CASA of Lexington has been given the Health Partner of the Year award by Heart of Kentucky United Way. The nonprofit received the award for rapidly growing the CASA program serving children in Garrard and Lincoln counties.

"Many have heard of CASA but do not realize all the work this agency does," said award presenter John Funkhouser during the awards luncheon on Thursday. "Today we are honoring CASA of Lexington, which runs the Garrard and Lincoln County CASA programs, for the intense growth in volunteers and thus cases they are able to serve. In less than two years, this program is now serving over 30 children, with 20-plus volunteers in Garrard and Lincoln counties."

Funkhouser shared how Heart of Kentucky United Way funding enabled CASA of Lexington to provide a CASA volunteer for one young boy who was experiencing environmental and educational neglect.

"(That boy) is now thriving in school. He hopes to be able to be reunified with his mother next year," Funkhouser said. "Congratulations and thank you to CASA of Lexington for changing the trajectory of our most vulnerable."

CASA volunteers are community members with a heart for helping children. They are matched with abused and neglected children in the local family court system. CASA volunteers serve as consistent, positive adult role models in children's lives, and as strong advocates for the children's needs.

CASA reports can help judges make more informed decisions, ensure a child's needs are prioritized, and help resolve cases with positive outcomes faster.

"We started from essentially square one in Garrard and Lincoln counties. But thanks to incredible community members who jumped at the chance to help children, this program has not just grown, but become the fastest growing CASA program for its population size in the state," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. "The level of commitment to helping children in need in this community is truly second-to-none."

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, a training class for Garrard and Lincoln counties will be offered at the Garrard Education Center in Lancaster starting on June 4, with classes on evenings and weekends. You can learn more about CASA volunteer training and apply to become a CASA volunteer at www.casaoflexington.org.

Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West, front left, presents Jessamine County CASA Volunteer Kellye Cole with her Presidential Volunteer Service Award at Tuesday’s Jessamine Fiscal Court meeting.

Ten Jessamine County CASA volunteers have been honored for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

The award recognizes volunteers nationally for contributing large numbers of hours to worthy causes. Together, Jessamine’s 10 award recipients gave 2,094 hours to their work with the CASA program in 2023, advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the family court system.  

Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West and county magistrates recognized the volunteers at Tuesday’s fiscal court meeting. They presented the PVSA to one of the volunteers who was able to attend, Kellye Cole. 

Six of the volunteers gave more than 100 hours each and received the Bronze PVSA: Anna Jones, Cole, Alex Allouch, Maquel Sarantakos, Barbie Carter and Charlene Floyd. 

Four volunteers invested more than 250 hours and received the Silver PVSA: April Jilbert, Herb Toews III, Julie Creech and Julie Turner. 

The volunteers each received a pin or medallion based on the level of their award, a certificate, and a letter of thanks signed by the U.S. President. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month. 

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system. 

In Jessamine County in 2023, there were 236 new cases of child abuse or neglect and likely more than 470 children with open family court cases. The 57 children served by Scott County’s 24 volunteers represent about 12% of the total children with cases. 

“I think that’s staggering. We don’t often hear about it with family court being closed, but we at CASA are working to break that cycle,” CASA Executive Director Melynda Jamison said after the award ceremony. “We can only do that work with the volunteers. So they are really the lifeblood of our organization.” 

Jamison said CASA is grateful to Jessamine Fiscal Court and the City of Nicholasville for providing funding for the CASA program. 

“Without their funding, Jessamine County couldn’t have a CASA program, and these volunteers couldn’t invest so much time in Jessamine County children,” Jamison said. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email jessaminecounty@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 484-6554 for more information. A regional training for new volunteers will be held in Lexington, June 24-28. You can see the schedules for all upcoming trainings at www.casaoflexington.org/training. 

Eight Scott County CASA volunteers have been honored for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

Scott Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington, Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins and Family Court Judge William J. Fooks presented the awards during the Bourbon County Fiscal Court Meeting Friday. 

Together, the eight volunteers gave 1,525 hours to their work with the Scott County CASA program in 2023, advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Scott County Family Court system. 

Seven of the volunteers gave more than 100 hours each and received the Bronze PVSA: Deborah Birdwhistell, Bev Chandler, Stephanie Deahl, Roxana del Campo, Carrie Gordy, Kim Lyon and Debbie Rurik-Goodwin. 

One volunteer invested more than 250 hours and received the Silver PVSA: Cynthia Phillips. 

Phillips has been a CASA volunteer for around 16 years – longer than there has been a CASA program in Scott County, said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. Phillips began volunteering with the Fayette County CASA program in the 2000s. She was thrilled when the CASA program expanded to serve Scott in 2020, Jamison explained. 

Phillips received a standing ovation when she received her award. 

The volunteers each received a pin or medallion based on the level of their award, a certificate, and a letter of thanks signed by the U.S. President. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month. 

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system. 

In Scott County in 2023, there were 284 new cases of child abuse or neglect and likely more than 560 children with open family court cases. The 69 children served by Scott County’s 29 volunteers represent about 12% of the total children with cases. 

“I think that’s staggering. We don’t often hear about it with family court being closed, but we at CASA are working to break that cycle,” Jamison said. “We can only do that work with the volunteers. So they are really the lifeblood of our organization.” 

Jamison thanked Scott County and Georgetown officials for funding the CASA program, making it possible for so many children’s lives to be changed. 

Covington said he was glad to be honoring the “CASA dream team” and local officials appreciate everything the CASA program does for abused and neglected children. 

“This is a team approach with the city and the joint funding is what makes it happen,” Covington said. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email scottcounty@casaoflexington.org or call (502) 519-7122 for more information. A regional training for new volunteers will be held in Lexington June 24-28. You can see the schedules for all upcoming trainings at www.casaoflexington.org/training. 

CASA Executive Director Melynda Jamison, Friend of CASA Cassie Bottoms, CASA Volunteer Judy Papania, CASA Volunteer Priscilla Miller, and Stanford Mayor Dalton Miller take a photo together after Bottoms, Papania and Priscilla Miller were presented with Presidential Volunteer Service Awards at the Stanford City Council meeting.

Six volunteers with Lincoln County's CASA program have been honored for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

"These six volunteers represent several firsts for Lincoln County and CASA in the region," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. "These are the first six Lincoln County CASA volunteers to ever earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which requires investing a truly impressive amount of time in improving children's lives. 

"They also include our first ever CASA volunteer to earn a Gold-level award outside of Fayette County and our first ever Friend of CASA to earn an award." 

The volunteers were honored at Stanford's City Council meeting Thursday night, where Mayor Dalton Miller helped Jamison present them with their awards. Stanford helps fund the Lincoln County CASA program, which provides volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in the family court system. 

"They're just another voice for the children," Miller said. "They hold the courts and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services accountable." 

The six 2023 PVSA recipients are: 

• Priscilla Miller, who earned the Gold PVSA for volunteering for more than 500 hours; 

• Judy Papania, who earned the Silver PVSA for volunteering for more than 250 hours; 

• Ava Crow, Anne Flynn and Ruth Putnam, who earned the Bronze PVSA for volunteering for more than 100 hours; and 

• Cassie Bottoms, who earned the Bronze PVSA for volunteering as a Friend of CASA for more than 100 hours. 

Each volunteer received a pin, medallion or medal based on the level of their award; a certificate and a letter of thanks signed by the U.S. President. 

Lincoln County's CASA volunteers advocated for 12 abused and neglected children during 2023. During that year, there were 134 new victims of abuse or neglect in Lincoln County and likely more than 260 children with open family court cases. 

"So we definitely need to serve a lot more children and we're working to grow," Jamison said. "But those that are serving here have really been instrumental and have been putting the hours in to work with Lincoln County youth." 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month. 

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email lincolncounty@casaoflexington.org or call (606) 442-1355 for more information. A training for new volunteers in Lincoln and Garrard counties begins June 4 in Garrard County; and a regional training for new volunteers will be held in Lexington June 24-28. You can see the schedules for all upcoming trainings at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

CASA Volunteer Bev Chandler

A Georgetown woman has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for her advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Bev Chandler has served as a CASA volunteer in Scott County for just over a year. She has been the voice for two children in the local family court system during that time.

Chandler, who works at Toyota, said she learned about what CASA volunteers do over the summer of 2022 and her interest was sparked.

“I felt like I had a lot to offer a child and could commit to the monthly visits and regular court hearings,” she said. “Toyota gives me the flexibility to support my kiddos in-person or at court.”

Chandler was nominated for CASA Volunteer of the Month by Sarah Fightmaster, who served as her Volunteer Manager.

Bev is a wonderful mentor and role model for the children she serves. She is a fierce and passionate advocate and I’m so thankful that two children have her as a CASA volunteer,” Fightmaster said. “Her detail-oriented approach was essential to moving forward her children’s cases. Her CASA children now have more security knowing they’re closer to permanency in a safe, protective home.”

Chandler said one child she has advocated for was moved between six different placements within a year.

“I have been a consistent presence for her, which has helped her trust me enough to open up about her past challenges and future goals,” Chandler said. “I am so proud of her progress!”

Each CASA volunteer completes a 30-hour training class prior to being assigned a case. Once their training is complete, they are matched with a child who has suffered abuse or neglect and they visit the child every month.

The CASA volunteer also talks to adults in the child’s life and reviews medical and educational records. They provide reports to the judge on the case that identify unmet needs and advocate for the best interests of the child.

CASA volunteers can help reunify or keep together families whenever it is safely possible. They can also spur action to get kids educational services or medical treatment, preventing them from falling through the cracks.

“Being able to build a relationship with kiddos who have not had a good start in life has been so rewarding,” Chandler said. “Seeing them enjoy extracurricular activities for the first time or talk to me about their plans makes every second of my time worth it.

“They have gone from being neglected to thriving in safe places where their needs are being met. I have volunteered with many organizations in my life and CASA has been the most rewarding volunteer experience I’ve ever had.”

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can view upcoming training schedules at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

CASA Volunteer Julie Turner

An Asbury Theological Seminary student has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for her hard work advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Julie Turner has been a CASA Volunteer for about a year and a half and has advocated for two children in the family court system during that time.

“I was looking for some way to give back, some way to help children who are disadvantaged in some way,” Turner said. “Serving as a CASA volunteer has been exciting, challenging and fun.”

CASA volunteers give 5-10 hours of their time each month to help children who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each volunteer visits their child once a month, often getting to know the child’s situation better than anyone else on the case. The information a volunteer gathers can be vital to ensuring a child gets the services they need and can return to a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.

Turner said one thing that attracted her to CASA when she was looking for a volunteer opportunity was how CASA volunteers are supported by Volunteer Managers — paid staff who know the ins and outs of the system and guide the volunteers every step of the way.

“I was looking for something where I wasn’t the sole person responsible,” explained Turner, who makes time for volunteering in addition to her classes at Asbury. “I wanted backup. My Volunteer Manager Jennifer has been excellent at that. She is my sounding board. She helps me figure out the right words for my reports or what to say in court. And she finds out answers to things when neither of us know.”

Turner’s Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb nominated her for the Volunteer of the Month honor.

“Julie has advocated for trauma-focused therapy, as well as medical and educational follow-ups for her CASA children,” Lamb said. “She has built great connections with the children and very attentive in her interactions with them. The children Julie serves truly need the calming presence she provides.”

CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training class before being matched with a child. Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer has several training class options coming up. All upcoming CASA volunteer training schedules can be found at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

“I would invite people to look into becoming a CASA volunteer and discover what it’s all about,” Turner said. “It’s one of the hardest things you will do, but also one of the most rewarding and stimulating.”

CASA Volunteer Debbie Rurik-Goodwin

Debbie Rurik-Goodwin had two goals after she retired: Spend time with her grandson and volunteer however she could to make a real difference.

By serving as grant coordinator for the Children’s Charity of the Bluegrass, she learned a lot about some of the best nonprofits in central Kentucky. When she learned about what Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers do, “it struck a chord with me immediately,” she said.

Rurik-Goodwin took a 30-hour training class to become a CASA volunteer, and now after a year volunteering, she has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month.

“Debbie is such a kind and diligent volunteer,” said Sarah Fightmaster, Scott County’s CASA Volunteer Manager. “She is what CASA is all about. She has provided an ongoing source of stability for a child in a volatile case.

“Through all the ups and downs this child has faced, Debbie has been there for her.”

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each CASA volunteer visits their CASA child monthly, often getting to know them better than anyone else in the courtroom. The volunteer provides reports about the child’s situation to the judge on the case, allowing the judge to make more informed decisions and getting better outcomes for kids.

“I believe CASA volunteers are so important and effective in these children’s lives because they’re able to spend more time with them and dig deep into what’s really going on in a child’s life and what the child’s needs are,” Rurik-Goodwin said. “I think many people should volunteer as CASA volunteers. There are so many children who need a CASA volunteer and there aren’t enough volunteers to go around.”

Fightmaster said without Rurik-Goodwin on her case, “this would have been an entirely different experience, from the child’s perspective.” Rurik-Goodwin gave her CASA child a voice in court they would not have had otherwise, she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can join the next training class for new CASA volunteers, which begins April 4 with classes on nights and weekends. A full schedule of the training classes is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

“I would encourage anybody who has a heart and the time to commit to this to do it. It is so needed for children today,” Rurik-Goodwin said. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I never feel better myself than when I’m giving to somebody else. That’s where my joy comes from.”

CASA Volunteer John Mullins

John Mullins has been a coach his whole life.

“I’ve coached every sport there is — even ice hockey,” he said.

Mullins actually coached his son’s hockey team to state runners-up finishes twice. Mullins has also found another way to help children grow: He serves as a CASA volunteer.

“CASA volunteers are vital. We act as a voice for the children,” Mullins said.

Mullins has served as a CASA volunteer in Lexington for a year, and in Louisville for seven years before that. As a CASA volunteer, he is appointed to children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. He visits them regularly, talks to adults in their lives and advocates for their best interests in court.

Because of his dedication and passion for helping kids, he has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for March. Bourbon County Volunteer Manager Weida Allen nominated Mullins for the honor.

“John is a very strong advocate for the kids he advocates for in court,” Allen said. “He always visits the children monthly, sometimes twice a month if he feels it is necessary. He has never missed a court date.”

Mullins said being a CASA volunteer isn’t for everyone, but it is a great fit for people who are caring, compassionate, thoughtful and passionate about making a real difference.

“CASA is vital. When I found out about CASA, I said, ‘I’ve got to do this. I’ve got to help with this,’” he said. “I hate to say this, but the court system is broken. That’s why they need CASA volunteers. Your social worker is underpaid, over-worked and under-appreciated. You may see something they don’t see. We have more time than a social worker may have on a case.”

CASA volunteers bring a regular person’s perspective into the courtroom, providing the judge with a lot more detail about what’s going on in a child’s life than they would otherwise have. Just by observing what is happening in a child’s life and providing recommendations to the judge, a CASA volunteer can help ensure a child receives appropriate medical attention, gets educational interventions or even finds a safe, permanent home faster.

“All these children ever want is two things: They want to be loved and they want to have hope,” Mullins said. “If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in a kid’s life — and I mean a real difference — this is it.”

CASA Volunteer of the Month Emma Sandrock

Emma Scott has always made volunteering a part of her life. When she looked  for a way to serve her community in Jessamine County, she discovered the local Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.

“The CASA training introduced me to some incredible people in our community,” she said.

Scott went through the 30-hour training to become a CASA volunteer, and has now advocated for three abused or neglected children in the local family court system.

Because of her hard work on behalf of children, her Volunteer Manager Cara MacLeod nominated her for CASA Volunteer of the Month in February.

“Emma is great to work with,” MacLeod said. “She has taken the time to build a good connection with her CASA kids and the parents on the case. She is also excellent at gathering records, talking with parties on the case, and independently verifying information.”

CASA volunteers give about 5-10 hours a month doing the work, which includes visiting with their assigned child or children monthly, talking to adults in each child’s life, and writing reports for the judge on the case.

CASA volunteers try to help reunify families whenever possible, or advocate for finding a safe, permanent home when reunification is not safely possible. They can help identify when children aren’t receiving services they need and ensure each child has a voice in court.

“The need is large and it is important,” Scott said. “I have no superhuman powers or any heroic character traits — and you don’t have to either to volunteer. Just by being present and consistent for these children, you can make a difference right where you are.”

CASA Volunteer Brian Collins

When Brian Collins went through a divorce, he saw firsthand how confusing and overwhelming the court system can be — especially for children. Collins decided he wanted to make things easier for others, so he went back to school to study law. He also signed up as a CASA volunteer.

“The term ‘best interests of the child’ is thrown around a lot, but you have a heap of people with a bunch of initials after their names who do not know the child, and they’re making the decisions,” Collins said. “I found CASA because I was trying to find a way to actually include the child in those decisions.

“The courts, attorneys and social workers do what they can. But CASA provides a chance to get to know the families and make recommendations that help advance their real best interests.”

Collins went through CASA volunteer training in the spring of 2023 and was assigned to be the advocate for a pair of young girls. His Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger has supported him throughout the case, which is now wrapping up. Noffsinger nominated Collins to be a CASA Volunteer of the month because of the difference he has made on the case.

“He forged a relationship with the parents and was really one of the only parties they would communicate with. His court reports were excellent,” Noffsinger said. “Brian’s sense of humor also can diffuse some uncomfortable situations. And he speaks up in court with confidence.”

Collins has worked as a standup comic and had jobs around the country working with animals, including sea lions, dolphins, whales, monkeys and giant pandas. If you ask him about it all, he’ll open with a joke.

“I am a semi-pro line dancer and underground bunker enthusiast,” he said. “Neither of which is remotely true.”

Collins said he plans to take another CASA case once his current one closes. He said serving as a CASA volunteer has given him a chance to make a meaningful impact on children’s futures.

“The overwhelming majority of these kids are not in their situation by their own making,” he said. “I had an awesome childhood, so I reckon paying it forward is a decent way to spend some time.”

CASA volunteers are matched with abused or neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in the child’s life and writes reports for the judge.

CASA volunteers provide a level of detail about children’s lives that no one else in the courtroom has the time to provide. That helps better inform judges’ decisions, and in many cases leads to more services and better outcomes for children.

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

Collins said he was worried initially about whether he had the time, but found it was actually easier to do the work than he thought.

“You have the time. When you get into a case and learn about the circumstances, you will find yourself making time,” he said. “When you meet the kids, you will find even more time. A lot of what you will experience is heartbreaking, but you will make a difference. Give it a whirl — I dare you.”

More CASA volunteers are needed to serve abused and neglected children in Lincoln County

Lincoln County resident Priscilla Miller has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for January 2024.

CASA Volunteer Priscilla Miller

Miller has been a CASA volunteer serving abused and neglected children in Lincoln County for a little over a year.

“It has been an amazing journey for me to be able to give back to the community and be able to advocate for a child,” Miller said. “I wasn’t sure if I had the time, but I gave it a try and it has been a bigger blessing for me to give back. And I love it because the CASA family is amazing!”

Jennifer Lamb, Miller’s Volunteer Manager, nominated her for the Volunteer of the Month honor because of how she has supported her CASA child and consistently advocated for his best interests.

“Priscilla has had to make some tough recommendations, but she has always stood firmly behind the facts and having this child’s well-being and safety as her primary concern,” Lamb said. “I have no doubt she will remain in this child’s life and continue to be a source of stability for him.”

CASA volunteers complete a training class and then are matched with children in the local family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. While social workers and attorneys routinely work dozens of cases at once, CASA volunteers can focus in on one case at a time, volunteering for about 5-10 hours a month.

“The work I do with CASA is valuable because I provide the communication the judge would never get from the child,” Miller said. “A lot of times, the judge never sees the child. As a CASA, I can attach pictures. I can let the judge know who this child actually is. I have that opportunity to speak up for the child.”

The CASA program serving Lincoln and Garrard counties is currently the fastest growing program based on population size in the state.

“Our growth in Lincoln County is essential because our rate of child abuse and neglect is above the state average. That means there are many kids in need of someone to speak up for them right now,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director.

Miller said she strongly recommends others sign up to become CASA volunteers — because of the difference they can make for kids in need, and because of the culture inside the CASA program.

“The atmosphere with CASA is great! It’s a family,” she said. “I’m telling you — you think you can’t do it? Yes, you can. Everybody can be a voice, an advocate for a child. It’s just such a blessing and once you start, the rewards you get back are amazing.”

The next training for new CASA volunteers in Lincoln and Garrard counties begins Jan. 23 in Lancaster. A complete schedule of training dates is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training and you can apply to be a CASA volunteer at www.casaoflexington.org/apply.

More CASA volunteers are needed for abused and neglected children in Woodford County

Versailles resident Fred Thomas has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for January 2024. 

CASA Volunteer Fred Thomas

Thomas, who has been a CASA volunteer since 2019, has advocated for five abused and neglected children in Woodford County Family Court over that time.

“I have deep concern for making the world better than I found it,” Thomas said. “CASA has been a huge step forward in that direction.”

As a CASA volunteer, Thomas is matched with children in family court who need someone to listen and speak up for their needs. He visits his CASA child every month, talks to others in the child’s life, and writes reports for the judge on the case. It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

Woodford County CASA Volunteer Manager Heather Porter nominated Thomas for Volunteer of the Month because of how well he connects with the children he serves — and because of a recent court report of his that the judge loved.

“The judge commended Fred's court report during a hearing, noting that she appreciated Fred's ability to clearly state the facts of the case and advocate in an empathetic manner that was considerate of all parties involved,” Porter said.

Thomas is working on his social work degree while he works at the Woodford County Detention Center, where he said he sees people who could have benefited from having CASA volunteers when they were children.

Research has shown that children who receive a CASA volunteer do better in school, have more hope for the future, and are far less likely to re-enter the foster system after their cases close. As a result, they are less at-risk for problems like substance use disorder.

Thomas said serving as a CASA volunteer is one of the best uses of his time.

“I get to be hands-on and actually talk with a child who genuinely needs some help,” he said. “I also find myself becoming a better person because my CASA kids need me to be — more patient, more kind, more empathetic, just better for the world around me.”

“We need more volunteers like Fred in Woodford County, because there are children in family court who do not have CASA volunteers currently,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Woodford’s CASA program. “The course of a child’s life can be changed forever with just a few hours of your time each month.”

If you’re interested in becoming a CASA volunteer in Woodford County, you can learn more at www.casaoflexington.org or by emailing woodfordcounty@casaoflexington.org.

Seats are still available in the next training for new CASA volunteers serving in Lincoln and Garrard counties. The training classes begin Jan. 23 and wrap up March 5, with a graduation ceremony at the end of March.

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need someone to listen and advocate for their needs. Each CASA volunteer invests about 5-10 hours a month visiting their assigned child, talking to others in the child’s life, writing reports and attending court hearings with their Volunteer Manager.

Children who receive a CASA volunteer have more hope for the future, do better in school and are far less likely to re-enter the foster system after their cases close.

“Garrard and Lincoln counties have the fastest-growing CASA program in the state for their population,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. “That’s excellent because there are still many more children who have suffered abuse or neglect who need a CASA volunteer. We hope to fill up this training with people who care about the future of Lincoln and Garrard counties so that we can change children’s lives for the better.”

This winter training is specifically for people interested in serving children with Garrard or Lincoln cases. Here is the schedule of classes, which will be held in Lancaster:

• Jan. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Jan. 30, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 3, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Feb. 6, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 20, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

• Feb. 27, 5:30-9:00 p.m.

• March 5, 5:30-9:00 p.m.

Court observation and a final interview will be scheduled individually toward the end of the training. The swearing in ceremony for new CASA volunteers will be 5:30 p.m. March 26.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, you can apply at www.casaoflexington.org/apply. For more information about CASA in Garrard and Lincoln counties, email garrardcounty@casaoflexington.org or lincolncounty@casaoflexington.org; call (606) 442-1355; or visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Organization is one of seven local CASA programs nationwide to earn the highest tier of recognition 

CASA of Lexington is one of seven local CASA programs in the nation recognized for innovative LGBTQ+ inclusiveness through the All Children All Families program. 

The 2023 All Children All Families report from the Human Rights Campaign was released Dec. 14. It recognizes 172 partner agencies for working to improve LGBTQ+ inclusivity for foster children and families. 

Fifty of those partner agencies, including CASA of Lexington, were recognized at the highest, “Innovative Inclusion” tier. Of those 50, seven are local CASA programs and one is a state CASA organization (Texas CASA). 

“The work we have done at CASA of Lexington to ensure inclusiveness will help save lives. It may have already saved lives,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “LGBTQ+ children in the family court system face enormous challenges that threaten their well-being. CASA volunteers can come alongside these children, tell them they matter, and advocate for their needs. Research has shown if even one person affirms an LGBTQ+ youth like this, it can make all the difference.” 

According to the 2023 ACAF report, approximately one in three children in foster care identifies as LGBTQ+. And 44% of LGBTQ+ youth in state custody ran away from home or were thrown out for reasons directly related to their identity. LGBTQ+ youth in care report higher rates of mistreatment, more frequent placement disruptions and a higher chance of being placed in residential facilities. 

LGBTQ+ youth, whether in foster care or not, are also at higher risk of contemplating or attempting suicide. Research from The Trevor Project has shown that acceptance from adults is associated with lower rates of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. 

CASA volunteers visit with their assigned children regularly, talk to adults in the children’s lives and advocate for the children’s best interests in court. They help provide children with hope for the future and get children more services. They also help children return to safe, permanent homes that are far less likely to disrupt. 

“This is what CASA is about: ensuring all children — no matter who they are or how they identify — can have safe homes and grow up to be happy, healthy adults,” Jamison said. “We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish, and we are already working to further improve our inclusive culture moving forward.” 

This is the second year CASA of Lexington has been recognized as an innovative partner through All Children All Families. As an ACAF partner, the organization has reviewed and updated all internal policies to be inclusive, added required training for staff on LGBTQ+ inclusion, increased training options on LGBTQ+ issues for volunteers, added inclusive family benefits for employees, and more. 

Across all 172 partnering agencies, more than 9,500 policies and practices were evaluated in 2023 to ensure they meet best practices criteria. An estimated 1.4 million children, youth and families across 43 states have benefited from these agencies’ work on inclusivity. 

“Providing children and families with the most inclusive environment in which to grow should always be the number-one priority,” said Phii Regis, Director of the All Children All Families program. “We are grateful for CASA of Lexington’s work as part of this partnership. Together, we can win the fight for equality and build safe and loving communities at the same time.” 

You can see the 2023 ACAF report at https://hrc.im/ACAFReport. You can learn more about CASA of Lexington and apply to be a CASA volunteer at www.casaoflexington.org.

The next training class for new CASA volunteers begins in Lexington on Jan. 9, with classes on evenings and weekends in January and February. 

CASA volunteers Jackie Washburn, left, and Susan Isaacs are December’s Volunteers of the Month.

When a new case of child neglect involving six siblings came across Rebecca Brereton-Farr’s desk last year, she knew she would need some special CASA volunteers for the job.

Brereton-Farr, a Volunteer Manager at CASA of Lexington, paired up Jackie Washburn, a veteran CASA volunteer with 15 years of experience, and Susan Isaacs, a new CASA volunteer who was waiting for her first case. Together, they would begin advocating for the children’s best interests.

The results have been amazing.

Jackie and Susan discovered their strengths complemented each other nicely — Jackie brought her experience; Susan brought strong computer skills. Both shared a love of children and a desire to improve their world.

“I feel like I have a new friend,” said Susan, a retired educator and consultant. “I know about her children and her grandchildren. We talk about a lot more than just the case.”

The pair have now spent more than a year as CASA volunteers on the case. They visit the children monthly, talk to adults in the children’s lives, review educational and medical records, and write reports for the judge on the case, leading to better outcomes.

Children who receive CASA volunteers like Jackie and Susan have usually suffered trauma and have little or no stability in their lives. CASA volunteers provide hope that things will get better, advocate for more stability, identify needs that others in court have overlooked, and help return children to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

“I want to make sure that all the kids are where they need to be, that they are in a good home,” Jackie said. “And if parents can be that home, and we can help them with that, I like to see reunification as much as possible.”

Because of the excellent work Jackie and Susan have done on their case, they have been named CASA Volunteers of the Month for December 2023.

“Susan and Jackie have been the dynamic duo this case and these kids needed,” said Brereton-Farr. “Susan can navigate the school system and ensure the older children’s educational needs are being met. Jackie can navigate the court system. Both provide a sense of comfort to mom as she works to regain custody and make her own personal progress.”

Brereton-Farr said Susan and Jackie have become a trusted source of information for the judge on the case and helped guide all sides in their case to productive solutions that ultimately help the children.

“I truly believe that without Susan and Jackie on this case, we would not have seen progress and these kids would have just lingered,” Brereton-Farr said.

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. While CASA volunteers always have support from their Volunteer Managers, CASA volunteers who serve on a CASA team also have their partner to bounce ideas off of and share in the highs and lows.

“We talk back and forth to make sure we are on the same page,” Jackie said. “It works very well having two people on this case.”

Susan agreed.

“I had never been to court before; Jackie talked me all through that. I had never done a court report before; Jackie talked me through that,” Susan said. “I’m really relying on her expertise to help me know what to do, what not to do. I’m forever grateful that somebody here had the wisdom to put us together.”

Next CASA Volunteer Training

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can fill out an application at www.casaoflexington.org/apply. You can see upcoming training schedules at www.casaoflexington.org/training. For more information, email info@casaoflexington.org.

Family Court Judge Jeff Moss swears in four new CASA volunteers, who will now begin advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Garrard and Lincoln counties.

Family Court Judge Jeff Moss swore in four new CASA volunteers in November, growing the number of local community members who are making a difference for abused and neglected children in Lincoln and Garrard counties.

"We can't do this without you all," Moss told the new CASA volunteers at their swearing in ceremony.

The new volunteers are Blake Baker, Hope Baker, Ashley Smalley and Stephen Smalley. The Bakers and Smalleys both plan to serve as CASA teams — when two volunteers work on a case together. They will be matched with cases of children in the local family court system who need an advocate.

CASA volunteers visit their CASA children monthly, talk to adults in the children's lives, review records and provide reports to the judge, creating better outcomes for the children.

Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of the CASA program serving Lincoln and Garrard counties, said she is excited at how the program has grown, fueled by impressive support from residents who are willing to give their time to make children's lives better.

"For our population size, we are the fastest growing program in the whole state," she said.

After completing a 30-hour training class, CASA volunteers spend about 5-10 hours a month volunteering and they commit to serve for at least two years. Children who receive a CASA volunteer have more hope for the future, do better in school, receive more services and are far less likely to re-enter the foster care system after their cases close.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email lincolncounty@casaoflexington.org or garrardcounty@casaoflexington.org for more information, or visit www.casaoflexington.org.

A regional training for new CASA volunteers begins Jan. 9 in Lexington, with classes on evenings and weekends. An in-person training specifically for Lincoln and Garrard volunteers will be held in Lancaster beginning Jan. 23, with classes on evenings and one weekend.

You can view all upcoming CASA volunteer training schedules at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

Donation announced at Bourbon County CASA Angel Tree event will fund advocacy for abused and neglected children in 2024

The CASA program serving Bourbon County has once again received a $100,000 donation from the Dan Cummins Auto Group, funding advocacy for abused and neglected children in 2024. 

Josh Cummins presented the $100,000, raised by taking a portion of each car sale made at Dan Cummins dealerships this year, to CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison at the organization’s annual Bourbon County CASA Angel Tree event Nov. 9. 

"We have something to present to CASA,” Cummins said as he pulled an oversized novelty check from behind the CASA Angel Tree. “It's $100,000 we have raised this year to help you with your efforts and to help the volunteers going forward once again. So we would like to present you with this ‘small’ check." 

“I’m not sure the folks here in Paris understand the definition of ‘small,’” Jamison joked. “But we will happily take it because this means 100 children get a CASA volunteer for an entire year.” 

Court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteers are trained community members who are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits with the child on their case monthly, talks to adults in the child’s life, reviews records and writes reports for the judge. 

Children with a CASA volunteer have more hope for the future, get more services to help them thrive, do better in school and are far less likely to re-enter the foster system after their cases close. 

The CASA Angel Tree program is the community’s opportunity to brighten the holidays for CASA children by purchasing them gifts from their wish lists. This year, there were 38 children on the CASA Angel Tree in need of someone to purchase their gifts for the holidays. Every name on the tree was picked within minutes. 

Bourbon County Judge-Executive Mike Williams spoke at the event, thanking the Cummins family and employees for their dedication to the CASA mission. Williams said he is proud that the Bourbon County Fiscal Court not only provided some of the funding required to bring CASA services, but has increased its funding for the CASA program over the years. 

“I do understand how important CASA is, and especially understand how important it is for Bourbon County,” he said. 

Josh Cummins said supporting CASA is a great way to create positive change in the world at the local level, rather than focusing on problems “halfway across the world.” 

“You can fix your neighbor. You can help your community,” he said. “(CASA is) something that will affect the rest of our lives, our community’s growth, the lives and relationships of our children.” 

Last year in Bourbon County, there were 53 children who suffered documented abuse or neglect. Given that the average case lasts two years or longer, there are likely more than 100 children with open family court cases in Bourbon County right now. CASA of Lexington served 56 of those children in 2022. 

“We want to get to the point where we’re able to serve every child who needs a CASA volunteer,” Jamison said. “In order to do that, we need more volunteers. So we’re continuing to recruit volunteers in Bourbon County.” 

The next regional training class for people who want to serve in Bourbon County will begin Jan. 9, with classes on evenings and weekends at the CASA of Lexington Fayette County office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr. in Lexington. 

You can learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and the training class at www.casaoflexington.org/training.  

Participate in CASA Angel Tree 

All names from the 2023 Bourbon County CASA Angel Tree have been selected, but you can provide additional gifts by purchasing from the CASA Angel Tree Wish List, available at https://bit.ly/casaangeltree2023. When you place your order, ensure you choose the “gift registry address” for shipping rather than your own address. The gifts you purchase will be used to ensure every child receives a good number of gifts and that siblings receive comparable gifts. 

CASA Volunteer Nick Luddy

Nick Luddy spent 24 years in the U.S. Army, including a 10-year stint doing anti-terrorism work. He has traveled the globe for his job, serving in multiple countries across the Middle East and Africa.

Today, Nick is retired from the Army, but he has found a new way to have an impact: He serves as a CASA volunteer, advocating for vulnerable children in the local family court system.

As a military police officer, Nick said he saw some unfortunate situations involving domestic violence and child abuse. Nick would work with social workers to find a family member or another safe placement for the children who were harmed.

After he retired, a family friend told him about the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, and its purpose resonated with Nick because he knows about the challenges some kids can face.

“Once I heard about CASA, I thought maybe I could try to make a difference in a few kids’ lives,” he said. “I enjoy getting to meet the children and their families, seeing their struggles and being able to offer some help.”

CASA volunteers are matched with children who have suffered abuse or neglect. They visit the children monthly, talk to adults in the children’s lives, review records, and write recommendations and reports for the judge on the case.

Fayette County family court judges have praised CASA reports for containing a far greater level of information and detail about children’s lives than would otherwise be available. The judges say CASA volunteers bring an ordinary perspective focused on the child’s needs rather than legal requirements, which helps ground decisions in what’s best for the children.

Nick has been a CASA volunteer with CASA of Lexington for more than two years, and he has now been named a Volunteer of the Month for November 2023.

“Nick is always willing to learn. He has done a great job navigating language barriers in his cases, and he has become a great support for a dad,” said Kyrsten Adkins, a Volunteer Manager who has supported Nick in his volunteer role.

Kealy Griffin, who also served as a Volunteer Manager for Nick, said he would do anything to be a great CASA volunteer for the kids on his case.

“As a newer volunteer, Nick has grown a lot over the last year, but one thing that has remained consistent throughout his case is that he always makes his CASA kids a top priority – no matter what,” Griffin said.

Nick said one of his favorite parts about being a CASA volunteer is seeing his CASA children’s eyes light up when he arrives for a visit. He said he knows there are many more children who still need a CASA volunteer right now.

“We need more CASA volunteers. And we really need more male CASA volunteers,” he said. “I think every CASA volunteer should try to help get the word out about this.”

CASA Volunteer Jan Colbert

Jan Colbert might be a little too good at getting her steps. She uses a pedometer — not to encourage more walking, but to know when she’s hit her limit.

“I have two dogs and we go on very, very, very long walks,” Jan said, laughing. “I have to keep it down to 10,000 steps.”

Jan, a retired accounting professor, said after a career tied to computers and finance, she has found she can’t get enough of getting out in nature. Another thing she can’t get enough of? Serving as a CASA volunteer.

“It really makes a difference,” she said.

Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are ordinary people who are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. A CASA volunteer like Jan visits her child monthly, talks to adults in the child’s life, reviews records, and writes reports for the judge on the case. In all, it takes about 5 to 10 hours a month.

For the past two years, Jan has been the CASA volunteer for two young siblings. During her time on the case, the siblings have changed placements nine times — but Jan has been a consistent, positive presence for them wherever they go.

“It’s just a joy to go see them,” Jan said, explaining one time she went to see them while they were at school and she saw the older one in gym class. “He saw me through the window and he came running over to me — he was so joyous!”

Because of Jan’s hard work for her CASA children, she has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for November 2023.

“Jan is the most consistent person on her CASA kids’ case. She knows all of the history and maintains consistent contact with all the parties,” said Kyrsten Adkins, Jan’s Volunteer Manager. “She has followed her kids across the state as they have been moved nine times since coming into foster care. She has also helped us recruit new volunteers and spread awareness in the community!”

Jan said she thinks more people should explore becoming CASA volunteers.

“It really is the most impactful volunteering I can do and I just think it’s so rewarding,” she said.

Renee Shaw is an award-winning who serves as the Director of Public Affairs and Moderator for KET. She is also the host of Kentucky Edition on KET.

She is single and an only child to her parents; she chose to become a CASA of Lexington board member after learning about the organization through her work as a journalist.

Some of Renee's favorite hobbies are gardening, walking, hiking and decorating. Renee joined the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors this summer; her term runs through July 1, 2027.