Sally Brunner keeps helping kids in need by serving as a CASA volunteer

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.

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
52 Scott County Children Receiving Gifts Through CASA Joy Tree Program This December

Scott County community members and staff at Dan Cummins of Georgetown will be providing 52 abused and neglected children with gifts this holiday season, following the CASA Joy Tree kickoff event in Georgetown Tuesday.

Another 18 Scott County children still need generous people to step up and buy them gifts so they do not go without this Christmas.

“Buy kids a gift like this — you’d be surprised what it can do,” Georgetown Mayor Bernie Jenkins said at the kickoff, held at the Dan Cummins dealership. “Sometimes, you don’t have to do a lot. Sometimes you can do a little thing. And the little things will brighten these kids’ hearts.”

The CASA Joy Tree has been providing gifts to children in the local family court system for the past five years, helping brighten the holidays for 219 Scott 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 Dan Cummins. 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 18 Scott County children can email jbahr@casaoflexington.org to request the wish list of a child.

Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of the Scott County CASA program, 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.

Scott 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 appreciate their efforts and it does make a difference in terms of lives and outcomes,” Fooks said.

Jamison said there are likely more than 600 Scott County children with open family court cases right now. Last year, CASA volunteers served 71 of those children. Many more 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.

If you would like to purchase gifts for one of the remaining 18 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.

CASA of Lexington
Jane Bennington Volunteers – and Travels – with CASA

CASA Volunteer Jane Bennington

Jane Bennington loves to travel. She has visited seven countries this year, bringing her grand total up to 36. Bennington also loves to mix her love of travel with another passion: caring for abused and neglected children.

Bennington is a CASA volunteer, who gives 5-10 hours a month advocating for children in the family court system. She also travels with CASA when the organization offers planned vacations through partner agencies.

“Traveling with CASA is great,” Bennington said. “My husband and I are going to Antarctica on the upcoming CASA trip in 2026.”

CASA trips are offered through Collette Travel and other partner businesses, who donate a portion of each package sold back to CASA of Lexington. Over the past several years, funding from these trips has covered the cost of giving 21 children a CASA volunteer for a year.

As one of those CASA volunteers, Bennington sees firsthand how they can change things for the children they serve.

“Nothing tugs at my heart more than a kid who’s in a bad spot through no fault of their own,” she said. “Being part of positive change for a kid is like nothing else.”

Bennington’s Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins supports her on her cases.

“She is currently working multiple cases and has children in several different placements, but she continues to show up every month,” Adkins said. “She has built trust with four teen girls she is currently advocating for, and she regularly encourages them and gives them the support they have not had from other adults in their lives.”

Besides visiting with her matched CASA children, Bennington also gathers information about their lives from other people and records. She shares what she learns with the judge on the case so that the children’s needs can’t be overlooked and the case closes with a positive outcome as quickly as possible.

Bennington said if international travel isn’t your thing, you can still make a difference as a CASA volunteer.

“Please don’t hesitate to ask questions before you decide to become a volunteer,” she said. “And ask questions throughout your service as a CASA volunteer. I’ve been at this for 30 years and I still have to ask questions about certain things and use my Volunteer Manager as a sounding board.”

To learn more about CASA trips, visit www.casaoflexington.org/travel.

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
CASA Joy Tree Event Provides Holiday Gifts for 31 Bourbon County Children

The 31 names on the CASA Joy Tree were gone in a matter of minutes Monday morning, even as many remained in the line of Bourbon County people wanting to brighten the holidays for abused and neglected children.

This was the ninth year for the Bourbon 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.

Bourbon County Judge-Executive Michael Williams spoke at the event, which was hosted by Dan Cummins Chevrolet Buick in Paris.

“We are proud of each and every CASA volunteer, not only here in Bourbon County, but throughout the region,” Williams said. “I can’t begin to thank the volunteers enough.”

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.

CASA volunteers matched with Bourbon County children who need gifts this year provided the children’s wish lists for the tree. Now, the community members who selected the children from the tree will go shopping for gifts. Then, the CASA volunteers will bring the gifts to the children’s caretakers in time for the holidays.

“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 Bourbon County’s CASA program. “Through the CASA Joy Tree, you’re giving them those memories.”

Williams and Jamison said Bourbon County historically had a very high rate of child abuse and neglect – something that catalyzed many Bourbon County officials and residents to act and create a local CASA program nearly a decade ago.

Today, Bourbon County’s rate of child abuse and neglect is much lower than it was. Jamison said CASA has been a part of that improvement, thanks to the volunteers who do the work with the children and funders like Bourbon County, the City of Paris, and Dan Cummins, who make it possible to run the nonprofit organization.

“We can only have as many volunteers as we can pay staff to supervise,” Jamison said. “And for every child served, we are breaking generational cycles, so that these children can go on to raise their children in their homes.”

Williams said he is grateful for the transformational effects the CASA program has had in Bourbon County.

“There’s not a better use of funds in Bourbon County, without question. Because these children are our future,” he said. “All these kids are going to be part of our community from now on. We have an obligation to do everything we can to give them a chance to survive, a chance to live life, a chance to be all they can be.”

Even though all Bourbon 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.

CASA of Lexington
Nine New CASA Volunteers Will Advocate for Abused and Neglected Children in Central Kentucky

Friends and family members filled the room at CASA of Lexington on Oct. 14, as family court Judge Joe Fooks swore in nine people from communities in and around Lexington as the area’s newest CASA volunteers.

Fooks told the newly trained volunteers that he and the other family court judges rely on regular people like them to improve outcomes for abused and neglected children.

“It sure is nice to have that additional information so we can help a child be more successful and have a more fulfilled, happier life,” Fooks said.

CASA volunteers give 5-10 hours per month to advocate for children in the family court system. Each volunteer is matched to a child, visits the child regularly, gathers information and then provides what they’ve learned back to the judge.

Fooks said CASA volunteers are great at identifying the little things that make a big difference — like noticing when a child who is struggling in school just needs new glasses so they can read.

The nine newly sworn CASA volunteers will now be matched to children who need advocates. Over the next 12 months, they may help more than 20 children.

Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington, said she was glad to see so many friends and family of the new volunteers in attendance, showing support for their commitment to help kids in need.

Jamison said more people with a heart for helping kids are needed.

“Even though we serve just shy of 700 children a year, that’s not meeting even 25 percent of the need,” Jamison said. “We think every child deserves a safe and permanent home. And CASA volunteers can help ensure that happens.”

The nine new CASA of Lexington volunteers are: Jim Bensing, Hannah Casey, Nolan Lok, Taylor Rode, Mira Talwalkar, Kimberly Vargas, Becky Warren, Jack Watts and Izzy Scholes-Young.

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer or supporting CASA of Lexington’s mission, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA of Lexington
CASA of Lexington recognizes life-saving work of volunteers at annual fall festival

CASA of Lexington named Barbara Phipps the Debbie LaBoone CASA Volunteer of the Year at its annual volunteer appreciation fall festival in September.

The event celebrates all CASA volunteers with CASA of Lexington — volunteers who give their time each month to visit with abused and neglected children and speak up for their best interests. Each year, CASA of Lexington’s volunteers help change outcomes for more than 600 children in the family court systems of Bourbon, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Scott and Woodford counties.

“We have a lot of prizes for you today, but it’s still not enough to thank you for all that you are doing,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director.

CASA of Lexington board members Stuart Hurt (house by JSD) and Amy Dailey (Community Trust Bank) also attended and thanked the volunteers for everything they do.

Fayette County Family Court Judge Ross Ewing said he did not think it was possible to thank the volunteers enough for how much they help children in need.

From left, CASA volunteers Nick Luddy and Jan Colbert and Fayette County Family Court Judge Ross Ewing.

“I think you do more than just make a difference in the lives of these kids,” he said. “I think you save lives of kids. I am 100% sure that someone here today has saved the life of a kid. There’s probably someone at your table who has saved the life of a kid.”

Phipps earned the top annual award from CASA of Lexington for working two extremely complex cases at the same time. Both cases involve tension between the biological families and the court system, but Jamison said Phipps has been a calming, consistent presence. She has also dug up information and documents that changed the outlooks in both cases, and built strong relationships with all the children involved.

The Volunteer of the Year award is named after Debbie LaBoone, who served as a volunteer with CASA of Lexington for several years before she died of cancer. Her husband, Frank LaBoone, remains a committed supporter of the CASA mission.

Here are all the other awards presented at the fall festival:

  • Most Miles Driven visiting CASA children: Cynthia Phillips (6,266 miles as of mid-September)

  • Exemplary Court Reporting: Debbie Rurik-Goodwin

  • Excellent Advocacy: Kayla Pelphrey

  • Compassionate Connection: Glenda Dees

  • Kids Champion: Susan Isaacs and Jackie Washburn; and John Mullins

  • Volunteer Recruitment: Terry Huffman

  • Above and Beyond Friend of CASA: Charlie Mattingly

  • Above and Beyond New Volunteer: Katherine and John Cox; and Kelly Furr

  • Above and Beyond Veteran Volunteer: Jane Crickard

To learn more about volunteering with CASA of Lexington, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA of Lexington
Courtney Fuller helps victims of abuse by serving as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer of the Month Courtney Fuller

Courtney Fuller knew she wanted to help victims of abuse. But she didn’t know where that passion would lead her.

“I originally wanted to be a lawyer to represent victims of abuse. But as I dug deeper, I realized I wanted to be someone’s voice and advocate for them in another way,” Fuller said.

Fuller was working on her criminal justice degree. She asked her career advisor for suggestions, which is how she discovered CASA volunteering.

Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers speak up for abused and neglected children more like a caring parent than a lawyer. Each volunteer like Fuller is matched with a child in the family court system. They visit the child monthly, gather information about their life and advocate for what the child needs to thrive.

Fuller completed the free 30-hour training class for new CASA volunteers and was matched with a set of neglected siblings.

“When I got my first case, I was nervous and unsure if I’d make a good connection,” she said. “But from the first visit, everything came naturally. Now, I look forward to hearing about all of their accomplishments and exciting things going on in their lives.”

Fuller has done such a good job building relationships with her CASA children, visiting them regularly and advocating for them that she has been named a CASA volunteer of the Month for October.

“Courtney has built great connections with everyone on her case,” said Madi Hoyt, Fuller’s Volunteer Manager. “She has taken the time to get to know the likes and interests of each of the children.”

Volunteer Managers are paid staff members at CASA of Lexington who support the volunteers like Fuller every step of the way.

Fuller said Hoyt’s support is a big piece of why she has been successful.

“Having my Volunteer Manager work with me and being able to answer my questions gives me the confidence that I can do things I once thought I wouldn’t be able to do,” she said. “I know that I am making a difference in these children’s lives.”

Fuller said after seven months of serving as a CASA volunteer, she has seen how much light she can bring back into the lives of children who have suffered trauma and may not have much hope.

“In a world that is so loud and messy, I have that opportunity to be the person that can make it feel quiet,” she said. “It is such a great opportunity to be there for those in need.”

CASA of Lexington offers in-person and online training classes for new CASA volunteers regularly throughout the year. To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
Retired educator keeps working with kids by serving as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer of the Month Kelly Sampson

Kelly Sampson knew how she wanted to volunteer after she retired, because she had seen firsthand the need. She wanted to become a CASA volunteer and advocate for the best interests of an abused or neglected child.

Sampson’s career spanned 39 years as a teacher, principal and clinical professor. But she did not want to be done working with children when she was done working.

“When I was a principal, we didn’t have CASA volunteers. But we had children that desperately needed them,” she said. “Once I learned about CASA, I decided when I retired, being an advocate for children would be exactly where I wanted to spend my volunteer time.”

Sampson went through the 30-hour training class to become a CASA volunteer and has now served for two years. She visits her two CASA children monthly, pays attention to what is happening in their lives, and makes recommendations to the judge on their case.

“The girls look forward to our regular home visits and we have built a close relationship,” Sampson said.

Lauren Hurst, Sampson’s Volunteer Manager who supports her in her volunteer work, nominated Sampson to be a CASA Volunteer of the Month because of her consistency and compassion.

“Kelly is a consistent presence in her CASA children’s lives, especially as they have undergone a lot of change, including being removed from their home,” Hurst said. “Kelly’s dedication to the family she works with and the CASA mission is so evident. It is truly an honor to work with her.”

Sampson said she wants many more people to join her in volunteering with CASA of Lexington.

“If you are considering becoming a CASA volunteer, please don’t hesitate. There are so many children that desperately need an advocate,” she said. “You can make a positive difference in children’s lives.”

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
Retired Toyota employee making a difference as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer of the Month Alan Pack

After retiring from a 33-year career at Toyota, Alan Pack knew how he wanted to use some of his new free time: He wanted to volunteer in a way that was structured and had a significant impact for good.

Social work interested Pack, but he would have to go back to college and complete another degree. Then, his niece suggested CASA.

“I investigated and realized this was what I wanted to do,” he said. “I love serving as a volunteer.”

CASA volunteers are regular people like Pack who advocate for abused and neglected children. Pack is matched with one child or sibling set at a time. He visits the child monthly, gathers information about their life, and shares what he learns with the judge and attorneys on the case. His outsider perspective can help the court make more informed decisions and get better outcomes for the children.

Pack has now been a CASA volunteer for almost three and half years and he is proving you don’t need a social work degree to help abused and neglected kids.

“Alan’s first case was a baby case, so he was this big man taking on the case of a little baby. And he did great!” said Roxana Del Campo, Pack’s Volunteer Manager in Scott County. “The mom and dad were going through a divorce and he was great at getting them to work together for the child.”

Del Campo said lawyers on that case requested that Pack be kept around longer because of how effective he was.

“I feel we give the judge a more comprehensive look at the child and how they are progressing or not progressing,” Pack said. “We look at all aspects of the child’s life and give a better ‘whole child’ view of the child’s world.”

In Scott County, there are an estimated 600 abused and neglected children who are eligible to have a CASA volunteer. But there are only enough CASA volunteers to serve about 12% of those children.

It takes about 5 to 10 hours a month to be a CASA volunteer, after completing an initial 30-hour training either in-person or online. Pack said he hopes more people will sign up for the training and become volunteers.

“It’s very rewarding work,” he said. “You get to really help a child have a voice they would otherwise not have. That is very satisfying and fills my heart with joy.”

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org. Online training classes for new volunteers are beginning Oct. 1 and Oct. 20.

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
Nina Hahn has helped kids as a CASA volunteer for nearly eight years

CASA Volunteer of the Month Nina Hahn

After nearly eight years as a CASA volunteer, Nina Hahn has helped 12 abused and neglected children.

Hahn didn’t need a law degree and never needed to be deeply involved in the court system: Hahn has invested most of her career in her passion for horses. But with a few hours a month, she has also changed the future for children in need in her home community.

“Forming a relationship with a child and getting a hug and a smile is worth every minute you spend advocating for the child’s future,” Hahn said.

CASA volunteers are regular people like Hahn who are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their life, and makes sure the child’s needs are not being overlooked.

“Nina has been on her current case for several years and followed her kids from home to home, wherever they go,” said Weida Allen, Hahn’s Volunteer Manager. “She is an all-around great volunteer. She understands the goals of CASA and does excellent work.”

Because of her excellent work, Hahn has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for September.

Hahn, who is also involved in humanitarian efforts in Lexington and Uganda, said serving as a CASA volunteer is incredibly rewarding.

“If you want to try to improve the life of a child, then become a CASA,” she said. “The happiness you give to a child is returned.”

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
Ryan Weatherholtz finds the meaningful volunteer experience he wanted with CASA of Lexington

CASA Volunteer Ryan Weatherholtz

Ryan Weatherholtz was looking for a truly impactful volunteer experience. He found it with CASA of Lexington.

“Serving with CASA is an excellent way to give back to the community in a way that allows you to see a real and direct impact,” said Weatherholtz, a UK graduate who works for Valvoline Global. “I’ve loved every minute of CASA and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

CASA volunteers like Weatherholtz give 5-10 hours a month on average to improve outcomes for abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their life, and provides reports that get the child more services and help the judge on the case make more informed decisions.

“I had previously explored (a different volunteer organization) but decided it wasn’t for me. CASA seemed a lot more structured and aligned with my abilities,” Weatherholtz said. “Getting to know and connect with my kiddo has really opened my heart and given me a new outlook on the people around me and the people I encounter every day.”

Weatherholtz has been a CASA volunteer since November 2024. The work he has done for his current CASA child has earned him the honor of CASA Volunteer of the Month for August.

“Ryan does a great job of supporting his teen child in pursuing his interests and steering him toward college,” said Dennis Stutsman, Weatherholtz’s Volunteer Manager.

Weatherholtz is grateful he has Stutsman available to help whenever he needs him.

“The support from Dennis just reinforces these experiences and helps me learn how to think through these situations from a variety of angles,” he said.

Weatherholtz said CASA volunteering isn’t something to jump into lightly, but “there are real kids depending on your support and stability. If you choose to join, be ready for a life-altering experience.”

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
Pickleball community helps Lexington man discover CASA

CASA Volunteer Pat Riddell

Pat Riddell discovered CASA volunteering through pickleball. Now, he helps neglected children — and helps others discover CASA through pickleball, too.

“While I was playing one day, I was approached by a couple other pickleball players who are CASA volunteers, Ava Crow and Anne Flynn. They told me they thought I would be a great CASA,” Riddell said.

CASA volunteers are regular people who are matched with children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each CASA volunteer visits their matched child monthly, getting to know them often better than anyone else on the case.

CASA volunteers gather information about their child’s life and share it with everyone working the case, ensuring the child gets services and doesn’t get overlooked. It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

Children who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to do well in school and far less likely to re-enter the family court system after their cases close. Unfortunately, CASA volunteers are only available for about 20% of children in the system right now.

“It’s been a great experience,” Riddell said. “And I have certainly grown to be a huge fan of the organization. Everyone does good work and the support staff is just excellent.”

Riddell has now served as a CASA volunteer for more than six years and helped 12 children along the way. In 2023, he helped organize the first ever Pickleball for CASA tournament, which raised awareness and more than $8,000 for the nonprofit CASA of Lexington.

This year, he is helping organize the next Pickleball for CASA tournament, which is expected to be held in mid-November.

Because of his efforts to raise awareness about CASA and his excellent work on his CASA cases, Riddell has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for July 2025.

“Pat’s work spreading the word about CASA through the pickleball community has helped more players discover CASA and either become volunteers or donate,” said Ben Kleppinger, Director of Communications for CASA of Lexington and a fellow pickleball player. “I think there are a lot of pickleballers out there who have a few hours a month to give and want to change the future for a hurt kid. Pat is helping us find them.”

Riddell’s Volunteer Manager Rebecca Brereton-Farr said Riddell has been on a difficult case involving two siblings for the past two years. He is regularly the person with the most up-to-date information at court hearings and is great at being a “squeaky wheel” for what his CASA kids need, she said.

“Pat is so patient and so kind towards all people in the case. I believe everyone trusts him and his perspectives,” she said. “He sees things for what they are and doesn’t sugarcoat his concerns. That comes from a place of caring deeply about his CASA kids and wanting them to be the most successful young people they can be.”

Riddell said his CASA volunteer work is very rewarding.

“It’s been rewarding to see the lives of these kids changed for the better,” he said. “People should definitely pursue becoming CASA volunteers if they’re interested. They will not be disappointed. Regardless of the challenges on a case, you’ll help these children have better lives.”

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
CASA Volunteer of the Month Shelby Thorne: 'You're Never Alone in Making a Difference'

CASA volunteer Shelby Thorne

Shelby Thorne always knew she wanted to support youth in foster care, but she wasn’t sure how.

Years ago, she learned about CASA – a program that enables volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in family court. She didn’t have the time to commit — but the mission stuck with her.

“It stuck with me for years, until I finally was in a position where I was able to commit to volunteering,” she said.

Now, a year after being sworn in as a CASA volunteer, Thorne is still advocating for the same three children she was first matched with. And thanks in part to her efforts, those children have been able to remain safely with their family and access new resources and support.

“She has been an incredible advocate for the children on her case,” said Jennifer Lamb, Thorne’s CASA Volunteer Manager. “She has also supported and encouraged the entire family. Shelby is a constant reminder that an adult is listening and reporting their needs.”

CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training and then are matched with children in the family court system. They meet with the children at least once a month, gather information about their needs, and submit reports to the judge about how the children are doing and what might help them thrive.

“CASA has been such a valuable experience,” Thorne said. “I felt an immediate connection to the children I was matched with. I’ve had the pleasure of watching them learn and grow and experience new things.”

She said the support from fellow volunteers and her Volunteer Manager has helped her stay grounded through the challenges.

“One thing about volunteering with CASA is that you’re never alone in trying to make a difference,” she said. “You’re surrounded by great people working to do the same thing.”

Outside of CASA, Thorne works full-time and goes to school part-time — but said volunteering fits into her life.

“For anyone considering becoming a CASA volunteer, I would say that if it is on your heart to do it, do it,” she said. “As a volunteer, you’re mostly able to schedule meetings and CASA work around your schedule.”

CASA of Lexington
CASA of Lexington adds 11 new advocates for abused and neglected children

CASA of Lexington added 11 new volunteer advocates on Friday. The volunteers were sworn in by Fayette County Family Court Judge Tiffany Yahr after they completed a training class and took an oath of confidentiality.

The new CASA volunteers will now be matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system who need someone looking out for them and speaking up if they need anything.

"Everything you're doing is not only helping the courts, but most importantly helping that child that you're assigned to," Yahr told the new volunteers. "No matter where you end up, you will absolutely be a blessing to any of the children that get to meet you."

Volunteers with CASA of Lexington serve hundreds of children in seven central Kentucky counties, where nearly 2,000 new cases of child abuse and neglect occurred in 2024 alone. CASA volunteers spend time with their matched children monthly, giving them a positive, consistent person they can talk to. They also provide reports and make recommendations to judges that help prevent the system from overlooking children's needs.

Each CASA volunteer serves on average around two and a half children every year. The newly sworn volunteers may be able to help as many as 27 children over their first year.

"Child abuse and neglect is a root cause of so many problems we face today. But it's also a problem that's hiding in plain sight and difficult to do anything about as an individual," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. "Serving as a CASA volunteer is the best way you can directly impact the life of one of these children, giving them — and all of us — a brighter future."

CASA of Lexington provides scheduled in-person trainings for new volunteers four times a year and custom in-person and online trainings for small groups regularly. The training to become a volunteer takes 30 hours. Serving as a volunteer requires 5-10 hours a month for a minimum of two years.

To learn more or apply to become a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

 

SO YOU KNOW

The 11 new CASA volunteers sworn in Friday are Anna Claire Reding, Arlette Dominguez, David Jones, Dawn Chewning, Jan Billingsley, Janie Johnston, Mireyda Angeles, Sherry Moss, Tina Middagh and Tracy Wells.

CASA of Lexington
Give270 Bourbon Raffle Provides $5,000 to CASA of Lexington to Help Abused and Neglected Children

CASA of Lexington has $5,000 to help abused and neglected children thanks to a unique bourbon raffle from the nonprofit Give270.

Hundreds bought tickets in the charity raffle, held earlier this year, for 10 hard-to-get bourbon prizes. The grand prize was a rare bottle of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150: Baccarat Edition and a halter worn by the winner of the 150th Kentucky Derby, Mystic Dan. Woodford Reserve only ever made 150 bottles of the exclusive bourbon.

"We have now been able to raise funds for two Kentucky CASA programs through our signature bourbon raffle events," said Kenny Rambo, co-founder of Give 270. "It’s incredible to see bourbon lovers from across Kentucky and the nation helping to give our most vulnerable children brighter futures."

The $5,000 in raffle proceeds presented to CASA of Lexington represents the approximate cost of providing five children with a CASA volunteer for an entire year.

“CASA volunteers give kids better childhoods by ensuring they are not forgotten or left without what they need to thrive,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “Those children grow up to be happier, healthier adults, who are far more likely to give their own children happy, safe and loving homes. The funding from this raffle will ensure more children get those brighter futures.”

Each CASA volunteer is a regular person who has been trained and matched with an abused or neglected child in the family court system. The CASA volunteer visits their child monthly, gathers information about their life, and provides reports to the judge on the case. The extra attention from a CASA volunteer helps improve outcomes and prevent additional trauma.

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. Jamison said there is a great need right now for more volunteers.

“The gap between children in need of a CASA volunteer and the number of volunteers available is growing,” she said. “To change that trend, we need two things: more people willing to volunteer, and more funding like this raffle has provided.”

To learn more about CASA of Lexington or get information about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org. To learn more about Give270, visit www.give270.org.

CASA of Lexington
Scott County CASA volunteer fulfills her beliefs by serving children in need

CASA Volunteer Wanda Osborne

CASA Volunteer of the Month Wanda Osborne doesn’t look away when she knows there’s a way she can help others.

Osborne had plenty that could have kept her busy after a long career: her grandchildren, travel plans, connecting with old friends and church activities, to name a few. But then, she learned about CASA volunteering from her niece. She realized she needed to be a CASA volunteer.

“The thought of helping children who were in bad situations fit perfectly with my belief that to serve God, we need to serve others,” Osborne said. “And who better to serve than those who are unable to take care of themselves?”

Osborne has now advocated for four abused and neglected Scott County children since she became a CASA volunteer about 13 months ago. She visits the children she is matched with monthly and provides updates to the judge on their cases about how the children are doing and what they need.

“There’s a world out there that most of us are not exposed to – a world where kiddos are hurting,” she said. “Being a CASA volunteer exposes you to this world. It will not make you comfortable. But it will make you feel like you are making the world a better place.”

CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training to prepare them for the work. Once they accept a case and are matched to a child in need, they have a Volunteer Manager who guides them at each step.

“My Volunteer Manager Roxana Del Campo is wonderful. She is always cheerful and supportive,” Osborne said. “I still feel like I have so much to learn, but she is a steady rock and safe place to run to.”

Del Campo nominated Osborne to be a Volunteer of the Month because of how effective she has been for her CASA children.

“Wanda is the type of volunteer who understands you need to have an open mind to advocate for the best interests of children,” Del Campo said. “The children and family find a sense of comfort that Wanda will follow them wherever they go.”

CASA volunteers typically spend about 5-10 hours a month volunteering. That includes visiting the CASA child, talking to people in the child’s life, reviewing records and creating reports for the judge.

“I don’t generally spend too much time each month,” Osborne said. “You consistently have the time you spend with your CASA kid. Court has been only once every two or three months. Doing the first report for each case takes a little more time, but after that, it’s just updating it.”

Osborne said there have been several situations recently where her knowledge of a child’s situation has been important and helped guide the judge to a more-informed decision.

“There are so many children in bad situations that each kiddo can become just another child in the system,” she said. “The CASA volunteer gives a voice to each individual child. We change the child from a statistic into a very real person with very real needs.”

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org. A summer training for new volunteers runs June 23-27 and a fall training with classes on evenings and weekends begins Sept. 4.

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
Garrard CASA volunteer helps siblings find safety and permanency

CASA Volunteer Anne Marie Marshall

Anne Marie Marshall began her work as a CASA volunteer more than two and a half years ago, when she was first matched with a neglected child who was part of a large sibling set.

Today, all the siblings but one have found safe, permanent homes, and the last one may soon reach permanency, as well. Marshall has been chosen as a CASA Volunteer of the Month because of how she has contributed over and over to help each of the children.

Marshall has been instrumental in keeping children in safe placements and protecting them from further trauma, just by visiting regularly and speaking up for the children’s needs, said Jenifer Lamb, Garrard County CASA Volunteer Manager.

“Despite all difficulties, she remains dedicated to seeing each child in a safe, permanent home,” Lamb said.

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children in the Garrard County family court system. Each volunteer visits their matched child monthly, talks to people in the child’s life, reviews records and compiles what they learn for Garrard County Family Court Judge Jeff Moss.

CASA reports provide a unique perspective from a regular person and help get better results for the children, Moss has said.

Marshall said her experience as a CASA volunteer has shown her there are really good people in the court system trying to help the large number of children who have suffered abuse or neglect. Sometimes, it takes a CASA volunteer like her to find the best solution.

In Garrard County last year, at least 125 children suffered abuse or neglect. There are currently only enough CASA volunteers to serve about 11% of the children in the Garrard County family court system.

Marshall said one of her favorite memories of serving as a CASA volunteer is when she helped get one of the children on her case into a new foster home that could fully meet his needs.

“I could see the change in him and how comfortable he was and how much difference that family made for him,” she said. “He felt secure, finally, for the first time.”

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. All new CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training class to prepare them for the work. A local training for new CASA volunteers in Garrard and Lincoln counties will be held at the Garrard Education Center beginning Sept. 9, with classes on Tuesday evenings and two Saturdays. Regional trainings in Lexington are also available June 23-27 and Sept. 4-Oct. 21.

To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org. 

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
CASA of Lexington adds 10 new CASA volunteers

CASA of Lexington is added 10 new volunteers who will advocate for abused and neglected children in central Kentucky.

The new volunteers recently completed their training class. Now, CASA will match them with children in the family court system who need someone looking out for them.

Fayette County Family Court Judge Ross Ewing swore in the new volunteers May 27, in a special ceremony at the CASA of Lexington office.

Ewing is one of four family court judges in Fayette County and nine family court judges in CASA of Lexington's service region. All nine judges regularly use CASA volunteers to help improve outcomes for children.

"The kids you are going to represent are great kids," Ewing told the new volunteers. "They've usually been through something that's hard for us to even put into words. But they're terrific, amazing kids. And most of the time, the only way I'm going to hear about that is from you."

Each CASA volunteer visits their assigned child monthly and gathers information from people and records about what is happening in the child's life. They share what they learn with the judge and recommend actions that could help the child do better. CASA volunteers regularly help get children additional therapies and other services. They can also help speed up cases so children spend less time in the system and more time in safe, permanent homes. And they can ensure supports are in place for families so that children do not re-enter the system later on.

"The child welfare system is so overloaded that no one really has much time to give each of these children," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. "Because of that, just a few hours a month from a CASA volunteer is often enough to completely transform a child's future."

The new volunteers will likely help as many as 27 children during their first year of service. CASA volunteers commit to giving an average of 5-10 hours a month for at least two years after completing their training class.

"There are still hundreds more children in the system who do not have CASA volunteers right now," Jamison said. "We definitely need more people like these 11 new volunteers who are stepping up to make their world a better place for kids and families."

A summer training for the next class of new volunteers runs June 23-27, with classes during the day and lunches provided. A fall training with classes on evenings and weekends begins Sept. 4. To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA of Lexington
Woodford CASA Volunteer has dedicated her life to helping kids in need

CASA Volunteer Erin Hall

Erin Hall has dedicated a lot of her life to helping others and making her world a better place.

She is a wife and mother of five adult children, including two whom she adopted. She serves as the Stable Moments Coordinator at Justin’s Place, a horse farm that provides trauma-informed therapy services for children.

And she is a CASA volunteer — someone who is matched with abused and neglected children, spends time with them each month and advocates for whatever they need.

“My Christian faith and the support of friends and family are the foundation of my life, and they continually inspire me to advocate for children in foster care with compassion, purpose and hope,” she said. “My time as a CASA volunteer has taught me that every child’s story is valuable — and often, it’s far more complex than we first realize. Those stories deserve to be heard, understood, and told.”

Hall has been named a CASA volunteer of the Month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county region because of her ability to bring people together in pursuit of good outcomes for her CASA children.

“Erin does a great job building connections so that everyone can work toward what is best,” said Heather Porter, Hall’s Volunteer Manager in Woodford County. “She is great at developing relationships with children and understanding what’s going on in their lives.”

Hall said the 5 to 10 hours a month she gives to CASA is “worth every minute because the children and families we serve deserve hope and a future.”

“As a CASA volunteer, you have the unique ability to meet a child where they are and truly be a catalyst for change,” she said. “Your role goes beyond simply observing or reporting. You become a consistent, trusted adult in a child’s life — something many children in the foster care system may have never experienced. You’re uniquely positioned to advocate for what will help them not just survive, but thrive.”

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington
Bourbon County CASA Volunteer shows up for kids in need

CASA Volunteer Delaney Thomas

After the third time someone told Delaney Thomas she should be a CASA volunteer, she figured there must be something to their suggestions.

“I took it as a sign and decided to apply,” Thomas said. “It’s truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made — for both myself and my community.”

CASA volunteers like Thomas are matched with children who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each volunteer visits their child monthly and helps identify if they need anything to help them thrive.

Thomas has advocated for five children since she became a CASA volunteer. Her Volunteer Manager Weida Allen said Thomas has been an excellent advocate for young kids and teenagers alike.

“I value Delaney’s ability to work with all age groups,” Allen said. “Her reports are always spot-on and she is always there at every hearing for her CASA kids.”

Thomas has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for CASA of Lexington’s seven-county region because of her passion for helping kids and dedication to sharing CASA with others, the same way it was shared with her.

“Serving as a CASA volunteer is more than worth my time. Being a consistent, caring adult in a child’s life, without any agenda other than showing up for them, means something,” Thomas said. “That consistency builds trust and truly impacts their lives and their outcomes. It’s powerful and rewarding in a way that’s hard to put into words.”

CASA volunteers each give about 5 to 10 hours a month on average. That time includes visiting with the child, talking to people in the child’s life, review records, and writing reports about the child’s situation. CASA volunteers can help children get more services, do better in school, feel more hopeful for their futures, and be restored to safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Thomas works full-time at the Kentucky Historical Society, paints watercolors and performs through Pixie Dust Playdates, “becoming good friends” with characters such as Merida, Anna, Rapunzel and others.

“You don’t need any special talents or legal experience to be a CASA volunteer,” she said. “All you need is compassion and a commitment to show up for these kids. Just caring and being there is enough — and it can make all the difference.”

Volunteers of the MonthCASA of Lexington