiated cases of abuse and neglect. That’s up 100 kids from 2024,” Jamison said. 

But CASA is working to change the outcomes for Jessamine children and ultimately bring that number down, she added. 

“I see a lot of people who are committed to making Jessamine County, Nicholasville and Wilmore the strongest communities they can be,” Jamison said. “We are always recruiting new volunteers. If you have a heart for children, we would love to tell you more about how you can make a difference through this program.” 

It takes about 5 to 10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, supporting the Jessamine County CASA program or learning more about what CASA volunteers do, visit www.casaoflexington.org. 

Fayette County Family Court Judge Traci Brislin swears in new CASA volunteers in March 2026.

CASA of Lexington is adding 23 new volunteers this month, who will begin advocating for abused and neglected children across the non-profit’s seven-county region.

Most of the new volunteers were sworn in by Fayette County Family Court Judge Traci Brislin at a ceremony held in front of friends and family at the CASA of Lexington office.

“What you are doing is so remarkably selfless and it really does make a difference,” Brislin told the new volunteers. “I cannot stress enough how much we depend on you and how much we need you.”

Brislin said she was very happy to see such a wide variety of people becoming CASA volunteers, including mothers, retired people and UK law students.

The new CASA volunteers have recently completed 30 hours of training. Now that they are sworn in, CASA Volunteer Managers will match them with abused and neglected children in family court. Judges like Brislin ask for CASA volunteers on cases where they want more detailed information about what’s happening in a child’s life so that they can make more informed decisions and get better outcomes for the children.

Each volunteer will give on average 5 to 10 hours a month visiting their matched child, gathering information and informing the judge if there are things the child needs. During the next 12 months, the 23 new volunteers could advocate for more than 50 children.

CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison thanked the new volunteers for giving their time and their family members for supporting them.

“Judges read your CASA reports first in many cases because you know the child,” she said. “The child is not a stack of papers for you.”

Jamison said more CASA volunteers are needed because fewer than one in five children in the system currently get one. Many more children could have brighter futures if more people went through training.

“You are needed,” she told the new volunteers. “We are so thrilled you are here!”

SO YOU KNOW

The newest CASA volunteers with CASA of Lexington are Selena Allen, Kim Cooper, Brooklyn Haley, Bobbi Henson, Scott Marsh, Lora Martin, J.B. Richmond, Camille Skubik-Peplaski, Judy Stover, Debbie Traylor, Chris Westover, Diann Williams, Elizabeth Davis, Curt Kronberg, Michelle Lee, Joe Noonan, Carolyn Wadley, Ian Stuckert, Jaisa Adams, Brenda Bagger, Caroline Evans, Rylee Meacham, and Abigail Leimann.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Two CASA volunteers were honored at the Woodford County Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday for giving hundreds of hours to help abused and neglected children.

Sally Schneider and Erin Hall were both recognized for volunteering more than 100 hours each during 2025 as CASA volunteers. Both have earned Serve Kentucky awards signed by Gov. Andy Beshear.

Hall could not attend the meeting but Schneider was on-hand to accept her award and take a photo with Woodford Judge-Executive James Kay and CASA Executive Director Melynda Jamison.

Jamison said Schneider is one of the program’s longest-serving CASA volunteers, who began serving in Fayette County before there was a Woodford County CASA program.

The Serve Kentucky Volunteer Recognition Program is a partnership among the Office of the Governor, AmeriCorps, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. It recognizes volunteers who make a difference by giving their time within the state of Kentucky.

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have been abused or neglected. Each volunteer visits their CASA child at least monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, provides reports to the judge on the child’s case, and speaks up if the child needs something they aren’t getting.

Last year, 22 CASA volunteers in Woodford County advocated for 51 abused and neglected Woodford County children. Jamison said that means just under half of the children in Woodford with open abuse and neglect cases have a CASA volunteer.

Across CASA of Lexington’s seven-county region, fewer than 20 percent of children get a CASA volunteer, and statewide, the percentage is around 8 percent, Jamison said.

"So if we want to track how we're doing, Woodford County is just running at a high level,” she said. “But we're not going to stop until we're at 100 percent because we believe every child deserves a safe and permanent home."

Children who receive CASA volunteers can do better in school, receive more services ordered by the judge, and be far less likely to be abused or neglected again.

Judge Kay said it was refreshing to hear about good work being in Woodford County for children.

“Our children are our most precious asset and we entrust them to some really great people,” he said.

It takes about 5 to 10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, supporting the Woodford County CASA program or learning more about what CASA volunteers do, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Four CASA volunteers were honored at the Garrard County Fiscal Court meeting Monday for giving hundreds of hours to help abused and neglected children.

Well-known Garrard resident Linda Baker was one of two CASA volunteers to receive a “Top CASA Volunteer” medal for volunteering with the Garrard County CASA program for more than 300 hours last year.

The other three volunteers could not attend the meeting, but they are Priscilla Miller (also a “Top CASA Volunteer” with more than 300 hours of service in 2025), Susan Maupin and Megan Huston.

Maupin and Huston each volunteered for more than 100 hours in 2025. Together, the four volunteers logged 1,497 hours working CASA cases. All four received Serve Kentucky Awards signed by Gov. Andy Beshear.

The Serve Kentucky Volunteer Recognition Program is a partnership among the Office of the Governor, AmeriCorps, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. It recognizes volunteers who make a difference by giving their time within the state of Kentucky.

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have been abused or neglected. Each volunteer visits their CASA child at least monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, provides reports to the judge on the child’s case, and speaks up if the child needs something they aren’t getting.

Garrard’s CASA program used 14 volunteers to serve 30 children in 2025. CASA’s Executive Director Melynda Jamison said that represents roughly 12% of all the children who have open abuse or neglect cases in Garrard County.

“We want to see that percentage increase and we’re working to make it happen,” Jamison said.

Children who receive CASA volunteers can do better in school, receive more services ordered by the judge, and be far less likely to be abused or neglected again.

“We are so thankful to these four dedicated volunteers, and to all the Garrard County volunteers who are giving their time each year to make this community better for our most vulnerable children,” Jamison said. “There are many more kids who could benefit if we could get more volunteers. But today, we are celebrating the work that is already being done!”

It takes about 5 to 10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, supporting the Garrard County CASA program or learning more about what CASA volunteers do, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Lisa Travis

Lisa Travis gets a little extra joy in her life from her visits with a child in the family court system.

“Our time together is spent talking, playing games, decorating cookies, drawing or playing basketball,” she said. “It is so rewarding to see and celebrate small wins and growth, whether it is related to school, learning to self-advocate, relationships, or behaviors.”

Travis has the unique opportunity to bond with and advocate for an abused or neglected child because she serves as a CASA volunteer.

“I first learned of CASA through a speaker at our Rotary Club in Dublin, Ohio — just prior to moving to Lexington,” Travis said. “As soon as we relocated, I reached out to express my interest in volunteering.”

Travis gives 5-10 hours per month visiting her CASA child, gathering information about the child’s life, providing reports on what the child needs and speaking up for the child when there are hearings in the case.

“At first, I found the court appearances intimidating because I had never been in a courtroom, other than for jury duty,” she said. “But I quickly realized that this was simply a special group of people from multiple professions who had all dedicated their lives to representing and serving in the best interest of every child in the court system.”

Travis said support from her Volunteer Manager Madi Carson-Hoyt has made many aspects of the volunteer work much easier, too.

Carson-Hoyt nominated Travis to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month because of how committed she is to the work.

“Lisa has been the only adult to consistently show up for the child in her case,” Carson-Hoyt said. “It doesn’t matter where the child is placed or what is going on. She will show up each month to see them.”

“I can’t think of a better use of my time than helping a child in their darkest of days to feel loved, seen and heard,” she said. “The impact is for a lifetime and has the potential to help change the course of their lives.

“If you are thinking about volunteering, don’t let the ‘buts’ or the ‘what-ifs’ get in the way of an opportunity that will change you and the lives of those you serve forever.”

CASA Volunteer of the Month Sabrina Gordon

Many know Sabrina Gordon as the executive director of the Paris-Bourbon County YMCA. She is also involved with the Franklin County Health Department and served on the Frankfort Independent School Board in her hometown of Frankfort.

“Service isn’t just something I do. It’s who I am,” Gordon said. “I believe we are all called to make a difference in the lives of others in whatever ways we can.”

One less visible way Gordon lives her values is by serving as a CASA volunteer for the Bourbon County Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program.

As a CASA volunteer, Gordon is matched with abused and neglected children. She visits them regularly, serving as a positive adult presence in their lives. And she advocates for what they need, ensuring they do not fall through the cracks in the family court system.

“When I began to understand that many children navigating the court system don’t consistently have someone solely focused on their best interests, it really stayed with me,” she said. “The idea that a child could feel unseen or unheard during one of the most vulnerable seasons of their life moved me deeply. I knew I wanted to be that consistent voice — someone who would show up, listen and advocate with compassion and courage.”

Gordon has done such an outstanding job as a CASA volunteer that Bourbon County CASA Volunteer Manager Weida Allen nominated her to be a CASA volunteer of the month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service region.

“Sabrina shows up with heart, intellect and resilience,” Allen said. “She treats each child’s story with the respect and gravity it deserves.”

Gordon said serving as a CASA volunteer is worth the time investment because giving an abused or neglected child your time and consistency is “one of the most valuable gifts we can give.”

“Being a CASA volunteer allows me to be part of something bigger than myself, to stand in the gap during a difficult chapter in a child’s life, and help create stability, advocacy and hope,” she said. “When you see the impact of showing up consistently, you realize that the time you give comes back to you ten-fold in purpose and fulfillment.”

SO YOU KNOW

If you’d like to become a CASA volunteer like Gordon, you can learn more and fill out a volunteer application at www.casaoflexington.org. In-person and online trainings for new volunteers start regularly throughout the year.

A total of 42 CASA volunteers with CASA of Lexington will be receiving Serve Kentucky awards signed by Gov. Andy Beshear for giving more than 100 hours to help abused and neglected children last year.

Seven of those 42 exceeded 300 hours of volunteer service in 2025 and will be recognized as “Top CASA Volunteers” with custom wood-burned medals.

“We are so grateful to these incredible individuals for giving their time to brighten the futures of abused and neglected Kentucky kids,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “They changed and even saved lives in 2025, and they are already hard at work again this year.”

The volunteers will be recognized at local government meetings in each of the seven counties served by CASA of Lexington. In some counties, local governments will also be presenting their own awards to the volunteers. The ceremonies will take place in March and April:

• Garrard County: 6 p.m. March 9 at the Garrard County Fiscal Court meeting, 15 Public Square, Lancaster, KY 40444

• Woodford County: 5:30 p.m. March 10 at the Woodford County Fiscal Court meeting, 103 S. Main St., Versailles, KY 40383

• Jessamine County: 4 p.m. March 31 at the Jessamine County Fiscal Court meeting, 101 N. Main St., Nicholasville, KY 40356

• Scott County: 9 a.m. April 3 at the Scott County Fiscal Court meeting, 101 E. Main St., Georgetown, KY 40324

• Bourbon County: 3 p.m. April 9 at the Bourbon County Fiscal Court meeting, 301 Main St., Paris, KY 40361

• Lincoln County: 9 a.m. April 14 at the Lincoln County Fiscal Court meeting, 567 Goshen Road, Stanford, KY 40484

• Fayette County: 6 p.m. April 16 at the Lexington Urban-County Council meeting, 200 E. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507

CASA volunteers are regular people who are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each volunteer visits their matched child monthly, collects information about the child’s life, and provides reports to the judge on the child’s case. Volunteers can give children hope and speak up when the system isn’t meeting their needs.

The volunteers receiving awards combined to volunteer for 8,824 hours in 2025.

The Serve Kentucky Volunteer Recognition Program is run by AmeriCorps, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and the Kentucky Office of the Governor. It recognizes volunteers who do important work within the state of Kentucky.

The seven volunteers who gave more than 300 hours in 2025 are Priscilla Miller, Debra Gabbard, Linda Baker, Brittney Thomas, Jan Colbert, Jane Crickard and Cynthia Budek.

The 35 volunteers who gave more than 100 hours in 2025 are Debbie Rurik-Goodwin, Rene Saner, Pat Riddell, Jane Bennington, Pat Bennett, Cynthia Phillips, Bev Chandler, Sally Brunner, Patricia Agront, Susan Maupin, Megan Huston, Fawn Torkelson, Sally Schneider, Ava Crow, Elizabeth Westin, Glenda Dees, Maquel Sarantakos, Todd Johnson, Terri Potter, Charlene Floyd, Carrie Gordy, Lisa Travis, Pat Dugger, Jan Roehl, Meredith Feiertag, Susan Pope, Anne Flynn, Barbara Phipps, Jennifer Dishman, Evelyn Mitchell, Jackie Washburn, Kathy Edwards, Kim Mosley, Cara Duggan and Erin Hall.

CASA of Lexington is now hiring two positions:

• Director of Volunteer Management, a full-time position with benefits; and

• Training and Recruitment Coordinator, a part-time hourly position.

Director of Volunteer Management

The Director of Volunteer Management is a full-time position based in the Fayette County office.

Hours are primarily Monday – Friday 8 AM to 5 PM, with some travel to our outlying offices. The position includes benefits and 4.5 weeks of paid time off.  The salary range is $55,000 - $70,000.

To apply for the position, email a cover letter, resume, and three references to mjamison@lexingtonky.gov.  Please do not contact the office in regards to this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Serve as a member of the program leadership and development team.

2. Supervise and oversee all Volunteer Managers. This includes monthly one-on-one performance check-ins with Volunteer Managers, including outlying county visits.

3. Provide interagency communication and coordination for case-specific issues, including any grievances.

4. Oversee and manage all program data and input in database system.

5. Perform weekly reports to ensure complete and accurate data has been entered on each case, meeting with Volunteer Managers to discuss areas for improvement.

6. Assure the maintenance of all case files through random monthly file reviews and individual monthly meetings with Volunteer Managers, ensuring data is kept up-to-date in database.

7. Perform annual compliance check with all volunteer and case files.

8. Track current non-active volunteer availability, maintain ongoing contact and evaluate for re-entry.

9. Conduct annual survey of volunteers, partners and children served and hold annual Cabinet and Clerks meetings in each county of service.

10. Oversee Friend of CASA interpreters.

11. Ensure that National and Kentucky CASA standards and statutes are met, including the management of the National CASA self-assessment process and required reports.

12. Organize and manage volunteer appreciation event, April child abuse prevention awareness and CASA Joy Tree event.

13. Carry up to half a Volunteer Manager caseload and perform all duties with that position.

14. Any other reasonable duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Master’s degree preferred. Bachelor level degree required. Experience in volunteer and staff supervision, volunteer recruitment, database management, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail required. CASA volunteer management preferred.

Conditions of employment

Flexible schedule includes regular office hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM and frequent evening and weekend work as needed. Bending and lifting when setting up for events, etc. Must have daily transportation in order to attend meetings and represent CASA in public and able to travel to counties that CASA serves as needed.

Training and Recruitment Coordinator

The Training and Recruitment Coordinator is a new part-time position in the Fayette County office.

This job is 20 hours a week Monday-Friday. Starting pay is $22 to $25 per hour. 

To apply for the position, email a cover letter, resume, and three references to mjamison@lexingtonky.gov.  Please do not contact the office in regards to this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Recruit new volunteers for all areas of service with a diversity lens, ensuring efforts to recruit volunteers reflect the demographics of the community, children and families served.

2. Plan and staff events for recruiting volunteers, using the time and resources of current volunteers, the Volunteer Recruitment Team, staff and self.

3. Manage the Volunteer Recruitment Team.

4. Complete all new volunteer documentation, to include creation of Bloomerang accounts, uploading training logs and supporting documentation.

5. Assure the maintenance and organization of volunteer files, including performing background checks and references as needed.

6. Schedule and conduct initial and final interviews of new advocates.

7. Schedule all trainings and continuing educations, attending the first night of trainings, graduations and continuing educations.

8. Coordinate and supervise contract trainers.

9. Organize, facilitate and conduct pre-service and continuing education trainings for volunteers as needed. Lead at least one pre-service training annually.

10. Assist in volunteer appreciation events.

11. Assist with preparation and participation in special events, fundraising and other development activities as needed to represent the program.

12. Ensure that National and Kentucky CASA standards and statutes are met.

13. Any other reasonable duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s level degree preferred. Excellent communication and organizational skills.

Conditions of Employment

Flexible schedule includes regular office hours and some evening and weekend work. Bending and lifting when setting up for events, etc. Standing for long periods of time when making presentations, at special events, etc. Must have daily transportation in order to attend meetings and represent CASA at other functions.

Bourbon lovers look forward to the Bourbon & the Bayou silent auction every year for the chance to bid on hard-to-find and high-quality bourbons. This year, the auction features dozens of Kentucky bourbon items, including a bottle of 10-year Old Rip Van Winkle and a complete collection of Blanton’s with every letter — including the apostrophe — featured on nine different bottles.

Every dollar raised through the silent auction benefits CASA of Lexington, a nonprofit in the heart of Kentucky that advocates for the needs of abused and neglected children. Bidding is open now at https://bandb2026.givesmart.com. Bidding closes at 9:45 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27.

In addition to the Old Rip Van Winkle (https://bit.ly/bb26-200) and Blanton’s collection (https://bit.ly/bb26-201), the auction’s “All Things Bourbon” category includes:

·       Joe B. Hall Keeneland Bourbon (https://bit.ly/bb26-203)

·       Calipari Keeneland Bourbon (https://bit.ly/bb26-202)

·       Evan Williams High-Rye Bourbon and Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Bourbon (https://bit.ly/bb26-211)

·       Old Charter Oak Bourbon (https://bit.ly/bb26-233)

·       Multiple bottles of Colonel E.H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon (https://bit.ly/bb26-221 and https://bit.ly/bb26-210)

·       A Buffalo Trace basket featuring three bottles of bourbon (https://bit.ly/bb26-212)

·       A Woodford Reserve basket featuring three bottles of bourbon (https://bit.ly/bb26-213)

·       A Yellowstone basket featuring two bottles of bourbon (https://bit.ly/bb26-215)

·       A Maker’s Mark basket featuring three bottles of bourbon (https://bit.ly/bb26-217)

·       Ticket packages for Pegasus Tours’ Bourbon Social tours (https://bit.ly/bb26-205 and https://bit.ly/bb26-206)

·       A rare bourbon tasting in the Justin’s House of Bourbon Lexington speakeasy valued at $1,000 (https://bit.ly/bb26-204)

There are 42 items in the “All Things Bourbon” category this year. The silent auction includes hundreds of other items, as well, all of which can be viewed at https://bandb2025.givesmart.com.

Any items won in the silent auction can be picked up at the CASA of Lexington office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr. in Lexington, Ky., beginning 10 a.m. on Monday, March 2. Winners can also pay to ship their items if they cannot pick them up in Lexington.

If you have questions about the silent auction, Bourbon & the Bayou or CASA of Lexington, you can email info@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 246-4313.

Racing fans can bid to own a piece of thoroughbred history in an online silent auction benefiting abused and neglected children.

Horse halters for Sovereignty (https://bit.ly/bb26-400), Good Cheer (https://bit.ly/bb26-401), and Gun Runner (https://bit.ly/bb26-402) are available in the Bourbon & the Bayou silent auction, run by the nonprofit child advocacy organization CASA of Lexington.

Each halter is valued at $1,000 and is a great opportunity to own a piece of horse-racing history while supporting a worthy cause. Bidding at https://bandb2026.givesmart.com/ opened today and continues until 9:45 p.m. on Feb. 27.

Sovereignty captured victories in the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, becoming the first horse since 2018 to win two legs of the American Triple Crown. A winner of three Grade 1 stakes races as a 3-year-old in 2025, he was crowned Champion 3-Year-Old Male and later named Horse of the Year on Jan. 22 at the Resolute Racing Eclipse Awards.

Good Cheer had a stunning victory in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in May 2025. As a Grade 1 winning American Thoroughbred, Good Cheer exemplifies elite talent, determination, and championship caliber racing ability.

Gun Runner is a U.S. Hall of Fame Thoroughbred who was named the 2017 American Horse of the Year and elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Gun Runner remains one of the sport’s most celebrated competitors.

Included with Gun Runner’s halter is an exclusive VIP tour for up to 10 people of Three Chimneys Stallion Complex, where you may even have the chance to see Gun Runner for yourself.

The silent auction is part of CASA of Lexington’s annual fundraiser, Bourbon & the Bayou. The event raises funds that provide advocacy for hundreds of abused and neglected children in central Kentucky each year.

Any items won in the silent auction can be picked up at the CASA of Lexington office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr. in Lexington, Ky., beginning 10 a.m. on Monday, March 2. Winners can also pay to ship their items if they cannot pick them up in Lexington.

If you have questions about the halter, Bourbon & the Bayou or CASA of Lexington, you can email info@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 246-4313.

CASA Volunteer Jenny Waybright

Jenny Waybright takes pride in helping the Kentucky family court system work better for kids. But she’s not an attorney, or a social worker, or a judge.

Waybright is a CASA volunteer, a regular person who gives a few hours a month to visit with children, gather information, and speak up for what the children need.

“Judges have to make life-altering decisions based on brief hearings and thick files,” Waybright said. “I believe my time is best spent being the eyes and ears of the court. By providing a judge with an independent perspective on what is truly in a child’s best interests, I’m helping ensure the legal system works the way it was intended to.”

Waybright has been a CASA volunteer for a little more than 3 years, and she has advocated for four children during that time. When she’s not volunteering, she’s working as an analyst, supporting her local running community, “spending a bit too much time binging on streaming shows.”

Her perspective as a “regular person” is exactly what family court judges often look for in their CASA volunteers. Each volunteer is typically matched with a single child or sibling set who have suffered abuse or neglect. The volunteer visits the child monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, and writes reports for the judge that help them better understand what’s going on and what the child needs.

Waybright’s Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins nominated her to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month in February because of how good she is at bringing “common sense” perspective into court cases that can too often be muddied by legal questions and competing interests.

“The court listened to her common-sense recommendations and reunified a child with their parents,” Adkins said of a recent case. “This family had a successful outcome because of the hard work the parents did — and because of Jenny’s advocacy.”

Waybright said she thinks when people first hear about CASA volunteering, they often hesitate because they don’t think they’re qualified.

“You don’t have to be a superhero to be a CASA volunteer,” she said. “You don’t need a law degree or a background in social work. You just need consistency, curiosity, and common sense.”

Waybright said that often boils down to something as simple as observing a situation and saying, “This doesn’t seem right for this kid.”

“The system is designed to process cases. CASA volunteers are designed to see children,” Waybright said. “Research consistently shows that having just one stable, caring adult in a child’s life is the single greatest predictor of their ability to overcome trauma. As a CASA volunteer, you can volunteer to be that one person.”

For more information about CASA of Lexington or to fill out a volunteer application, visit www.casaoflexington.org.