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.

CASA Volunteer Peggy Entrekin

Woodford County CASA Volunteer Peggy Entrekin is a Volunteer of the Month for the region. Woodford volunteers have now claimed the Volunteer of the Month honor in CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service area twice in 2024.

Entrekin is celebrating her five-year “CASA-versary” this month and has advocated for five abused or neglected children during that time. The former teacher and nonprofit executive director became a CASA volunteer after she read an article in her local newspaper.

“It’s been very rewarding. I’ve really enjoyed all the families and children that I’ve worked with,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed seeing the children wind up in better situations.”

Woodford County’s CASA Volunteer Manager Heather Porter nominated Entrekin for the award.

“Peggy has advocated for her CASA children’s best interests at school, in their foster homes and within the court system,” Porter said. “Her greatest impact has been as a consistent presence for the kids. They know she is willing to listen to their concerns and their hopes, and they continually reach out to her when they need to talk.

“Peggy’s consistency and listening ear have provided stability for children in an often uncertain situation.”

CASA volunteers give 5-10 hours a month to advocate for an abused or neglected child in the local family court system. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in the child’s life, reviews records and writes reports.

CASA reports regularly provide information no one else in court has and identify where a child’s needs have been forgotten or overlooked. Children who receive a CASA volunteer can do better in school, receive more services and return to safe, permanent homes faster.

“I see the need to fill the gap,” Entrekin said. “We have the courts and the (attorneys) and the social workers and the foster families, but there is still a big gap for the kids. There is a need and anyone who becomes a CASA volunteer will find it very rewarding.”

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can learn more by visiting www.casaoflexington.org, calling (859) 246-4313 or emailing info@casaoflexington.org. You can see upcoming training classes for new volunteers at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

CASA Volunteer Patty Overing

After Patty Overing retired from her career in banking, she began putting more time into her hobbies and family. But she also wanted to do something else with her newly freed schedule.

“I was looking for something to do with my time volunteer-wise — a way to serve,” she said.

Overing had heard about Court-Appointed Special Advocates because her bank contributed to the United Way, which funded a CASA program. But she had not learned what CASA volunteers do.

Overing learned how CASA volunteers visit with children who are involved in family court cases, but are not tasked with escorting or overseeing the children. And she learned how CASA volunteers’ reports often reveal important information no one else in court knows and help change the course of the children’s cases.

So, she signed up, went through training and became a CASA volunteer. Today, she is one of CASA of Lexington’s longest-serving volunteers, having advocated for 12 children over the course of about five and a half years. She is also a CASA of Lexington Volunteer of the Month for May.

Overing’s Volunteer Manager Dennis Stutsman nominated her for Volunteer of the Month.

“Patty is always looking for the best ways to help meet the needs of her CASA kids,” Stutsman said. “She is especially good at working with caregivers to ratchet up their engagement, enriching the lives of the children they care for.”

Overing said she has seen firsthand how resilient children can be and how beneficial it is to them to have a CASA volunteer who brings positivity and hope.

“My time as a CASA volunteer has been varied and interesting,” she said. “It’s nice to try to develop that relationship with a child or children, to get them to trust you and open up. It’s nice to show them that you’re reliable — that month after month, I am going to show up and be there for them, even if they move.”

Overing said she still remembers the surprise on the face of one of her CASA children when he had been moved to a new home and she still showed up for a visit.

“It’s a needed and valuable contribution that pretty much anyone can make in the life of a child,” she said. “I can really give them something to look forward to with my visit each month.”

CASA Volunteer Bev Chandler

A Georgetown woman has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for her advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Bev Chandler has served as a CASA volunteer in Scott County for just over a year. She has been the voice for two children in the local family court system during that time.

Chandler, who works at Toyota, said she learned about what CASA volunteers do over the summer of 2022 and her interest was sparked.

“I felt like I had a lot to offer a child and could commit to the monthly visits and regular court hearings,” she said. “Toyota gives me the flexibility to support my kiddos in-person or at court.”

Chandler was nominated for CASA Volunteer of the Month by Sarah Fightmaster, who served as her Volunteer Manager.

Bev is a wonderful mentor and role model for the children she serves. She is a fierce and passionate advocate and I’m so thankful that two children have her as a CASA volunteer,” Fightmaster said. “Her detail-oriented approach was essential to moving forward her children’s cases. Her CASA children now have more security knowing they’re closer to permanency in a safe, protective home.”

Chandler said one child she has advocated for was moved between six different placements within a year.

“I have been a consistent presence for her, which has helped her trust me enough to open up about her past challenges and future goals,” Chandler said. “I am so proud of her progress!”

Each CASA volunteer completes a 30-hour training class prior to being assigned a case. Once their training is complete, they are matched with a child who has suffered abuse or neglect and they visit the child every month.

The CASA volunteer also talks to adults in the child’s life and reviews medical and educational records. They provide reports to the judge on the case that identify unmet needs and advocate for the best interests of the child.

CASA volunteers can help reunify or keep together families whenever it is safely possible. They can also spur action to get kids educational services or medical treatment, preventing them from falling through the cracks.

“Being able to build a relationship with kiddos who have not had a good start in life has been so rewarding,” Chandler said. “Seeing them enjoy extracurricular activities for the first time or talk to me about their plans makes every second of my time worth it.

“They have gone from being neglected to thriving in safe places where their needs are being met. I have volunteered with many organizations in my life and CASA has been the most rewarding volunteer experience I’ve ever had.”

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can view upcoming training schedules at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

CASA Volunteer Julie Turner

An Asbury Theological Seminary student has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for her hard work advocating on behalf of abused and neglected children.

Julie Turner has been a CASA Volunteer for about a year and a half and has advocated for two children in the family court system during that time.

“I was looking for some way to give back, some way to help children who are disadvantaged in some way,” Turner said. “Serving as a CASA volunteer has been exciting, challenging and fun.”

CASA volunteers give 5-10 hours of their time each month to help children who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each volunteer visits their child once a month, often getting to know the child’s situation better than anyone else on the case. The information a volunteer gathers can be vital to ensuring a child gets the services they need and can return to a safe, permanent home as quickly as possible.

Turner said one thing that attracted her to CASA when she was looking for a volunteer opportunity was how CASA volunteers are supported by Volunteer Managers — paid staff who know the ins and outs of the system and guide the volunteers every step of the way.

“I was looking for something where I wasn’t the sole person responsible,” explained Turner, who makes time for volunteering in addition to her classes at Asbury. “I wanted backup. My Volunteer Manager Jennifer has been excellent at that. She is my sounding board. She helps me figure out the right words for my reports or what to say in court. And she finds out answers to things when neither of us know.”

Turner’s Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb nominated her for the Volunteer of the Month honor.

“Julie has advocated for trauma-focused therapy, as well as medical and educational follow-ups for her CASA children,” Lamb said. “She has built great connections with the children and very attentive in her interactions with them. The children Julie serves truly need the calming presence she provides.”

CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training class before being matched with a child. Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer has several training class options coming up. All upcoming CASA volunteer training schedules can be found at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

“I would invite people to look into becoming a CASA volunteer and discover what it’s all about,” Turner said. “It’s one of the hardest things you will do, but also one of the most rewarding and stimulating.”

CASA Volunteer Debbie Rurik-Goodwin

Debbie Rurik-Goodwin had two goals after she retired: Spend time with her grandson and volunteer however she could to make a real difference.

By serving as grant coordinator for the Children’s Charity of the Bluegrass, she learned a lot about some of the best nonprofits in central Kentucky. When she learned about what Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers do, “it struck a chord with me immediately,” she said.

Rurik-Goodwin took a 30-hour training class to become a CASA volunteer, and now after a year volunteering, she has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month.

“Debbie is such a kind and diligent volunteer,” said Sarah Fightmaster, Scott County’s CASA Volunteer Manager. “She is what CASA is all about. She has provided an ongoing source of stability for a child in a volatile case.

“Through all the ups and downs this child has faced, Debbie has been there for her.”

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. Each CASA volunteer visits their CASA child monthly, often getting to know them better than anyone else in the courtroom. The volunteer provides reports about the child’s situation to the judge on the case, allowing the judge to make more informed decisions and getting better outcomes for kids.

“I believe CASA volunteers are so important and effective in these children’s lives because they’re able to spend more time with them and dig deep into what’s really going on in a child’s life and what the child’s needs are,” Rurik-Goodwin said. “I think many people should volunteer as CASA volunteers. There are so many children who need a CASA volunteer and there aren’t enough volunteers to go around.”

Fightmaster said without Rurik-Goodwin on her case, “this would have been an entirely different experience, from the child’s perspective.” Rurik-Goodwin gave her CASA child a voice in court they would not have had otherwise, she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can join the next training class for new CASA volunteers, which begins April 4 with classes on nights and weekends. A full schedule of the training classes is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

“I would encourage anybody who has a heart and the time to commit to this to do it. It is so needed for children today,” Rurik-Goodwin said. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I never feel better myself than when I’m giving to somebody else. That’s where my joy comes from.”

CASA Volunteer John Mullins

John Mullins has been a coach his whole life.

“I’ve coached every sport there is — even ice hockey,” he said.

Mullins actually coached his son’s hockey team to state runners-up finishes twice. Mullins has also found another way to help children grow: He serves as a CASA volunteer.

“CASA volunteers are vital. We act as a voice for the children,” Mullins said.

Mullins has served as a CASA volunteer in Lexington for a year, and in Louisville for seven years before that. As a CASA volunteer, he is appointed to children in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect. He visits them regularly, talks to adults in their lives and advocates for their best interests in court.

Because of his dedication and passion for helping kids, he has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for March. Bourbon County Volunteer Manager Weida Allen nominated Mullins for the honor.

“John is a very strong advocate for the kids he advocates for in court,” Allen said. “He always visits the children monthly, sometimes twice a month if he feels it is necessary. He has never missed a court date.”

Mullins said being a CASA volunteer isn’t for everyone, but it is a great fit for people who are caring, compassionate, thoughtful and passionate about making a real difference.

“CASA is vital. When I found out about CASA, I said, ‘I’ve got to do this. I’ve got to help with this,’” he said. “I hate to say this, but the court system is broken. That’s why they need CASA volunteers. Your social worker is underpaid, over-worked and under-appreciated. You may see something they don’t see. We have more time than a social worker may have on a case.”

CASA volunteers bring a regular person’s perspective into the courtroom, providing the judge with a lot more detail about what’s going on in a child’s life than they would otherwise have. Just by observing what is happening in a child’s life and providing recommendations to the judge, a CASA volunteer can help ensure a child receives appropriate medical attention, gets educational interventions or even finds a safe, permanent home faster.

“All these children ever want is two things: They want to be loved and they want to have hope,” Mullins said. “If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in a kid’s life — and I mean a real difference — this is it.”

CASA Volunteer of the Month Emma Sandrock

Emma Scott has always made volunteering a part of her life. When she looked  for a way to serve her community in Jessamine County, she discovered the local Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.

“The CASA training introduced me to some incredible people in our community,” she said.

Scott went through the 30-hour training to become a CASA volunteer, and has now advocated for three abused or neglected children in the local family court system.

Because of her hard work on behalf of children, her Volunteer Manager Cara MacLeod nominated her for CASA Volunteer of the Month in February.

“Emma is great to work with,” MacLeod said. “She has taken the time to build a good connection with her CASA kids and the parents on the case. She is also excellent at gathering records, talking with parties on the case, and independently verifying information.”

CASA volunteers give about 5-10 hours a month doing the work, which includes visiting with their assigned child or children monthly, talking to adults in each child’s life, and writing reports for the judge on the case.

CASA volunteers try to help reunify families whenever possible, or advocate for finding a safe, permanent home when reunification is not safely possible. They can help identify when children aren’t receiving services they need and ensure each child has a voice in court.

“The need is large and it is important,” Scott said. “I have no superhuman powers or any heroic character traits — and you don’t have to either to volunteer. Just by being present and consistent for these children, you can make a difference right where you are.”

CASA Volunteer Brian Collins

When Brian Collins went through a divorce, he saw firsthand how confusing and overwhelming the court system can be — especially for children. Collins decided he wanted to make things easier for others, so he went back to school to study law. He also signed up as a CASA volunteer.

“The term ‘best interests of the child’ is thrown around a lot, but you have a heap of people with a bunch of initials after their names who do not know the child, and they’re making the decisions,” Collins said. “I found CASA because I was trying to find a way to actually include the child in those decisions.

“The courts, attorneys and social workers do what they can. But CASA provides a chance to get to know the families and make recommendations that help advance their real best interests.”

Collins went through CASA volunteer training in the spring of 2023 and was assigned to be the advocate for a pair of young girls. His Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger has supported him throughout the case, which is now wrapping up. Noffsinger nominated Collins to be a CASA Volunteer of the month because of the difference he has made on the case.

“He forged a relationship with the parents and was really one of the only parties they would communicate with. His court reports were excellent,” Noffsinger said. “Brian’s sense of humor also can diffuse some uncomfortable situations. And he speaks up in court with confidence.”

Collins has worked as a standup comic and had jobs around the country working with animals, including sea lions, dolphins, whales, monkeys and giant pandas. If you ask him about it all, he’ll open with a joke.

“I am a semi-pro line dancer and underground bunker enthusiast,” he said. “Neither of which is remotely true.”

Collins said he plans to take another CASA case once his current one closes. He said serving as a CASA volunteer has given him a chance to make a meaningful impact on children’s futures.

“The overwhelming majority of these kids are not in their situation by their own making,” he said. “I had an awesome childhood, so I reckon paying it forward is a decent way to spend some time.”

CASA volunteers are matched with abused or neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in the child’s life and writes reports for the judge.

CASA volunteers provide a level of detail about children’s lives that no one else in the courtroom has the time to provide. That helps better inform judges’ decisions, and in many cases leads to more services and better outcomes for children.

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer.

Collins said he was worried initially about whether he had the time, but found it was actually easier to do the work than he thought.

“You have the time. When you get into a case and learn about the circumstances, you will find yourself making time,” he said. “When you meet the kids, you will find even more time. A lot of what you will experience is heartbreaking, but you will make a difference. Give it a whirl — I dare you.”