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.

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.

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.”

CASA Volunteer Cristy Lester-Dunn

Cristy Lester-Dunn is not someone who looks away when something is wrong. She looks straight at the problem and does whatever she can to fix it.

That’s why she serves on multiple boards focused on child advocacy, legislation and community initiatives. She believes in being involved in making her community better and modeling that belief for others.

That’s why she serves as a CASA volunteer, advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the local family court system.

“Not every child goes home from school to a welcoming household. Not every child goes home to a hot meal. Not every child resides in a safe environment,” Lester-Dunn said. “It is all of our responsibility to support and protect all children, because they are our future.”

Lester-Dunn began serving as a CASA volunteer in the middle of the pandemic. She has now advocated for five children in almost four years doing the important work. She is a CASA Volunteer of the Month for September because of her dedication to the children in a particularly difficult case.

“Cristy must not get motion sick, because we have gone through this roller-coaster ride at high speed and she hasn’t gotten off,” said Rebecca Brereton-Farr, her Volunteer Manager.

Volunteer Managers are full-time CASA staff who provide guidance and support to their CASA volunteers. The volunteers each spend roughly 5-10 hours a month visiting their CASA children, learning about their children’s lives and writing reports that give everyone on the case a much better understanding of what the children need.

“Cristy has experienced heartbreak in this case, but even in those hard times, she turns to me and says, ‘But here is what we do for them next. Here is how we move forward for the children,” Brereton-Farr said. “She shows nothing but resilience and determination to do what is best for the children at all times.”

Lester-Dunn said she volunteers because children in the family court system face so much uncertainty and trauma.

“By volunteering, I can offer them stability, support, and a caring presence during a challenging time in their lives,” she said. “I take my presence in court advocating for these children seriously and I do what I can to not only make recommendations, but to encourage others to feel what the child is feeling.”

In CASA of Lexington’s service area, there are currently only enough CASA volunteers for about one out of every five abused or neglected children in the system. Those who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to do well in school and return to safe, permanent homes that do not disrupt again.

Lester-Dunn said the decision to become a CASA volunteer is not one to take lightly. But she hopes people remember there are children right now who do not have a voice, whose needs are being over-looked.

“Put yourself in their shoes. Consider the impact there would be if someone would speak up for you,” she said. “A drop of hope makes ripples that can change a life. If you have that passion and you want to make a difference, give it a try. CASA offers a lot of support to our volunteers.”

To become a CASA volunteer, you can apply at www.casaoflexington.org. Every new CASA volunteer completes a 30-hour training course and background checks before being assigned to a child’s case. Trainings are offered in-person and virtually regularly throughout the year.

CASA Volunteer Susan Bukowski

It took a while before Susan Bukowski was in the right place in her life to become a CASA volunteer. But now that she is, she has discovered a volunteer experience with depth, which enables her to have a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

Bukowski first learned about CASA volunteers years ago, when a volunteer spoke about their experiences at a local trivia night event.

“I listened to the volunteer who spoke, but I couldn’t see myself in court,” she said.

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children in family court cases. They visit and develop friendships with the children, then provide a regular person’s perspective on the child’s life for the judge and others on the case. CASA volunteers help ensure their children’s needs are being met and that everyone is focused on getting them back into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Fast-forward to 2022 and Bukowski had more free time on her hands and was looking for a meaningful volunteer position.

“My faith is what truly pushed me to move forward with this,” she said.

As she began CASA volunteer training, Bukowski said she was unsure how she would build relationships with the children. But after the training and with the support of her Volunteer Manager, she has found success repeatedly in connecting with the kids she serves.

“I have built relationships with three teens while serving for the past 16 months,” she said. “As a CASA, you start caring about these kids and want the best for them despite difficult circumstances. I love being an advocate for them, hoping for their best futures.”

Heather Porter was Bukowski’s Volunteer Manager on her most recent case. She nominated Bukowski to receive a Volunteer of the Month honor this September because of her hard work.

“Susan’s honest, direct approach and continual presence has helped her build trust and connection with teens. She meets the kids where they are and encourages them according to their needs,” Porter said. “This direct but empathetic approach has also helped her collaborate with social workers and foster parents to effectively advocate for the kids’ needs in court.”

Bukowski said she loves the support she receives from Porter and the rest of the CASA staff because it has helped her be effective in her volunteer role.

“This volunteer position is so much more than filling backpacks or working at the local food pantry — not that those aren’t volunteer-worthy. I was looking for something with a little more depth,” Bukowski said. “If you are an adult and want to make a difference in a child’s life, this is the place to volunteer. You will receive training and will always have a Volunteer Manager as your resource. It is truly a rewarding experience and so many kids need us!”

CASA Volunteer Cindy Budek

Cindy Budek spent 40 years working with kids as a pediatric nurse practitioner at a hospital in Chicago. She dedicated her career to helping kids, including those with complex problems.

Now that she has retired and moved to Lexington, Ky., she is still helping kids in a different way: as a CASA volunteer.

The hours are much easier – it takes just five to 10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. But she can still change the course of a child’s life by being a consistent presence in their life and advocating for their needs.

“I wanted to try and find something to keep me busy and to use the skills I have. And I just really wanted to still be in contact with kids and their families,” Budek said. “I have so enjoyed being a CASA volunteer. I’m just starting my second case now.”

On Budek’s first case, she got to witness a child being reunified with her mom.

“It was just a beautiful experience seeing her mom do a 180 and get her life together,” she said. “I think in court, they were ready to give her a standing ovation for working so hard to bring her daughter back home.”

Budek visited the girl monthly and provided reports to the judge while that case was going on. Those reports ensured the judge knew what was going on in the girl’s life and verified that the mom really was turning things around.

“Knowing that hopefully, I am changing the course of a child’s life and giving them the opportunity to be able to grow and mature and be able to contribute to their family and their community is amazing,” Budek said. “Unless we intervene, things are going to be really difficult for these kids.”

Social workers and attorneys who work family court cases all have large numbers of cases at the same time and very limited time to dedicate to any one child. A CASA volunteer can focus on an individual child and often provide a level of detail about their life that no one else can.

Budek’s Volunteer Manager, Kyrsten Adkins, said she has now matched Budek with a new case that involves sifting through medical records to understand the children’s needs. Budek’s background as a pediatric nurse has made her the ideal volunteer for the case.

“She is a newer volunteer who has hit the ground running and is knocking it out of the park,” Adkins said.

Budek said serving as a CASA volunteer is very rewarding and she loves the support of Adkins and others who make it easier to do the work.

“You don’t know what your childhood experience is going to be,” she said. “I feel so blessed that I was in a family where I didn’t have to worry about food or getting to school, and I felt loved and supported. I just want to try to have as many other kids experience that as possible and know there’s someone out there who cares and wants them to succeed and have a great childhood.”

CASA Volunteer Michael Raulinaitis

Michael Raulinaitis is a single dad with two daughters, who have grown up into a nurse and a physical therapist. He works at the Toyota plant in Georgetown and likes to walk to the farmers market when he’s home in downtown Lexington.

A few years ago, he was looking for a way to do something that gave back to the community. He knew that life could be rough for kids when their home life is in disarray. Then, serendipity struck: He visited a booth at Lexington Comic Con promoting the local CASA program.

“It was then that I realized I had found a cause that fit for me,” he said.

As a CASA volunteer, Raulinaitis is matched with abused or neglected children. He visits the children monthly, gathers information about their lives, and provides reports that help get better outcomes for the children.

“I have seen kids go through the court system without a CASA or a voice,” he said. “I now see the impact that I have being an advocate for the kids.”

Raulinaitis has done great work for his current CASA kids – siblings in foster care whose future is uncertain as their parent struggles with substance misuse. Raulinaitis’ Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins said he works collaboratively with the others on the case and has always been a strong voice for whatever would be in the children’s best interests.

“He has worked many cases and he is a great volunteer,” Adkins said. “He is not afraid to speak up for these kids. He is exceeding all expectations.”

Raulinaitis said he puts a lot of his efforts into building strong relationships with the children he serves.

“In all of my cases, the kids are shy at first, but when they realize you are coming to visit them and see how they are doing, they really grow to appreciate that,” he said. “With the older children, they cannot believe that I am visiting as a volunteer because I want to help and support them.”

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. Every volunteer completes a 30-hour training class before they are matched with a child, and they are guided by a Volunteer Manager like Adkins every step of the way.

“I am blessed to be in a position where I can help and give back to some in the community who need the most help,” Raulinaitis said. “If you have any interest, go through the extensive CASA training to really understand what is needed to be a volunteer. At that point, make a decision whether it is right for you.”

CASA Volunteer Kelly Pack

As a child, Kelly Pack was a “state child” — she was briefly in foster care, then looked after by a relative.

“I know the system can fail people. It failed me,” she said. “That almost cost me my life. So I vowed to never allow that to happen to any child if I could help it.”

Pack’s cousin told her about CASA — a volunteer program that makes it possible for regular people to make a real difference for abused and neglected children. Pack signed up, went through the training, and now she helps children who were in the same situation she was as a child.

“The kids you encounter during your cases are incredible. The resilience in some children just amazes me every day,” Pack said. “The best part of the whole experience is the relationships you make. The relationships with the children; the relationships with the parents; the relationships with the lawyers and judges.”

Every CASA volunteer goes through a 30-hour training class that prepares them to be an advocate. They also get a Volunteer Manager who helps them every step of the way as they visit their child, gather information and write reports.

“My Volunteer Manager is wonderful. Any time I have any questions, she is a phone call away,” Pack said. “CASA is worth your time because it not only helps you learn new skills and helps you build confidence, but it also allows you to change a kid’s life.”

CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison said Pack has advocated for two children since she was sworn in as a CASA volunteer in June 2023.

“Kelly is a fantastic friend and advocate for the children she serves,” Jamison said. “Her lived experience gives her a valuable perspective and makes her even more effective at finding positive outcomes for kids.”

If you would like to make a difference for a child in foster care by serving as a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org to learn more.

Kathy Edwards has advocated for six children during two years as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer Kathy Edwards

Kathy Edwards is the kind of person who understands the value of teamwork. She also likes it when she can make a real difference in the world.

So when Edwards learned from a close friend about just how bad the problem of child abuse and neglect is in Kentucky, she wanted to be part of a team working to make things better.

“Hearing about the sheer volume of neglect and abuse cases was staggering, and the caseload for social workers overwhelming,” she said.

Edwards already knew about the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program because some of her co-workers were already volunteers through Lexmark’s Volunteer Time Off program. She signed up for CASA training and quickly learned just how effective the CASA program can be.

“As a CASA, I can focus on one case and one outcome. A 10-minute call to the school or doctor’s office can suddenly become the last piece of information needed to set a new course for child’s case,” she said. “More than any nonprofit I’ve been involved with, I know my time is making a direct and immediate impact on the lives of these kids.”

CASA volunteers like Edwards are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks with others in the child’s life, and writes reports that give everyone on the case the information they need to help the child.

“Developing relationships and building trust with the children in each case is critical to understanding their needs and knowing how best to advocate for them,” Edwards said. “The same can be said for establishing trust with social workers and attorneys. Getting good outcomes for kids is often a team effort.”

Edwards’ Volunteer Manager Rebecca Brereton-Farr said Edwards has been instrumental in uncovering information and finding ways to get better outcomes for the children on her current CASA case.

“I truly believe that the direction this case takes will be because of Kathy’s undivided attention to the best interests and needs of the children,” Brereton-Farr said. “She has been incredible to work with and her hard work deserves to be recognized.”

Edwards said she is amazed at how much of a difference she can make as a CASA volunteer.

“If people knew that could help a child return to a permanent, nurturing home faster just by being involved, most wouldn’t hesitate,” she said. “I cannot say enough about the CASA mission, its staff or the training I received! The reward is far greater than I ever expected.”

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

Kayla Pelphrey bonded with her CASA kids, bringing some fun and consistency into their lives

Kids’ artworks hanging on the wall in Kayla Pelphrey’s office.

The art that hangs on the wall of Kayla Pelphrey’s office isn’t by anyone famous. It isn’t worth a lot of money. But it does represent an investment in the future.

Pelphrey’s office art was created by her CASA children: kids in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect.

“When I walk into my little office every day and see the coloring book pages and notes I’ve hung in my corner from visits, I think about the little smiles that created them,” Pelphrey said. “Those soft little smiles are something I know I’ve helped grow into great big happy grins of excitement — despite the situation at hand.”

Pelphrey has been a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer for six different children since 2022. She visits the children she is matched with regularly, getting to know them often better than anyone else assigned to the case.

Pelphrey provides a regular person’s perspective that is often lacking in court cases, which enables the judge to make more informed decisions that focus on what the children need.

“Being a CASA volunteer is one of the best things you can get involved in,” Pelphrey said. “It not only allows you to be a support for kiddos and have some fun, but sheds light on your community — the good, bad and ugly. Getting involved, understanding, and listening are the first steps to make any kind of change.”

Pelphrey is supported in her work as a CASA advocate by her Volunteer Manager Rebecca Brereton-Farr.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Kayla Pelphrey

Brereton-Farr said Pelphrey is a natural at engaging with the children she is serving. With one group of siblings, Pelphrey brought a stuffed toy dog to the first visit. They named the dog “Muffin” and Pelphrey told them the dog would come back for every visit, bringing along photos of what it got up to in between.

“The kids fell in love with Muffin and would run to play and cuddle with him when Kayla arrived for visits,” Brereton-Farr said. “She would tell them the stories of her adventures and show pictures.

“Kayla followed through on every visit and provided consistency, fun, and attention. At every visit, the kids would run to see and hug Kayla, with Muffin coming in a close second for hugs! And their smiles would grow bigger and more genuine with every visit.”

Pelphrey said she believes every child deserves to have positive experiences that stick with them into their adulthood.

“That’s something I always had growing up and something everyone deserves,” she said. “If I can have any little piece of helping to make that a reality for someone, it is time well spent!”

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

One central Kentucky woman has improved children’s futures for 10 years as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer Judy Papania

Every year in central Kentucky, hundreds of children suffer abuse and neglect. Those children then experience instability and uncertainty about their futures as their cases move through the family court system.

One Woodford County woman has been making a difference in this system, one child at a time, for more than 10 years.

“I have had many different cases,” said Judy Papania, who has been a CASA advocate since early 2014. “The one common theme has been that the children did not deserve what they were going through. They were innocent participants and needed to be protected.”

As a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, Papania is matched with abused and neglected children. She visits them regularly, gaining a deep understanding of their lives. Then, she shares what she learns with the court, enabling the judge to make more informed decisions and get better outcomes for the children.

“It was my job to help protect them by following their medical, educational and social needs, and advocating for their best interests — how their lives can be improved today and also for the future,” Papania said.

Papania has advocated for 10 children during her years as a CASA volunteer. Her current Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb said in her most recent case, Papania has shown remarkable dedication to helping the sibling set for whom she advocates.

“Judy has faithfully visited the children in her case and advocated for services and stability for the children,” Lamb said. “She keeps meticulous notes and when questions arise in court, she is able to provide much-needed information to the judge. These children certainly have one of the most dedicated, passionate advocates anyone could want.”

Papania said she has greatly enjoyed being part of the CASA community.

“It is a great organization with many dedicated staff and volunteers,” she said. “It is definitely one of the most rewarding things I have done.”

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