First Ever Scott County CASA Angel Tree Held at Dan Cummins Georgetown
Dusty Cummins, left, and Josh Cummins participate in Thursday’s CASA Angel Tree lighting event at Dan Cummins of Georgetown.
Georgetown, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2020) – The CASA Angel Tree, filled with names of abused and neglected children from Scott County, was lit up Thursday morning at Dan Cummins of Georgetown. Minutes later, attendees at the tree-lighting ceremony had chosen to sponsor every single child who appeared on the tree.
This was the first year for the CASA Angel Tree in Scott County. That’s because CASA of Lexington just expanded services into the county this year. Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers spend time with children who have suffered abuse and neglect, interview adults involved in the children’s lives and advocate for the children’s best interests in court.
The 2020 Scott County CASA Angel Tree
In all counties where CASA of Lexington operates, the nonprofit organization runs an annual CASA Angel Tree program, allowing community members to sponsor children in the local court system by purchasing them holiday gifts from their wish lists.
CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison said the program is off to a fast start in Scott County. The local office is already open at 109 N. Court St. in downtown Georgetown and a Volunteer Manager is already attending court.
“We’re excited that we actually already have five CASA volunteers serving here in Scott County, which is pretty crazy because we haven’t been here that long and they are actively matched with children,” Jamison said. “We know that the need is huge. Fortunately, Scott County is one of the fastest-growing counties, but unfortunately, you have one of the highest percentages of child abuse and neglect in the state of Kentucky. And that’s even worse than it sounds because Kentucky is the top state for child abuse and neglect right now.”
The CASA Angel Tree event was held at Dan Cummins of Georgetown on Cherry Blossom Way. The Cummins family was instrumental in helping CASA of Lexington launch in Bourbon County several years ago, and they are supporting the newest expansion into Scott County now.
“We have such a growing community here in Scott County. So many positive things are happening,” Josh Cummins said. “But along with a lot of change, you have children who can fall into this circumstance. You have a time with the coronavirus and COVID, which has probably increased alcoholism, other abuses, and it all falls onto the kids who are caught in the cycle. … It’s our job to break that cycle.”
Scott County Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington also spoke at the tree-lighting ceremony.
Scott County Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington speaks at the Scott County CASA Angel Tree lighting event Thursday.
“As a former educator and principal for 27 years, I know how important it is to have that one person in your life, in the lives of these young people who are struggling and put in difficult circumstances,” he said. “If you have that one person, it makes a difference. It can be all the difference in turning your life around and giving you hope. … I’m grateful for CASA.”
Jamison said last year, there were 176 substantiated new cases of child abuse and neglect in Scott County. Those are children who could all potentially benefit from having a CASA volunteer appointed to their cases in Scott County family court.
Jamison encouraged attendees to become CASA volunteers themselves, donate to CASA of Lexington or become “Friends of CASA” and lend their talents to support the organization. One thing everyone can do to help, she added, is tell their friends and family about what CASA volunteers do and why it matters.
“We really depend on word of mouth and people sharing about the services of CASA,” she said.