Bourbon County man earns CASA Volunteer of the Month

CASA Volunteer of the Month Wallis Brooks

A Bourbon County man has been named a regional CASA Volunteer of the Month for July.

Wallis Brooks became a CASA volunteer just nine months ago, but Bourbon CASA Volunteer Manager Weida Allen said he has already made a big impact.

“He is a new volunteer, but he is doing a fantastic job advocating for children, some of whom have significant challenges,” Allen said.

CASA volunteers like Brooks are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. They visit their CASA children month, gather information, and inform Bourbon County Family Court judges when a child has a need that isn’t being met.

“It’s been really enjoyable watching the children from the first days to now, seeing them now beginning to prosper and do well,” Brooks said. “It’s all about the kids. I enjoy seeing kids doing well and being able to enjoy life.”

Brooks is retired from a career in banking. He now referees high school basketball games. He said the time commitment to be a volunteer has fit inside his schedule well.

CASA volunteers can give children hope, help them do better in school, and greatly reduce the chances that they re-enter the family court system. But not every child gets a CASA volunteer.

In Bourbon County, it’s estimated that about one in three children with open abuse or neglect cases have a CASA volunteer, which is one of the best rates of advocacy in the entire state.

“Volunteers like Wallis are helping Bourbon County stay ahead of the curve and give Bourbon kids the best possible chances of success,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of Bourbon County’s CASA program.

To learn more about CASA volunteering or apply to be a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org, email bourboncounty@casaoflexington.org, or call (859) 246-4313.