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.

CASA Volunteer Susan Pope

Susan Pope wanted to find a way to put her energy into something meaningful. She asked around and discovered a local nonprofit called CASA — Court-Appointed Special Advocates — that came highly recommended from people she trusted.

She learned CASA of Lexington trains regular people to be matched with children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. And that even though the volunteers only give a few hours a month, the time they spend with the children and the advocacy they provide can be transformational.

“I was fortunate to get involved pretty quickly after I was sworn in,” Pope said. “I enjoy the monthly visits with the kids, who tend to open up once you’ve demonstrated you are there for the long haul.”

Pope has now advocated for eight children in just 11 months – many more than most CASA volunteers take on. And she has made a difference in those children’s lives by visiting them and alerting the judge when they need things.

Because of her incredible work, her Volunteer Manager Dennis Stutsman nominated her to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month for February.

“Susan has done a great job collecting information about all of these kids’ lives, making sure everyone understands what is happening and why,” Stutsman said. “The information she provides has helped the judge make decisions that were best for the children.”

Kentucky has one of the highest rates of child abuse and neglect in the nation. Kentucky social workers often carry dozens of cases involving abused and neglected children at a time. Judges can hear hundreds of cases in the span of a month.

CASA volunteers, by contrast, often work with one child at a time. They focus on each child’s needs and what actions would be in the child’s best interests. Their reports help judges make more informed decisions and get better outcomes for the children.

“We have to look out for each other — especially for those who can’t look out for themselves,” Pope said. “It is hard to change everything all at once, but CASA shows you that incremental changes add up.”

If you’re interested in becoming a CASA volunteer like Pope, you can learn more and fill out a volunteer application at www.casaoflexington.org.

Josh Cummins, left, and Jessica Gilbert, right, both with Dan Cummins Auto Group, present a check for $100,000 to CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison on Jan. 30.

For the fifth year in a row, Dan Cummins Auto Group has contributed at least $100,000 from car sales to help abused and neglected children.

Josh Cummins and Jessica Gilbert presented CASA of Lexington with a $100,000 check on Jan. 30. The nonprofit provides advocates for abused and neglected children in seven Kentucky counties, including Scott, Bourbon and Jessamine, where there are Dan Cummins dealerships.

“The CASA mission is part of our mission, too,” Josh Cummins said. “We are proud of the fact that the work we do each day at our dealerships helps provide abused kids with help and hope.”

Dan Cummins Auto Group has now given $520,000 to CASA since 2021, and more than $650,000 since first partnering with the nonprofit organization.

“Dan Cummins is a big reason why we were able to begin expanding services to children outside of Fayette County,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “Their ongoing support has changed the lives of hundreds of children forever. The impact of their contributions will last for generations, as we break those cycles of abuse and neglect.”

In addition to its financial support, Dan Cummins also raises awareness about the need for CASA volunteers in each of the communities where it has a dealership. And it hosts CASA Joy Tree kickoff events, which provide gifts for children in family court each December.

“Central Kentucky’s kids really are better off thanks to the generosity of Dan Cummins,” Jamison said.

CASA Volunteer Patricia Agront

When Patricia Agront decided to start volunteering, she wanted to find meaningful work that would make a difference. 

“I am driven by a strong sense of service and advocacy, especially for those who may not always have a voice,” she said. 

So, Agront was naturally drawn to serving as a CASA volunteer — someone who visits with an abused or neglected child and advocates for anything the child might need to thrive. 

“CASA stood out to me because one consistent adult can make a meaningful difference in child’s life,” she said. “You don’t need to have all the answers — training and support are provided. What matters most is consistency, compassion, and the willingness to be a steady presence for a child who needs someone in their corner.” 

This January, after serving as a CASA volunteer for more than four and a half years, Agront has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service region.  

“Patricia is one of Bourbon County’s best CASA volunteers,” said Weida Allen, Agront’s Volunteer Manager. “Her court reports are always very thorough and she backs up what she writes with information. She always explains what the child needs and she is persistent.” 

CASA volunteers spend on average 5 to 10 hours a month volunteering. Each volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their child’s life and provides the information they gather back to the judge on the child’s case. CASA volunteers can help children get medical and educational services they were missing, have more hope for their future, and return to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. 

“Serving as a CASA volunteer is worth my time because the impact is real and tangible,” Agront said. “Even small actions — showing up, listening, following through — can provide stability and reassurance for a child.” 

LEARN MORE ONLINE 

You can apply to be a CASA volunteer, donate to CASA of Lexington or learn more about what CASA volunteers do at www.casaoflexington.org. New CASA volunteers complete an in-person or virtual 30-hour training class before they are matched with children. 

CASA Volunteer Jennifer Dishman

Jennifer Dishman worked in social services for more than seven years. She saw what families involved in family court went through and even did removals of children who were in harm’s way. 

“I saw that turmoil and what it did to the kids,” she said. 

After she left the field, she couldn’t sit by knowing kids still needed help. 

“I wanted to continue to be a voice and give back.” 

So, she signed up to be a CASA volunteer, someone who visits with abused and neglected children and advocates for their best interests. 

Dishman took her first case as a CASA volunteer 20 years ago this year. She has advocated for countless children over the years in Kentucky and Virginia. 

“I’m there on a consistent basis for the kids,” she said. “The social workers can change. The kids might go to different places. But I’m the consistent person for them.” 

This January, Dishman has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month in CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service region. 

“Jennifer always goes above and beyond on her cases,” said Madi Hoyt, Dishman’s Volunteer Manager. “She always manages to build amazing connections with the children on her cases. I know I can always count on her to show up for the children she serves.” 

Dishman said she loves giving her time as a CASA volunteer because she gets to see the results of her work as children’s situations improve and they get their childhoods back. 

CASA volunteers typically give 5 to 10 hours a month, including visits with their CASA children, gathering information about the children’s lives, and providing information to the judges on the children’s cases. The information a CASA volunteer gathers can prevent children from slipping through the cracks and ensure they return to safe, permanent homes faster. 

“The judges see that this is essential for these kids,” Dishman said. “I wish every case had a CASA.” 

Dishman said she remembers one little girl who shouted, “I remember you!” when she came for a visit. 

“It just warmed my heart to know that I’m making a difference,” she said. “I might not move the earth, but I was there for her.” 

CASA of Lexington volunteers served more than 675 children in 2025, but that likely represents less than 20% of all the children with open family court cases. Dishman said she hopes more people will see the need and choose to do something about it. 

“Sign up to be a CASA volunteer ASAP. And bring everybody with you,” she said. “It is life-changing – for you, for the kids, for the system.” 

LEARN MORE ONLINE 

You can apply to be a CASA volunteer, donate to CASA of Lexington or learn more about what CASA volunteers do at www.casaoflexington.org. New CASA volunteers complete an in-person or virtual 30-hour training class before they are matched with children. 

CASA Volunteer of the Month Connie Boyce

For more than five years, Connie Boyce has changed the lives of abused and neglected Woodford County children by serving as a CASA volunteer. Her hard work behind the scenes for vulnerable children has earned her the distinction of being a CASA Volunteer of the Month for December.

Boyce has advocated for the best interests of 12 children since she began in early 2020, helping ensure they get what they need to thrive and can return to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Those 12 children include one child who was moved from home to home five times over the course of two months.

“While everything else was changing for this child, Connie was the only consistency for her,” said Heather Porter, the Woodford County CASA Volunteer Manager who supports Boyce and all the other Woodford volunteers. “She was able to form a bond with the child. She knew Connie would always come back.”

Boyce is a retired pharmacist who has found many ways to help in her community, including as a Girl Scouts leader, a preschool substitute teacher and a volunteer at the Woodford County Food Pantry.

“I have been fortunate to have two great Volunteer Managers who have taught me a lot,” she said. “All the staff at CASA is so friendly and helpful. I know I am always supported by these people.”

Boyce recently introduced CASA to one of her best friends, who went through training this fall and is now a CASA volunteer, as well.

“I am looking forward to being a mentor for her,” she said. “Anyone who has a heart for relationships with hurting children should consider being a volunteer for CASA.”

Porter said there’s a simple reason Boyce has been able to help so many children and earn CASA Volunteer of the Month: “Connie keeps showing up.”

To learn more about Woodford County’s Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program or apply to be a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Evelyn Mitchell

Evelyn Mitchell has spent more than a decade building bonds with children in need and giving them brighter futures.

Most people cannot do anything directly for children in family court who have suffered abuse or neglect. But as a CASA volunteer, Mitchell has been able to help two dozen children of all ages since 2014.

“I look out and I see these children, and I bond with them. With some of them, I bond really close,” Mitchell said. “You make memories with some of these children that you’ll never forget. And many of them will never forget you, as well.”

CASA volunteers are regular people who get matched with children in family court. Each volunteer visits their matched child monthly, learns about their life, and provide the judge on their case with a lot of information they couldn’t otherwise know.

“The court system needs our input. They need our eyes,” Mitchell said. “We are the only ones who are going to speak up for these children and make sure the judge is actually aware of what is happening.”

Mitchell’s Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins said she is currently working a challenging case. Different parties on the case have different opinions on what should happen, “but she has remained committed to simply being the voice of the children she serves.”

“She diligently listens to what the children are telling her and isn’t afraid to speak up for them in court,” Adkins said. “She is a strong advocate for them.”

Mitchell is a CASA Volunteer of the Month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county region in December because of her years of dedicated work.

“It’s just the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done in my life,” Mitchell said. “I am so hooked on CASA, I don’t think I could ever leave.”

Mitchell said because there are so many children with open family court cases, there is a great need for more people to become CASA volunteers like her. There’s an initial 30-hour training class that can be taken in-person or online, and then volunteers give about 5-10 hours a month for at least two years.

“If you have any free time, please get out of your chair and volunteer,” Mitchell said. “You are needed. These children need us. And I promise you — you won’t regret it.”

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner and CASA of Lexington Board Member Jonathan Shell speaks at the 2025 KCN Conference.

CASA of Lexington board member and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell was honored as the Statewide Partner of the Year by the Kentucky CASA Network.

KCN CEO Andrea Bruns announced Shell’s award at the KCN’s statewide conference, held in Covington on Nov. 17 and 18.

“When you have a statewide elected constitutional officer use his platform for your mission across the entire state – this is an easy choice for us to recognize,” Bruns said. “… the commissioner has used his statewide platform for CASA, connecting the CASA mission to rural development and supporting foster care youth.”

CASA programs across Kentucky match trained volunteers with abused and neglected children who have open family court cases. Each CASA volunteer visits their matched child regularly and alerts the court if the child’s needs aren’t being met. CASA volunteers can help ensure children get services so they can thrive and return to loving homes where they belong faster.

Shell has previously served as a state representative and majority leader in the state House of Representatives. He became a board member for CASA of Lexington in 2022, when the local program expanded to serve Garrard County, where his family farm is located. Shell said he was “sold immediately” on CASA when he heard how it prioritizes the needs of abused and neglected children.

“We’re advocating for the child. It doesn’t matter what’s best for the foster parent, the birth parent. It doesn’t matter what’s best for the court system, the social worker,” he said. “It’s what’s best for the child.”

After Shell was elected Commissioner of Agriculture in 2023, Bruns said he began raising awareness and funds for CASA programs across Kentucky.

“Most recently, he has used his platform to raise funds for CASA statewide at his annual Farm to Fork Dinner at the state fair, and this year at the ham breakfast,” Bruns said while presenting the Statewide Partner of the Year award. “What makes this award so applicable to him is the recognition that CASA is all intertwined. And while he has his governance duties to CASA of Lexington, he understands that a rising tide lifts all boards and all children in Kentucky deserve advocacy.”

Shell used his acceptance speech to encourage men in particular to “show up” for children by becoming CASA volunteers.

“Everybody wants to wake up and make a difference,” he said. “But there is one place, on thing, one position that you can be in that guarantees you can make a difference in a child’s life. And that’s being a CASA volunteer.”

Shell also thanked CASA volunteers across the state for the work they put in to change children’s lives.

“You may think it goes unnoticed. You may think you’re unsung heroes,” he said. “But there are those of us out there that sing your story every single day and try to get you the resources and things that you all need. As long as I am in a position to do so, whether it’s bush-hogging on my farm or being the Commissioner of Agriculture, I’m going to work on your all’s behalf.”

In addition to Shell’s award, a volunteer with CASA of Lexington, Cynthia Phillips won the KCN’s “Determined Driver” award for traveling more than 11,000 miles across the state to visit her CASA children. The conference’s Monday-night keynote speaker was Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine.

To apply to be a CASA volunteer or learn more about CASA of Lexington, visit www.casaoflexington.org. To learn more about CASA programs statewide, visit www.kentuckycasanetwork.org.

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Lincoln County community members will be providing 18 abused and neglected children with gifts this holiday season, following the CASA Joy Tree kickoff event at Jerome Flynn’s Edward Jones office on Friday.

Another three Lincoln County children still need generous people to step up and buy them gifts so they do not go without this Christmas.

"For many of the children we serve, they might not get to be with loved ones. They might not get to have that special tradition or food they are used to,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Lincoln County’s CASA program. "Purchasing gifts for the children on this tree can be a game-changer for these kids."

The CASA Joy Tree has a new name this year, but it has been providing gifts to children in the local family court system for the past three years, helping brighten the holidays for 55 Lincoln County children so far.

Each participant receives the wish list of a child in the system who may not otherwise receive gifts this year. The participant shops for the child’s wishes, then brings the gifts back to the Edward Jones Office or the Lincoln County CASA office. Then, CASA volunteers bring the gifts to the families and caretakers of the children in time for their holiday celebrations.

Anyone wishing to participate in the program and help one of the remaining three Lincoln County children can email jbahr@casaoflexington.org to request the wish list of a child.

Flynn said he was glad to see the community come out and support a good cause.

"A community is only as strong as its kids,” he told those picking names from the tree. "Thank you for extending your blessings to others."

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. They visit the children monthly and advocate for what they need, especially if a need is being overlooked or forgotten.

Jamison said there are likely around 200 Lincoln County children with open family court cases right now. Last year, CASA volunteers served 20 of those children. More are being served this year, but many more still could benefit from having someone looking out for their best interests.

Anyone who would like to purchase supplemental gifts for the children on the CASA Joy Tree can purchase from a wish list of popular items available at www.casaoflexington.org/joytree. Supplemental gifts will be used to ensure no child receives too few gifts and that siblings receive comparable amounts of gifts.

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The 29 names on the CASA Joy Tree were gone in a matter of minutes Friday morning, thanks to Jessamine County community members who will be brightening this holiday season for abused and neglected children.

This was the third year for the Jessamine County program, which has a new name – CASA Joy Tree – this year. The program provides gifts for children in family court who might not otherwise have many – or any – gifts to open this December.

“For so many of our kids, they don’t have those opportunities to have traditions and favorite holiday memories,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Jessamine County’s CASA program. “Through the CASA Joy Tree, you’re giving them those memories.”

The CASA Joy Tree lighting event was held for the second year at Dan Cummins Ford Lincoln in Nicholasville. The Dan Cummins Auto Group is a major donor and supporter of CASA programs in the three counties where it has dealerships.

Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children. They visit with the children monthly and look for ways the court can improve their lives or find them safe, permanent homes.

Every October, volunteers whose CASA children may go without gifts can add them to the CASA Joy Tree program. Then, Joy Tree kickoffs are held in each of the seven counties served by CASA of Lexington.

The community members who selected the children from the tree will now go shopping for gifts. Then, the CASA volunteers will bring the gifts to the children’s caretakers in time for the holidays.

“We are so grateful for all of the support for Jessamine County’s CASA program and the community involvement in making sure these kids don’t go without this Christmas,” Jamison said.

Even though all Jessamine County CASA children have been selected from the Joy Tree this year, you can still participate in the program by purchasing supplemental gifts from the Joy Tree wish list at www.casaoflexington.org/joytree. You can also sign up to purchase gifts for a CASA child in another county by emailing jbahr@casaoflexington.org or calling (859) 484-6548.

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Garrard County community members will be providing 22 abused and neglected children with gifts this holiday season, following the CASA Joy Tree kickoff event at First Southern National Bank on Monday. 

Another five Garrard County children still need generous people to step up and buy them gifts so they do not go without this Christmas.  

"We always think of Christmas as a fun time of year. It's a time of gifting and loving and family. But if you don't have those, it's not the same,” said Leonard Harrison, a board member for the Garrard County CASA program. “It can actually be a time of year when you're saddened instead of lifted up. A lot of these kids are reminded of the families they're not with. They're reminded of the gifts they're not getting. They're reminded that they are alone in this world. That's what we really strive to eliminate is that feeling of being alone." 

The CASA Joy Tree has a new name this year, but it has been providing gifts to children in the local family court system for the past four years, helping brighten the holidays for 91 Garrard County children so far. 

Each participant receives the wish list of a child in the system who may not otherwise receive gifts this year. The participant shops for the child’s wishes, then brings the gifts back to First Southern or a CASA office. Then, CASA volunteers bring the gifts to the families and caretakers of the children in time for their holiday celebrations. 

Anyone wishing to participate in the program and help one of the remaining five Garrard County children can email jbahr@casaoflexington.org to request the wish list of a child. 

Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Garrard’s CASA program, said last year, a teenage boy put a blanket on his wish list. He later told his CASA volunteer that getting the blanket made him so happy because he was so much warmer when he slept at night. 

"Sometimes we may not think we're making a huge sacrifice by going out and purchasing items on this list,” Jamison said. “But we could be changing that child's life and giving them confidence." 

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. They visit the children monthly and advocate for what they need, especially if a need is being overlooked or forgotten. 

Jamison said there are likely more than 250 Garrard County children with open family court cases right now. Last year, CASA volunteers served 25 of those children. More are being served this year, but many more still could benefit from having someone looking out for their best interests. 

“You don’t need any special degree or background to be a volunteer. If you are willing to show up, we are willing to give you the training,” Jamison said. “If you’re thinking, ‘In 2026, I’d like to make a difference,’ advocating for a child is one way to make a real change in the new year.” 

Anyone who would like to purchase supplemental gifts for the children on the CASA Joy Tree can purchase from a wish list of popular items available at www.casaoflexington.org/joytree. Supplemental gifts will be used to ensure no child receives too few gifts and that siblings receive comparable amounts of gifts. 

SO YOU KNOW 

22 of the 27 children on this year’s Garrard County CASA Joy Tree were selected at the kickoff event Thursday. If you would like to purchase gifts for one of the remaining five children, you can email jbahr@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 484-6548. You can also purchase supplemental gifts for children on the CASA Joy Tree through the wish list at www.casaoflexington.org/joytree.  

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Lexington community members and staff at McBrayer Law Firm will be providing 160 abused and neglected children with gifts this holiday season, following the CASA Joy Tree kickoff event in downtown Lexington Wednesday.  

Another 35 Fayette County children still need generous people to step up and buy them gifts so they do not go without this Christmas.   

"This is an opportunity to bring some much-needed light, happiness and joy to children who have suffered more in their few short years than hopefully many of us will in our lifetimes,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. 

Jamison said one of the hundreds of children who received gifts through the program last year was a teenage boy who asked for a fleece blanket because they were cold at night. 

“He told his CASA volunteer, ‘I was so excited to get a fleece blanket! Now when I sleep at night, I am so warm.’ And I stopped and thought for a moment — how many teenage boys are thrilled to receive a fleece blanket?” Jamison said. “You really don’t know the difference that a small gesture of purchasing of the things on these lists can make for the children we serve.” 

Under different names, the CASA Joy Tree has been providing gifts to children in the local family court system for the past 21 years, helping brighten the holidays for 2,703 Fayette County children so far.  

Each participant receives the wish list of a child in the system who may not otherwise receive gifts this year. The participant shops for the child’s wishes, then brings the gifts back to McBrayer Law Firm or the CASA office. Then, CASA volunteers bring the gifts to the families and caretakers of the children in time for their holiday celebrations.  

Anyone wishing to participate in the program and help one of the remaining 35 Fayette County children can email jbahr@casaoflexington.org to request the wish list of a child.  

McBrayer Managing Member James H. Frazier, III, said the law firm is proud to be a partner with CASA in helping Fayette County children in need. 

“Your organization means everything to us,” he told Jamison. “We understand the need and we know we could probably never fulfill it, but we’re going to do our small part.” 

More than 1,000 children in Fayette County were abused or neglected last year. CASA volunteers are matched with some of those children. They visit the children monthly and advocate for what they need, especially if a need is being overlooked or forgotten.  

CASA volunteers helped 423 children in Fayette County last year. 

Vice Mayor Dan Wu also spoke at the kickoff. Wu, who serves as a CASA volunteer, said it’s important for the children to have consistent, supportive adults in their lives because so many other things can change without warning. 

“Judges may come and go. Social workers may come and go. Their lawyers may come and go,” Wu said. “What they really, really crave is that stability and support and that’s what CASA can give them.” 

SO YOU KNOW  

160 of the 195 children on this year’s Fayette County CASA Joy Tree were selected at the kickoff event Wedensday. If you would like to purchase gifts for one of the remaining 35 children, you can email jbahr@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 484-6548. You can also purchase supplemental gifts for children on the CASA Joy Tree through the wish list at www.casaoflexington.org/joytree.   

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Woodford County community members and staff at lakeshore Learning will be providing 42 abused and neglected children with gifts this holiday season, following the CASA Joy Tree kickoff event in Midway on Monday.

Another 16 Woodford County children still need generous people to step up and buy them gifts so they do not go without this Christmas.

"Sometimes, it can be a small action and we may not get to see firsthand the difference we are making, but know that every one of these children will get something they needed or wanted,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Woodford’s CASA program. "You have the opportunity to brighten their holidays by shopping for something from their wish list."

The CASA Joy Tree has been providing gifts to children in the local family court system for the past six years, helping brighten the holidays for 164 Woodford County children so far.

Each participant receives the wish list of a child in the system who may not otherwise receive gifts this year. The participant shops for the child’s wishes, then brings the gifts back to Lakeshore Learning or a CASA office. Then, CASA volunteers bring the gifts to the families and caretakers of the children in time for their holiday celebrations.

Anyone wishing to participate in the program and help one of the remaining 16 Woodford County children can email jbahr@casaoflexington.org to request the wish list of a child.

Jamison said one year, a teenage boy put a blanket on his wish list. He later told his CASA volunteer that getting the blanket made him so happy because he was so much warmer when he slept at night.

“That’s huge,” Jamison said. “These gifts can represent lives changed in many of these cases.”

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. They visit the children monthly and advocate for what they need, especially if a need is being overlooked or forgotten.

Woodford County Family Court Judge Joe Fooks attended the kickoff and said he is grateful to have CASA volunteers available for kids involved in his cases.

"I really appreciate all the support Woodford County gives to CASA,” he said. “CASA is a huge asset to our court system. I rely on their reports on every case they're appointed on."

Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay said the work of CASA volunteers is preventing children from slipping through the cracks in Woodford.

“CASA is helping kids in the legal system so they have someone standing up for them. What’s more important than that? Not many things,” Kay said. “As we enter this time of Thanksgiving and holidays and Christmas, we need to make sure that our most previous assets, our children, are taken care of.”

Jamison said there are likely more than 100 Woodford County children with open family court cases right now. Last year, CASA volunteers served 37 of those children. More are being served this year, but many more still could benefit from having someone looking out for their best interests.

“You don’t need any special degree or background to be a volunteer. If you are willing to show up, we are willing to give you the training,” Jamison said. “If you’re thinking, ‘In 2026, I’d like to make a difference,’ advocating for a child is one way to make a real change in the new year.”

Anyone who would like to purchase supplemental gifts for the children on the CASA Joy Tree can purchase from a wish list of popular items available at www.casaoflexington.org/joytree. Supplemental gifts will be used to ensure no child receives too few gifts and that siblings receive comparable amounts of gifts.

 SO YOU KNOW

42 of the 58 children on this year’s Woodford County CASA Joy Tree were selected at the kickoff event Monday. If you would like to purchase gifts for one of the remaining 16 children, you can email jbahr@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 484-6548. You can also purchase supplemental gifts for children on the CASA Joy Tree through the wish list at www.casaoflexington.org/joytree.

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CASA Volunteer Sally Brunner

Sally Brunner spent 18 years working in public health, helping low-income children and families in central Kentucky.

When she wanted to continue giving back after her retirement, she turned to CASA volunteering.

“I’ve been involved with many children in foster care and also engaged in the care of mothers who were interested in learning to be the best parents they could be for their children,” she said. “In my retirement, being a CASA volunteer has enabled me to continue to give time to kids by being an advocate.”

Each CASA volunteer like Brunner spends about 5-10 hours a month visiting their matched children, gathering information, and sharing what they learn to ensure the children’s needs are met. CASA volunteers can help children improve in school, get medical care they’ve been missing, and find safe, permanent homes.

Brunner said she chooses to advocate for young children under 3 because she knows it is such an important time developmentally.

“The time I invest is rewarding and well worth it because it is going to give those kids a better life,” she said.

Brunner’s Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb said thanks to the time she spends with the children and her attention to detail, she has been able to provide valuable insights that have made a difference.

“Sally shows up consistently for all five of the children she currently advocates for,” Lamb said. “She is thorough and communicates well with everyone on the children’s cases. These children have a brighter future because of her work.”

For Brunner, finding CASA has been the perfect way to continue caring for children in need.

“Every child deserves to have a voice and needs a safe and loving home,” she said. “My goal as a CASA volunteer is to help make that happen.”

For more information about CASA volunteering, visit www.casaoflexington.org.