CASA Recognized by United Way for Rapid Growth in Garrard and Lincoln Counties

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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