Eighteen new CASA volunteers were sworn in Thursday, swelling the ranks of regular people in central Kentucky who are making a difference for abused and neglected children.

Family Court Judge Joe Fooks swore in the new CASA volunteers, telling them grateful he and other family court judges in the area are to have their help.

“The CASA volunteers really add a depth to the information I receive about these kids,” Fooks said. “It’s much-appreciated depth. Your work is valued and all the judges rely on CASA reports to a great extent.”

The volunteers completed a 30-hour training class before being sworn in. They will now be matched with abused and neglected children who have open family court cases, and they will begin visiting the children monthly.

CASA volunteers spend more time directly with children than others in the courtroom can. They often identify problems that others have missed and propose solutions that help children do better while they’re in the state’s care and return to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

“Child abuse and neglect is a big problem in Kentucky, but every person can do their part to help fix it,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “By serving as CASA volunteers, each of these 18 people will be directly improving the future for children who otherwise may have languished in the system.”

The new CASA volunteers join more than 200 others currently serving children in seven counties – Bourbon, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Scott and Woodford – through CASA of Lexington. In 2024, CASA of Lexington volunteers helped more than 670 central Kentucky children.

“Last year, the gap between the number of available CASA volunteers and the number of kids who need a CASA volunteer grew,” Jamison said. “These 18 new volunteers are helping fill that gap. We would love to see even more people step up say, ‘I’m going to be the reason a child has a bright future,’ so that we could serve all of the children who need a CASA!”

The next in-person training class for new CASA volunteers begins April 3, with classes on evenings and weekends in April and May. You can learn more about what CASA volunteers do and apply to become a CASA volunteer online at www.casaoflexington.org.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

CASA Volunteer Brooke Fatzinger

Brooke Fatzinger loves spending time with her family. That includes being a mom to her two dogs, as well as spending time with her fiancé and his kids. She also spends time every month with a young girl we’ll call Destiny.

Destiny suffered neglect several years ago and is currently in a foster home. Brooke is her Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer.

“I learned about CASA from a friend who thought I would enjoy doing it. I was hesitant at first, but I was drawn to the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children in my community,” Fatzinger said. “Court advocacy seemed intimidating, but I soon realized the power of my voice.”

CASA volunteers like Fatzinger are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each volunteer spends time with their CASA child, talks to people in the child’s life, reviews records and writes reports that can prevent kids from slipping through the cracks.

Fatzinger has been able to ensure Destiny is getting educational support, that she is receiving afterschool care, and that she is in a home where she feels safe and loved. She has also built a strong relationship with Destiny, who calls Fatzinger “one of my best friends.”

“The bond I’ve formed with my CASA kid has been the most rewarding part of this experience,” Fatzinger said. “Knowing I’m making a difference in her life is truly a gift.”

CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training class before a CASA Volunteer Manager matches them with a child in need of an advocate. Volunteers typically spend 5-10 hours a month working their case, with support from their Volunteer Manager at every step.

Fatzinger has done such good work for Destiny that her Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins nominated her to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month.

“Brooke is an excellent CASA. She has made a strong connection with her CASA child, following her through placement changes, school changes, and the ups and downs of her situation,” Adkins said. “This consistency has allowed Brooke to pick up on things that others have overlooked.”

In CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service region, fewer than 20% of abused and neglected children currently receive a CASA volunteer. Fatzinger said she encourages people to consider becoming a CASA volunteer like she did and positively impacting their community.

“If you have a heart for helping children and a willingness to learn, you’ll find it is one of the most fulfilling things you can do,” she said. “The training and support you receive will equip you for the role, and the impact you make will be immeasurable.”

CASA Volunteer Pat Bennett

Pat Bennett spent his career working across Kentucky, including at a bowling ball factory, the Corvette factory in Bowling Green and with General Electric in Louisville. Once he retired, he wanted to do something with his free time that would be good for the state he loves.

“I’ve replaced being busy at work with being busy as a CASA volunteer,” Bennett said. “It has been very rewarding.”

Bennett had known about Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs for years, so once he had time, he signed up for a training class to become a volunteer. He has been a volunteer with the CASA program serving Lincoln and Garrard counties for about nine months now.

“It makes you feel good to know that you’re helping a kid,” he said.

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children who need someone advocating for their best interests. Most volunteers take one case at a time and volunteer for 5 to 10 hours every month.

While the flexibility of the volunteer work allows people working full-time to take on a case and help a child, Bennett has used his extra free time to take on two cases at once, visiting and advocating for six children in two families.

Bennett’s Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb provides support whenever he needs it in both of his cases. Because of his dedication to helping his CASA kids, she nominated him for Volunteer of the Month in the seven-county region served by CASA of Lexington — a distinction he received this month.

“Pat is willing to take on any task and brings much-needed optimism to his work,” Lamb said. “He is a consistent source of support for the older children and a friendly face for the younger ones. He meets each challenge with confidence.”

Bennett said he first realized just how rewarding serving as a CASA volunteer can be when he was getting ready to leave after visiting some of his CASA children, and one of the boys ran up and demanded a hug goodbye.

“This is why CASA volunteers do what they do. It lets you know you’re doing what you should be doing,” he said. “You don’t put in nearly as much as what you get back.”

CASA Volunteer Sherill Durham-Sanders

Sherill Durham-Sanders has eight children and 15 grandchildren. But the number of young people whose lives she has affected goes well beyond that. She is a former teacher, and she now serves as a CASA volunteer with CASA of Lexington.

As a CASA volunteer, she has changed the lives of six abused or neglected children over the course of close to three years.

“Any time you can make an impact in a young person’s life, I think it’s something worth doing,” she said.

Durham-Sanders currently advocates for children in Bourbon County family court. As a CASA volunteer, she visits her CASA children regularly, gathers information about their lives, and writes reports that give everyone a much better understanding of what the children need to thrive.

Her Volunteer Manager, Weida Allen, said Durham-Sanders’ passion for helping children is obvious.

“She has this great way to helping young kids to relax around her. I’ve seen how she can engage with kids from the very beginning,” Allen said. “She just engages with them and communicates with them so easily. I think she does a very good job.”

Allen said when she and Durham-Sanders went to visit her current CASA children recently, the youngest asked whether Durham-Sanders would come back to see them again.

“Do you want me to come back?” Durham-Sanders asked.

“Oh yes!” the child responded. “I want you to come back and we’ll talk about some more things.”

Because of all her good work, Allen nominated Durham-Sanders to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month in CASA of Lexington’s seven-county region. She is Bourbon County’s first Volunteer of the Month of 2025.

All of the children Durham-Sanders has advocated for have come from families affected by substance misuse, Allen said.

Durham-Sanders said CASA volunteering is important work because the children are not responsible for the situations they are in.

“It’s worth getting involved to have an impact that will give them a better outcome in their life,” she said. “The reward of helping young people is a plus. I would definitely tell people to try it out.”

To serve as a CASA volunteer, you must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks and complete a 30-hour training class, available in-person or online. For more information, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer Emily Prince

Emily Prince is in her final year of law school, completing her change of careers from social work. But as she pursued her law degree, she also found herself missing the feeling of making a difference for children.

Then, she learned about CASA of Lexington, which enables volunteers to advocate for the needs of abused and neglected children.

“I figured CASA would be a good way to still make a difference in child welfare with the time that I had to spare,” she said.

Prince completed a 30-hour online training course led by Dennis Stutsman, a CASA Volunteer Manager and attorney who retired from the Kentucky Attorney General’s office. Then, Stutsman matched her with an abused child in the local family court system.

Prince has been visiting her CASA child monthly, digging through court records and writing reports for the judge on the case for about nine months now. And she is earning pro bono credit toward her law degree for doing it.

“Emily has done a tremendous job of examining the child’s history, removal from her biological parents, and substance misuse and possible abuse from the child’s grandparents,” Stutsman said. “Despite this past, her child is excelling in school, has plans for college, is bonded with the foster family, and feels safe in telling Emily what really happened to her.”

Prince said CASA fulfills her desire to continue helping children.

“I have absolutely loved building a relationship with my CASA kiddo,” she said. “It has been amazing to watch her thrive in the right environment and with the right types of supports. It has been an honor to advocate on her behalf in court and to make her voice heard.”

Prince said she encourages anyone considering becoming a CASA volunteer to do it.

“Children are our future,” she said. “The more we invest in children, the better the future will be for everyone.”

To serve as a CASA volunteer you must be at least 21 years old, pass background checks and complete CASA of Lexington’s 30-hour training class, which is offered in-person or online. If you are 20 years old, you can take the training class prior to turning 21. For more information, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA volunteer Meredith Feiertag

After Meredith Feiertag moved to central Kentucky, she began looking for a way to fulfill her desire to improve children’s wellbeing.

“A friend of mine was a volunteer with CASA and encouraged me to apply,” she said. “The chance to make a meaningful difference for and connection with kids facing a difficult situation appealed to me, and CASA offered an opportunity to do just that.”

Feiertag became a CASA advocate, someone who is matched with abused and neglected children and speaks up for what the children need. She teamed up with her Volunteer Manager Dennis Stutsman, and with his support has now advocated for 17 children over the past nearly four and a half years.

“Dennis has been such a crucial support to me over the years. He is a steady perspective when I am feeling unsure about what’s best to recommend,” she said. “He also always makes me feel trusted and will back me up.”

Each CASA volunteer gives about 5-10 hours a month to improve the life of a child. They visit the child monthly, talk to people involved in the child’s life and write reports that identify what the child’s needs are.

Every CASA volunteer is paired with a Volunteer Manager, a paid staff person with extensive training on the court system. Stutsman, Feiertag’s Volunteer Manager, said he appreciates her persistence in finding ways to make things better for her CASA kids.

“She makes careful recommendations, works diligently with biological parents who face major challenges, and writes solid reports,” Stutsman said. “After each case closure, she always examines how she made a difference and how she can get even better on her next case.”

Feiertag said serving as a CASA volunteer allows her to directly impact the futures of children who are facing some of the most difficult days of their lives while they are still very young.

“Advocating in court may seem intimidating at first, but seeing the passion that the judge has for understanding the situation and doing what’s best for the children makes it feel like a safe environment,” she said. “CASA is an essential part of the team.”

The central duty of each CASA volunteer is visiting their assigned child regularly.

“It’s important to me to meet kids where they are and care about whatever is important to them, whether it’s playing with their favorite toy, or asking about a school activity they mentioned to you on a previous visit, or reading a book they recommended,” she said. “It may seem little, but it demonstrates that they are important to you and helps build trust to talk about bigger things.”

Those bigger things can include the difficult situations children in family court cases face, such as severe abuse, poverty, substance misuse and medical neglect, Stutsman said.

Abused and neglected children have usually experienced multiple traumatic events, which puts them at far greater risk for things like substance misuse, homelessness and incarceration when they get older. They’re unfortunately also likely to struggle to regain safe, permanent homes as children.

But CASA volunteers can help combat those trends by identifying what children need and how to get it for them.

“Often, as a CASA, you are one of the only constants as a case moves through court. You are the most familiar with the history of the case. You help provide a complete picture and make sure important information isn’t overlooked,” Feiertag said. “Being a CASA is a longer commitment, but it is also one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities you can find.”

If you would like to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, you can visit www.casaoflexington.org or call (859) 246-4313.

CASA volunteer Destin Mizelle

When Destin Mizelle learned how CASA volunteers can help abused and neglected children, he thought it sounded like a great opportunity to make a difference. He also worried about the time commitment.

“After a few months in the role, I realized it doesn’t feel like a burden at all,” he said. “In fact, I often invest more time than what is required each month because I genuinely enjoy working with the kids and ensuring their needs are met.”

Mizelle has been a CASA volunteer for close to a year. He is paired with a sibling set of teenage boys who have experienced numerous traumatic events.

“On paper, they look like a tricky bunch,” said Rebecca Brereton-Farr, Mizelle’s Volunteer Manager. “But in reality, and by Destin’s own observations, they are boys who are funny and smart and resilient and have ambitions.”

Mizelle began visiting the boys weekly and attending their athletic events at school.

“He is able to be the person that has important conversations with them, but does so as their support rather than as someone trying to reprimand them,” Brereton-Farr said. “He is someone they trust, and that is because he refuses to give up on them.”

Mizelle said he enjoys how each child he advocates for has unique needs, which keeps the work challenging and rewarding.

“My time as a CASA volunteer has been nothing short of amazing,” he said. “My favorite part of volunteering is working directly with the kids. They each bring a special kind of joy to this role, making every moment worthwhile.”

Mizelle said he prizes the deep connections he has built with the teens he advocates for. And he is happy he gets to ensure their voices are heard by the judge on their case.

“As I’ve gotten to know the kids and their situations, I’ve gained confidence and pride in my ability to advocate for them through court appearances and detailed court reports,” Mizelle said. “I feel well-supported by Rebecca, my Volunteer Manager, who ensures I’m always up-to-date on everything happening with my cases.”

Each CASA volunteer like Mizelle typically gives 5-10 hours a month, which is spent visiting their assigned child, gathering information about the child’s life and writing reports for the judge. CASA volunteers help get children and teens more services while their cases are open and work to ensure they return to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

“There are countless children and families who need compassionate individuals willing to dedicate their time to giving back to their local communities,” Mizelle said. “CASA does an excellent job of pairing volunteers with the demographics they feel most comfortable working with, while ensureing they have the resources and support needed to meet the demands of the role.

“While volunteering hasn’t always been easy, my experience has shown me that it’s always worth it.”

If you would like to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org or call (859) 246-4313.

Lexington, Ky. (Jan. 6, 2025) – CASA of Lexington has been awarded a $64,000 grant to help with recruitment of volunteers in 2025. The grant comes from the National CASA Association.

“This grant will help boost our recruitment efforts and make CASA more visible to more people,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “The number of abused and neglected children in central Kentucky who do not currently have a CASA volunteer is growing. That means it’s more important now to find people who want to help these children.”

CASA volunteers are community members who are matched with abused or neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their child monthly and identifies any unmet needs for the judge. CASA volunteers help ensure children get the services they need while their cases are open and that they return to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

The grant funding from the National CASA Association will enable CASA of Lexington to increase recruitment of new volunteers, which has become more difficult in recent years. It will also ensure more of the funds donated to CASA of Lexington go directly to serving children.

If you would like to become a CASA volunteer, you can learn more at www.casaoflexington.org. Each new CASA volunteer completes a 30-hour training class, then volunteers for typically 5-10 hours a month once they are matched with a child. In-person and online training classes are available for new volunteers.

CASA Volunteer Paige Slover

Lexington, Ky. (Dec. 4, 2024) – Paige Slover was trying to solve a problem. A child, William, was having major difficulties adjusting to Kindergarten.

William, whose name is changed here for privacy, was a neglected child, and Slover was appointed as his CASA volunteer to advocate for his needs. That was lucky for David, because Slover is good at problem-solving.

“Paige is an excellent collaborator and team builder,” said Heather Porter, Slover’s Volunteer Manager at CASA of Lexington. “Paige organized a meeting with multiple school staff and administrators, David’s counseling provider, his social worker and family members to find solutions that would address his needs and set him up for future learning success.”

Because of her success in helping William, Slover has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for December.

Slover first learned about what CASA volunteers do three decades ago, when the national sorority she was working for, Kappa Alpha Theta, adopted CASA as its national philanthropy.

“I was hooked the moment I learned about what CASA does and decided I wanted to become a volunteer,” she said. “It took over 30 years for the stars to align to actually become a CASA volunteer. But I’m glad I never gave up on that goal.”

CASA volunteers are regular people who are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each volunteer visits their CASA child monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, helps improve communication among the people involved in the child’s life, and helps ensure the child’s needs are never overlooked.

“Of course, the best part about this job is being with the kids,” Slover said. “My approach is to just play with them and let them be kids. I genuinely have fun hanging out with them and I believe they sense that. Our time together always goes too fast.”

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer and all volunteers complete a 30-hour training class that prepares them for the work.

“I’d tell anyone contemplating being a CASA volunteer that it’s one of the most important jobs you could ever do,” Slover said. “It’s not easy. It’s not for everyone. But all you need is a kind and generous heart – and that’s about all!”

The next regional training class for new CASA volunteers begins Jan. 9 in Lexington, with classes on Thursday evenings and a pair of Saturdays. To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer or fill out a volunteer application, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer Lindsay Medley

Lindsay Medley has been able to bring two families back together by serving as a CASA volunteer.

“I was able to see two children reunited with their hard-working mama after four long years,” she said. “And I was able to assist a grandmother in obtaining permanent custody of her newborn granddaughter.”

Those aren’t accomplishments most people can list. But Medley can because two years ago, she signed up to be a CASA volunteer.

As a CASA volunteer, she is matched with abused or neglected children in the local family court system who need someone to spend time with them and advocate for their best interests. The work takes about 5-10 hours a month to do. Medley said it’s worth it for the results she gets for kids.

“Being a CASA has been one of the most rewarding things in my life,” she said.

Medley produces reports about her CASA children that provide more detail than anyone else can. The reports can identify if children’s needs aren’t being met and offer recommendations on what actions would help the children the most.

In one of Medley’s cases, she discovered information that had never been presented before, even though the case had been going on for years before she was appointed. That information helped turn the course of the case, which resulted in the children returning to a safe, permanent home.

“I see the impact and the differences I am making in these children’s lives,” Medley said. “CASA volunteers are privileged to present information that otherwise would not be considered. We are the voice to those that have none.”

Because of her work for kids, Medley was named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for December.

In her day job, Medley works at the Lexington Senior Center. She also helps lead the Junior League of Lexington and is a dog mom to a puppy named Geronimo.

Medley’s work as a CASA volunteer is truly transformative for the lives of the children she serves, said Rebecca Brereton-Farr, Medley’s Volunteer Manager.

“Lindsay is not one to leave any stone un-turned when it comes to the best interests of the children,” Brereton-Farr said. “Her passion and dedication to our mission and being a CASA is clear in every court report, every court appearance, and everything else that she does.”

Medley encouraged others to consider becoming a CASA volunteer and investing a few hours a month to improve a child’s future.

“Your time means the world to these children,” she said.

For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Autumn Grace

The boy hadn’t known Autumn Grace for long, but he already felt safe enough with her to ask if she wanted to stay for lunch, and what she would like to eat.

“That truly made me feel special, because it showed me he could identify that I truly cared about him and his siblings,” said Grace, a CASA volunteer who had been tasked with advocating for the best interests of the boy and his sister. She was on a home visit to get to know the children when the boy asked her to stay for lunch. “He didn’t mind that I had become a part of their lives.”

That moment is a memorable one for Grace, who has been serving as a CASA volunteer for a little more than a year. During that time, her work to help those children has been incredibly valuable, said Weida Allen, Grace’s Volunteer Manager with the Bourbon County CASA program.

“She has never missed a beat, checking in on her two little clients, spending time with them, answering their questions and just having fun being together,” Allen said. “She is an excellent volunteer and I am very proud that she is part of the Bourbon County crew.”

Allen nominated Grace for CASA Volunteer of the Month because of her dedication to the work.

CASA volunteers give 5 or more hours a month to help improve outcomes for children in the Bourbon County family court system. Each volunteer visits with their matched child at least monthly, gathers information about the child’s life, and provides reports that give the judge on the child’s case a much deeper understanding of the child’s situation and unique needs.

Kids who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to do well in school and far less likely to re-enter the foster system after their cases close.

Making a difference for the most vulnerable kids is something Grace was already doing before she became a CASA volunteer. She discovered CASA through her work on the Citizen’s Foster Care Review Board, an organization that conducts reviews of family court cases.

“What stood out most was the dedication that CASA volunteers have to their families,” Grace said. “Then, I saw a story on LEX-18 one night, and I decided to apply.”

With support from Allen, Grace said her heart has been warmed as she has watched her CASA children grow.

“It is important to me that kids don’t fall between the cracks,” Grace said. “I appreciate the work CASA does for families. If you have some free time, do it! … CASA does a tremendous job of ensuring you have the tools needed and you aren’t alone. There is a full team behind you to offer support. This is rewarding work!”

Bourbon County’s CASA program can use more CASA volunteers to serve the dozens of children in Bourbon County’s family court system. Last year, there were enough volunteers to serve only about 30% of children with open cases.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, a regional in-person training class begins on Jan. 9, with classes on evenings and weekends in Lexington. Local in-person and online training classes can also be planned around participants’ schedules. For more information, email info@casaoflexington.org, call (859) 246-4313 or visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Gretchen LaGodna

Over the past seven years and counting, Gretchen LaGodna has changed the lives of 16 abused and neglected children.

That may not sound like something the average person could do. But LaGodna is not a social worker, or an attorney, or any kind of professional working with vulnerable children. She is a CASA volunteer.

“No one should hesitate to become a CASA volunteer because they think they don’t have the right experience or background,” LaGodna said.

LaGodna has made a difference for so many kids by giving 5 or more hours a month to visit the children, gather information about their lives, and advocate for their best interests.

Kids who receive a CASA volunteer have usually suffered numerous traumas in their life — each one has suffered abuse or neglect and has an ongoing family court case. Many of the children do not have anyone who is consistently showing up.

“CASA volunteers can become that consistent person who gives a kid hope, who tells them they matter,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “Most importantly, CASA volunteers keep everyone else on the case focused on the child’s needs. That helps get better outcomes for kids.”

LaGodna’s Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins said LaGodna has advocated for a lot of different kids in a lot of different situations over her seven years as an advocate.

“She shows up and visits kids all over the state. She has built truly long-lasting relationships with her CASA kids,” Adkins said. “Some have been adopted, some have returned to their parents, some have gone to live with relatives. A few have aged out — turned 18. She has maintained contact with nearly every one of those families and kids.”

Adkins said at the end of a recent case for LaGodna, her CASA child got adopted. At the adoption, the child told LaGodna, “You’re not going anywhere! You’re going to be in my life forever.”

LaGodna said it is a privilege to be able to share in her CASA children’s lives and help them overcome the challenges they face.

“I urge anyone with an interest in children and a loving heart to consider becoming a CASA volunteer,” she said.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, a regional in-person training class begins on Jan. 9, with classes on evenings and weekends in Lexington. Online training classes can also be planned around participants’ schedules. For more information, email info@casaoflexington.org, call (859) 246-4313 or visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Woodford County community members and Lakeshore Learning employees signed up to brighten the holidays for 41 abused and neglected children during Thursday’s Woodford County CASA Angel Tree event.

“The children on this tree deserve to have a wonderful Christmas,” said Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay. “They deserve it more than most because they’ve been through so much.”

Envelopes with the wish lists of the children decorated the CASA Angel Tree in a conference room on the factory floor of Lakeshore Learning. Each child is involved in a family court case and has a CASA volunteer, who advocates for their best interests.

Woodford County Family Court Judge Joe Fooks said he likes getting CASA reports because they let him understand the children much better and they identify things that others on the case may not think of. CASA volunteers help get better outcomes in big and small ways for kids, he said.

“We really appreciate everything CASA does,” Fooks said. “And I really appreciate everything that the community does to list up an organization like this.”

Attendees picked the envelopes from the tree so they could then go shopping for gifts for each child. Once they bring back the gifts, Woodford CASA volunteers will deliver them to each child’s caretakers in time for the holidays.

"We are here today to light the CASA Angel Tree and bring some much-needed light and happiness to children who have suffered more in their few short years than many of us will in our lifetime,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of the Woodford County CASA program.

This was the sixth year for the CASA Angel Tree program in Woodford County, and Lakeshore Learning has hosted every year. Over the first five years, participants provided gifts for 122 children. This year’s participants are now shopping for gifts for another 41.

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children. They visit the children monthly, gather information about their lives and provide reports that help the judge and others involved better understand each child’s needs and what would be best for them.

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. Jamison said Woodford County has more CASA volunteers now than it has ever had before, but there are still children without a CASA volunteer.

In 2023, Woodford CASA volunteers served 26 kids. Through the first nine months of 2024, there had been 41 new cases of child abuse and neglect in Woodford County.

“We want you to just show up for these kids,” Jamison said.

The next regional in-person training class for new CASA volunteers begins Jan. 9, with classes on evenings and weekends in Lexington. A full schedule is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training. Online classes are also available; you can inquire about those trainings by emailing info@casaoflexington.org.

For more information about the CASA Angel Tree program, visit www.casaoflexington.org/angeltree.

A crowd gathered at First Southern National Bank in Lancaster Wednesday morning to kick off the holiday season by lighting the CASA Angel Tree and providing gifts for abused and neglected children. 

This was the third year for the CASA Angel Tree program in Garrard County. The community provided gifts for 40 children over the first two years, and 24 more children were on this year’s tree. Children on the tree have open family court cases and are served by CASA volunteers, who visit them regularly and advocate for their best interests. 

"We are so excited to be here today to light the CASA angel tree and bring some much-needed joy and happiness to children who have suffered more in their few short years than many of us will in our entire lifetimes,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Garrard County’s CASA program. 

People chose children’s names from the tree and received their wish lists so they could go shopping for gifts for them. Participants will bring the gifts back to CASA’s Garrard County office inside Lancaster City Hall or First Southern, and CASA volunteers will then deliver them to the children’s caretakers in time to be wrapped for Christmas or any other holiday being celebrated in the home. 

First Southern Community President David Grigson said the bank was very excited to host the CASA Angel Tree again this year. “It means a lot to us,” he said. 

CASA Board Member Jonathan Shell, who is Kentucky’s Commissioner of Agriculture, also spoke, encouraging attendees to go beyond purchasing gifts for kids on the tree and sign up to become CASA volunteers. 

"You just have to show up for these kids,” he said of the CASA volunteer role. “If you are here and you have a heart for these kids, or you know somebody who does, we're always looking for volunteers." 

Jamison said Garrard County’s incredible support of its CASA program led to it being the fastest growing program for its population size in the state. But there are not currently enough CASA volunteers for all the children who could benefit from having one. 

"I’d like you ask yourself, ‘Do you have five hours a month to just show up to change a child's life, or even potentially save it?’" she said. 

The next regional in-person training class for new CASA volunteers begins Jan. 9, with classes on evenings and weekends in Lexington. A full schedule is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training. Online and in-person classes in Lancaster are also available; you can inquire about those trainings by emailing info@casaoflexington.org.  

For more information about the CASA Angel Tree program, visit www.casaoflexington.org/angeltree.

A crowd of more than 60 people gathered at Dan Cummins of Paris Tuesday morning to kick off the holiday season by lighting the CASA Angel Tree and providing gifts for abused and neglected children.

And for the fourth year in a row, Josh Cummins announced that his family’s dealership would be donating $100,000 to provide CASA volunteers — funds raised by taking a small amount from every purchase of a new vehicle through Dan Cummins.

“CASA is one of the greatest causes that we have,” Josh Cummins said. “It’s something that’s a fabric of this company.”

The gift represents roughly the cost of providing a year of advocacy services to 100 children in central Kentucky.

This was the eighth year for the CASA Angel Tree program in Bourbon County. The community provided gifts for 384 children over the first seven years, and 43 more children were on this year’s tree. Children on the tree have open family court cases and are served by CASA volunteers, who visit them regularly and advocate for their best interests.

"We are so excited to be here today to light the CASA angel tree and bring some much-needed joy and happiness to children who have suffered more in their few short years than many of us will in our entire lifetimes,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Bourbon County’s CASA program.

People chose children’s names from the tree and received their wish lists so they could go shopping for gifts for them. Participants will bring the gifts back to CASA’s Bourbon County office or the Dan Cummins dealership, and CASA volunteers will then deliver them to the children’s caretakers in time to be wrapped for Christmas or any other holiday being celebrated in the home.

Bourbon County Family Court Judge Joe Fooks also spoke at the event, which was also attended by Bourbon County Judge-Executive Mike Williams, Paris Mayor John Plummer, Paris City Manager Jamie Miller and Paris City Clerk and Treasurer Stephanie Settles.

Fooks said he is proud of how involved the Bourbon County community is in supporting CASA services, which help him get better outcomes for kids in family court.

“You don’t have great organizations without a great community,” Fooks said. “And I think that’s a reflection of our community.”

Jamison said there are not currently enough CASA volunteers for all the children who could benefit from having one.

“If you have 5-10 hours a month to volunteer and a heart for helping children, we need you to show up for these kids,” she said.

The next in-person training class for new CASA volunteers begins Jan. 9 and a full schedule is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training. Online training classes are available, as well.

For more information about the CASA Angel Tree program, visit www.casaoflexington.org/angeltree.

A crowd gathered at the Bluebird in Stanford Monday morning to light the CASA Angel Tree and help brighten the holidays for abused and neglected Lincoln County children.

“We are here today to light this CASA Angel Tree and bring some much-needed light and happiness to children, many of whom have suffered more in their few short years of life than many of us will in our lifetimes,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Lincoln County’s CASA program.

Children on the tree have open family court cases and are served by CASA volunteers, who visit them regularly and advocate for their best interests. There were 15 Lincoln County children on the CASA Angel Tree this year, and attendees selected all of them during the event.

Attendees who chose a child’s wish list from the tree will now go shopping for gifts for them. The gifts will be brought back to the CASA office in downtown Stanford. Then, CASA volunteers will deliver them to the children’s caretakers in time to be wrapped for Christmas or any other holiday being celebrated in the home.

In the first two years of the Lincoln County CASA Angel Tree program, community members have purchased gifts for 40 children. Once all children on this year’s tree get their gifts, that number will be 55.

Jamison said there are still many more children in Lincoln County’s family court system who do not have a CASA volunteer. She encouraged anyone with a heart for helping kids in need to consider becoming a CASA volunteer.

The next regional in-person training class for new CASA volunteers begins Jan. 9 in Lexington and a full schedule is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training. Online training classes are also available, and in-person trainings for volunteers in Garrard and Lincoln counties are scheduled throughout the year.

For more information about the CASA Angel Tree program, visit www.casaoflexington.org/angeltree.

MORE INFO

If you would like more information about the CASA program in Lincoln County or if you would like to become a volunteer and change the trajectory of a child’s life, you can email info@casaoflexington.org or call the Lincoln County CASA office at (606) 442-1355.

McBrayer Law Firm Managing Member James H. Frazier III high-fives CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison during the 2024 Fayette County CASA Angel Tree lighting at McBrayer.

Dozens of people from the Lexington community came to downtown Lexington Friday to get an early start on the holiday season by lighting the CASA Angel Tree.

Lexington Vice Mayor Dan Wu, who serves as a CASA volunteer, had the official honor of lighting the tree at McBrayer Law Firm, which has hosted the lighting all 21 years it has happened. The event gives people a way to brighten the end of the year for abused and neglected children who need someone to buy them gifts.

Children on the tree have open family court cases and are served by CASA volunteers, who visit them regularly and advocate for their best interests.

“We are here today to light this CASA Angel Tree and bring some much-needed light and happiness to children, many of whom have suffered more in their few short years of life than many of us will in our lifetimes,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington.

People chose children’s names from the tree and received their wish lists so they could go shopping for gifts for them. The gifts will be brought to CASA of Lexington, and CASA volunteers will then deliver them to the children’s caretakers in time to be wrapped for Christmas or any other holiday being celebrated in the home.

James H. Frazier III, Managing Member of McBrayer, said the law firm involves itself in many charitable causes, but CASA tops the list.

“It means a lot to everybody,” he said. “We have 222 envelopes on the tree this year. Let’s show up.”

Wu said he wound up going through training and becoming a CASA volunteer at the same time he was elected to office. He was concerned about having too much on his plate, but he found the time commitment of 5-10 hours a month for a CASA volunteer to be “very manageable.”

Wu said the children CASA volunteers serve are facing a lot of challenges and often don’t have someone showing up consistently and always being in their corner.

“Our job as CASAs is really just to be there, to show up, to be there for that kid,” he said.

In the first 20 years of the Fayette County CASA Angel Tree program, community members have purchased gifts for 2,481 children. Once all children on this year’s tree get their gifts, that number will be 2,703.

Jamison said that’s a remarkable achievement by the Fayette County community. She pointed out that almost 900 Fayette children suffered known abuse or neglect in 2023, the county is on-track to see an increase in that number in 2024.

There are currently only enough CASA volunteers to serve about 20% of children in the system. Jamison encouraged anyone with a heart for helping kids in need to consider becoming a CASA volunteer.

The next in-person training class for new CASA volunteers begins Jan. 9 and a full schedule is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training. Online training classes are available, as well.

For more information about the CASA Angel Tree program, visit www.casaoflexington.org/angeltree.

CASA Volunteer Rachel Davidson-Stebbins

Paris, Ky. – After she moved to Paris from Texas in the midst of the pandemic, Rachel Davidson-Stebbins was looking for a way to do her part for her community.

“My husband and I had been talking about feeling like we were not meeting our civic duties as responsible citizens and how we could change that,” she said. “And I have this rule that I should not try to save world, but rather I should focus on helping those right in front of me.”

Davidson-Stebbins found the perfect way to fulfill her desire to give back: by serving as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer.

“CASA was the perfect solution to meeting those two metrics – civic duty  and local impact,” she said. “In that spirit, it has absolutely been worth my time.”

As a CASA volunteer, Davidson-Stebbins is matched with an abused or neglected child in the family court system. She visits with the child regularly and collects information about what’s going on in their life. Then, she provides that information in reports to the judge on the child’s case.

CASA reports help judges order the services that children need and keep the focus on getting children back into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Davidson-Stebbins has advocated for two children since she started volunteering about a year and a half ago. This month, her Volunteer Manager Weida Allen nominated her to receive a Volunteer of the Month award.

“Rachel is an excellent volunteer. Her court reports are written with great care and completeness,” Allen said. “Rachel understands what her goals are as a CASA volunteer.”

CASA volunteers often build relationships with children who have lived through multiple traumatic experiences — and they may encounter more trauma before their cases close. Davidson-Stebbins said she initially worried about how she would handle the rough situations that CASA kids are sometimes in.

“One of my weaknesses is that I fall in love easily, so I was worried about the emotional labor of doing this work,” she said. “But our job is pretty narrow and that helps maintain objectivity. Your only client is the child and advocating to the judge what is in their best interests. If you can do the advocacy work well, then you have successfully played your part in improving a situation not of your own making.”

Last year in Bourbon County, there were 76 children who were abused or neglected, and likely around 150 children with open family court cases. CASA volunteers were available to serve 46 of those children.

Davidson-Stebbins said she would encourage anyone looking for a way to improve their community to become a CASA volunteer and help Bourbon County kids.

“Just do it. Take the plunge,” she said. “There is a lot of breadth in the types of cases and you will be the perfect fit for enough of those that you can make an impact.”

CASA Volunteer Linda Baker

Lancaster, Ky. – Linda Baker is always looking for a way to help her community. She is working with the Garrard County Homeless Coalition, she serves on the Garrard-Lincoln Early Childhood Coalition advisory board and she’s involved with United Way projects, among many other pursuits.

She is also a CASA volunteer — one of Garrard County’s best, in fact. This October, she has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for the seven-county CASA region that includes Garrard County.

“People ask me all the time, ‘Why do you do CASA?’ I say because I hope I’m doing good for a child,” Baker said. “If I can help one child in my life and make a difference, that’s what I want to do.”

Baker is helping more than one child. She is a volunteer advocate for two children stuck in the local family court system. As a CASA volunteer, she visits the children regularly, developing a relationship with them and giving them hope. She also provides reports to Family Court Judge Jeff Moss, which helps him make more informed decisions that benefit the children.

Baker said even though she’s known Moss a long time, “the first time I went to court, I was shaking in my shoes. I didn’t really know what to expect.”

But Baker’s Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb was sitting next to her when her children’s case was called.

“Jennifer said, ‘Would you like me to go up with you?’ I said yes, so she stood next to me and was there for me,” Baker said. “The second time I went, Jennifer asked again. This time, I said, ‘No, I’m fine now.”

Lamb nominated Baker for Volunteer of the Month because of how much good she is accomplishing for her CASA children.

“Linda is a rock star advocate,” Lamb said. “She believes in our mission and has been wonderful at getting the word out that we need advocates in Garrard and Lincoln counties. She works tirelessly to help promote CASA’s work and I will always be grateful she listened to her heart and became a CASA advocate.”

Baker said among other things, she has helped the children with homework, let one of the kids play jokes on her, taught them about being polite — and given them hugs every time her visits are over.

Initially, the children were shy when she visited, but Baker said they warmed up to her as she kept showing up and being a positive, consistent presence for them.

“It has been so rewarding to me to see the kids come around,” she said. “It has maybe even been more rewarding for me than it has been for the kids.”

The CASA of Lexington Fall Festival last week celebrated all of CASA volunteers in CASA of Lexington’s seven counties and the amazing work they do for abused and neglected children.

CASA volunteers and their families enjoyed a free cookout with games, gifts, awards and prizes.

“Each CASA volunteer improves the lives of more than two children every year on average,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of the nonprofit. “They are dedicated coming up with solutions to tough problems and making sure these kids get the best possible outcomes. They deserve a whole lot more thanks than we can ever give them!”

Bourbon County CASA volunteer Judy Kendall was honored with the Debbie LaBoone Volunteer of the Year Award. Kendall, who is retiring from CASA work this year, was Bourbon County’s first CASA volunteer and has advocated for nine children since 2017.

In Kendall’s final CASA case, she was matched with a teen girl whom no one had been able to connect with. Through her visits with the girl, Kendall forged a bond that will continue long after she is no longer the girl’s official CASA volunteer.

“The difference for so many children is having that one person who believes in them, who gives them hope, and who stands up for their needs when no one else does,” Jamison said.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is named in memory of Debbie LaBoone, a CASA of Lexington volunteer who advocated for five children over two years, before passing away from cancer. LaBoone’s husband remains a strong supporter of the organization his wife loved.

Here are the rest of the annual awards presented at the Fall Festival:  

-          Most Miles Driven: Susan Bukowski (3,122 to date)

-          Above and Beyond for Continuing Education: Priscilla Miller and Linda Baker

-          Above and Beyond for a New Volunteer: Brenna Cain

-          Above and Beyond for a Veteran Volunteer: Ute Keathley

-          Above and Beyond for a Friend of CASA: Cassie Bottoms

-          Excellent Advocacy: Anne Jones, Kellye Cole and Barbara Phipps

-          Exemplary Court Reporting: Kelly Sampson

-          Compassionate Connection Award: Charlene Floyd

To learn more about CASA volunteering or make a donation, visit www.casaoflexington.org.