Alvin Seals and Rev. Chrysanthia Carr-Seals are sworn in by family court Judge Lisa Hart Morgan on June 2.

Retired Professor Alvin Seals and Rev. Chrysanthia Carr-Seals, J.D., were sworn in as CASA of Lexington’s newest volunteers by family court Judge Lisa Hart Morgan on June 2, 2020.

Alvin and Chrysanthia, who now advocate for abused and neglected children in Bourbon County, were the first two volunteers to complete CASA of Lexington’s new virtual, “guided learning” training curriculum.

The new curriculum enables volunteers to complete the required 30-hour training via virtual classes held over Zoom and homework assignments they complete on their own time. The new curriculum can be completed entirely virtually or in a hybrid format with some in-person meetings.

Chrysanthia and Alvin were excited to serve the Bourbon County community through CASA.

“Based upon our religious convictions and dedication to church and community, we are motivated to serve people in various ways, particularly for children who are experiencing difficulties in their pursuit of life and happiness,” they said. “Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:14).’”

Chrysanthia is a reverend at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Paris.

From National CASA / GAL

As children across the nation have returned to school in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic – whether in person or virtually – the work of a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) or Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteer continues to be essential now more than ever. Children who have a court-appointed volunteer are more likely to succeed in school.

Here are some examples of how a CASA/GAL volunteer can stay connected to the children they serve during the new school year:

1. Many children may experience excitement or anxiety about starting school, especially during COVID-19. CASA/GAL volunteers can check in with the child and family they serve with a phone call or virtual meeting and ask them to share their feelings and anticipation about the new school year.

2. CASA/GAL volunteers are normally in frequent contact with teachers and school administrators to form a partnership to better understand the child’s unique strengths and challenges. Volunteers can reach out to the child’s school team virtually to establish a rapport. These interactions with the child’s school, combined with the volunteer’s relationship with the child, empower the volunteer to advocate in court for what the child needs to thrive academically.

3. CASA/GAL volunteers can engage with the child’s parents, sometimes serving as a coach or advocate for parental involvement in education matters.

4. If a child is receiving tiered response to intervention, special education or 504-related services, CASA/GAL volunteers can attend virtual school meetings and recommend strategies that support the child’s success in school such as tutoring, therapies, assistive technology, and other accommodations. They can also advocate for placement stability, knowing that frequent school transfers can cause a child to fall behind.

5. During the pandemic, CASA/GAL programs and volunteers are seeing significant gaps in distance learning technology (e.g. laptops, chrome books, iPads and/or internet access) for the children and families we serve. Volunteers can make sure those resource gaps are known to the child’s team, and in some cases, CASA and GAL programs are able to collaborate with community organizations or corporate partners to identify solutions.

6. Children who have experienced abuse or neglect are involved with multiple systems—the court system, the child welfare system, the school system, and the health care system. CASA and GAL volunteers can help connect the dots between these systems to ensure that information is shared, when appropriate, to get the best possible outcomes for children. CASA/GAL volunteers can work with the school social worker or child protective services staff member to advocate for comprehensive wraparound services for the child, including primary health, mental health and dental care, pandemic food assistance, mentoring and post-secondary education awareness.

7. For children in the system, pursuing “normal” childhood activities can be a challenge because of frequent moves, resource challenges or shame. CASA/GAL volunteers can make sure the court knows when a child has special interests and help remove barriers so the child can participate in extracurricular activities.

As you know, advocacy doesn’t stop during COVID-19. The complexities of the times may cause CASA/GAL volunteers to view the situation with a different lens and be aware of the need for different resources given the “new normal.” As children head back to school, having caring, consistent adults listen and put the child’s best interests before all others can make all the difference. Thank you for everything you do.

It was amazing to see all the people who came out for the 2020 CASA Superhero Run on Sept. 5! We are so grateful to everyone who has participated and fundraised to make this year’s event a success!

During these unprecedented times, the race does not end here. We know that all kids need heroes, but abused and neglected kids need superheroes. This is why we have decided to extend our individual fundraising to Sept. 15! This next week, we are depending on you to help reach our goal. The money raised goes directly to supporting our mission of training and supervising volunteers to advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children. We are only $2,191 away from our fundraising goal. We know we can get there together and are looking to you to put on your cape and help us fly past the goal!

With this extension, we have added even more incentive prizes. In addition to the Papa Murphy’s Pizza for a Year raffle for raising $100, you will also be entered to win: 1) a Private Party Pilates Session for up to 6 participants with Mind Over Body Studio and 2) twelve free drink certificates and a pound of Organic Guatemala Whole Bean coffee from Nate’s Coffee. Each prize will be a separate raffle. For every additional $100 raised, you will receive an extra entry to the raffle for one of these three prizes. If you have yet to raise funds, it is not too late! Email, text and post your unique link. If you haven’t created a fundraising page, instructions on how to do so are below:

• Start by clicking here

• Type in your name, where it says “Your Fundraiser Name”

• Create a custom URL that we will use to send to your friends

• Type in a password for your account

• Set your “Fundraiser Goal” to $100

• Fill out the rest of the “Become a Fundraiser Form”

• Scroll down

• Click “Set Up Fundraiser”

• Check out fundraising incentives

Thank you for your support and helping to make the 2020 CASA Superhero Run incredible!

Clockwise from top left are Kelley Sloane, Anne Flynn, Ava Crow, Sandy Nichols, Kelly Hale and Doug Myers.

This month, CASA of Lexington is celebrating six dedicated volunteers who are working our longest-running current cases. Each of them has been named a Volunteer of the Month for September, and given an "Extra Mile" award for their service.

These volunteers have been advocating for the children on their cases for years, following them for significant portions of their lives. CASA volunteers provide children with a familiar, consistent adult who stays with them no matter what else might be changing about their lives. In these lengthy cases, the volunteers' dedication has had and will continue to have a huge positive impact on their children's lives.

Here are the six "Extra Mile" Volunteers of the Month:

Kelley Sloane has been assigned to her CASA child's case for six years. She has spent more than eight years as a volunteer with CASA of Lexington.

"She has been the only consistent person in this child's life and has advocated for him through every step of this case, even when it has been incredibly difficult," said Jenifer Bahr, Sloane's Volunteer Manager. "She has been so dedicated to this child and making sure his needs are not only met, but he finds his perfect forever family."

Ava Crow and Anne Flynn have been working together on their CASA case for more than five years. It's a case they've been following since just four days after they graduated from their pre-service training in the summer of 2015.

"Through their tireless advocacy, the children have remained in the same stable placement since the beginning of the case and are set to soon be adopted by a very loving family," Bahr said.

Doug Myers has been advocating for the child on his CASA case for almost four and a half years. He has been a CASA volunteer since 2014. His Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins said Doug calls his CASA child weekly and knows the case better than anyone else.

"His child has been placed all over the state and Doug has been there every month, no matter how far from Lexington," Adkins said. "While everyone else in the world has given up on this child, Doug hasn't and still sees his potential."

Kelly Hale has been a CASA volunteer for almost seven years, and she has been on her current CASA child's case for just over four years. Adkins said Kelly has been a constant in her child's case and that has enabled her to speak up for the child's best interests.

"She has voiced concerns even when in opposition to others and has been right every time about the outcome of those concerns."

Sandy Nichols will have spent four years advocating for the children on her CASA case in October. Adkins said Sandy has really been a champion for the needs of her CASA children.

"They both have special needs and she has voiced concerns and provided solutions to the court," she said. "The judge who presides over her case sees her as a valuable resource, and so do I."

Family court Judge Traci Brislin, far left second from bottom, swears in new CASA volunteers on Aug. 24. The swearing in ceremony was held virtually over Zoom due to the pandemic.

CASA of Lexington expanded its capacity to advocate for abused and neglected children in August when 11 new volunteers were sworn in by family court Judge Traci Brislin.

"What you're about to embark on is something that is fantastic. It can be terrifying at some times, and some of the things you're going to see and listen to from these kiddos may bring you to tears," Judge Brislin told the volunteers, who were sworn in virtually over Zoom due to the pandemic. "But rest assured that no matter what case you get assigned to, every single minute of time that you are giving up and every single minute of time that you are taking away from your families and your lives are changing kids lives for the better. I can't even hardly get it out without tearing up."

Watch video highlights from the swearing in ceremony here.

CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison attended the ceremony and told the volunteers without people like them, "we wouldn't exist."

"You all are the ones who meet the children on the cases and write the reports and make the recommendations on behalf of these children," she said. "The role of a CASA volunteer is crucial in many of these cases."

The volunteers recited their oaths of confidentiality in unison, led by Judge Brislin. New CASA staff members and a new CASA interpreter were also sworn in. The swearing-in ceremony is the final step in becoming a CASA volunteer. Each one completed a 30-hour pre-service training, also held virtually during the pandemic.

CASA volunteers are regular people who are assigned by judges to cases involving child abuse and neglect. They visit the children regularly, interview adults involved in the children's lives, and then write reports for the judge. Those reports provide a comprehensive picture of what's going on in a child's life and helps the judge make better-informed decisions. Children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to receive services they need and less likely to be moved around during the case. And they're more likely to be placed in a permanent, safe home sooner.

Judge Brislin said the reports she gets from CASA volunteers are always thorough and focused on "the most important thing" — what is best for the children.

"It really helps us to improve the quality of life for these kids," she said. "And without you guys, we could not do that."

Judge Brislin told the new volunteers that she's seen how outcomes for kids are greatly improved when they have a CASA volunteer on their case.

"It's going to be something that enriches not only the kids' lives that you're going to be working with, but it's going to enrich your life, as well."

Jason Walton’s connection to CASA programs goes back a long way. One of CASA of Lexington’s newest board members is also the son of Todd Walton, a judge who implemented a CASA program for the 19th Judicial District decades ago.

Jason, who is now CEO of Momentum Construction, said he learned about what CASA volunteers do back when his dad was overseeing the creation of the northern Kentucky program in 1998.

“I soon began volunteering time, building a playhouse to be auctioned for fundraising,” he said. “Over the years, I attended CASA galas and heard many testimonies of CASA’s importance to children’s legal navigation and representation. Later, I become a CASA board member in Judicial District 19.”

Jason is married to Amy and the couple have four kids, Addison, Talan, Anderson and Heartly. His term on the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors began on July 1.

CASA of Lexington helped change the stories of 625 abused and neglected children last year. Our volunteers aren’t just an important piece of that work, they are the heart and soul of what we do! They are also the best chance we have to serve even more children this year and next. The best way to find more people to serve as CASA volunteers is through our existing volunteers.

If each CASA of Lexington volunteer recruited just one more person to go through our training and become a CASA volunteer, we could double the number of children served. Can you imagine if 1,200 children benefited next year from having a CASA volunteer? It would be a truly incredible impact — far beyond what any one of us could do. But it is possible if we work together, and it all starts with one.

We’re launching this One-to-One Volunteer Recruitment Campaign to try and turn the possibility of that incredible impact into a reality. We’ll be sharing progress as we go on how many new volunteers our current volunteers help us recruit, and celebrating our successes together!

Our new recruitment tips sheet is available for volunteers here, and CASA of Lexington is ready to help with recruitment 24/7. When a volunteer recruits a prospective volunteer, they will be entered in a monthly recruitment prize drawing. Email info@casaoflexington.org for more information or with any questions.

CASA of Lexington has earned the 2020 Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, a leading nonprofit reporting company.

CASA received the designation because it provides in-depth financial information, as well as information about its goals, strategies, capabilities and progress for the public to view on GuideStar.org.

The information available through GuideStar is used by more than 200 charitable websites and applications, including AmazonSmile, Facebook and Network for Good.

You can view CASA of Lexington’s GuideStar profile here.

5K and Fun Run Will Be Held with Health Precautions in Place

Lexington, Ky. (Aug. 25,2020) - The 8th annual CASA Superhero Run is changing course, literally, to keep everyone safe during the pandemic.

The fun and magical event on Sept. 5 will still feature superheroes, super pets, prizes, giveaways and two running/walking events. But it will now be held at CASA of Lexington's office on Loch Ness Drive. The children's 1K will now be a short fun run in CASA of Lexington's parking lot; and the Superhero 5K will be run on the sidewalks and roads in the neighborhood.

CASA of Lexington has a state-approved plan for holding the event safely, which includes the following measures:

• Masks will be required at all times except for participants during the 5K and fun run events.

• There will be no day-of registration for the running events. Participants must register at lexsuperherorun.com by Sept. 2 or during packet pickup at the CASA of Lexington office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr., between 4 and 6 p.m. on Sept. 3 and 4.

• There will be no festival component and everyone will be asked to maintain safe social distances.

• The entire event will be held outside. Individual restrooms with hand-washing stations will be available.

• One self-serve water station will be available along the 5K course, and pre-bagged food and drink will be available at the finish line.

CASA of Lexington moved the event to its office to accommodate lower attendance levels due to the pandemic. Chip timing will not be available, but there will be clock timing for those who want to keep track of their performance on this unique 5K route.

The 5K begins in CASA of Lexington's parking lot, then loops around the South Park mall. After that, the race take runners down East Reynolds Road to the Crossroads Plaza shopping center on Reynolds Road. The route loops back by the CASA office again before taking runners out to Landsdowne Drive. The route wraps up back at the CASA office.

The children's fun run will still be held at 8:30 a.m.; and the 5K will begin at 9 a.m. The event still includes photo ops with superheroes, music, prizes and giveaways. Pets that come dressed up can win prizes from the Local Barkery.

Registration is open through Sept. 2 at www.lexsuperherorun.com. Packet pickup and in-person registration will be available at CASA of Lexington’s office from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 3 and 4.

Virtual registration is also available for those who would like to participate and support CASA of Lexington without attending in-person. Virtual participants are encouraged to post photos of themselves running and in their superhero costumes on social media using the hashtag #LexSuperheroRun.

IF YOU GO

What: CASA Superhero Run 5K and Fun Run

When: Sept. 5, 2020; children's fun run begins at 8:30 a.m. and 5K begins at 9 a.m.

Where: CASA of Lexington, 3245 Loch Ness Dr., Lexington, KY 40517

Registration: Registration is required by Sept. 2 for 5K and fun run races. Register online at www.lexsuperherorun.com until Sept. 2 or during packet pickup at CASA of Lexington between 4 and 6 p.m. on Sept. 3 and 4.

Social Media: Use the hashtag #LexSuperheroRun and follow @CASAofLexington on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Here are the 5K course directions:

Lexington, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2020) - CASA of Lexington has scheduled two additional rounds of online volunteer training this fall in response to a growing number of people who want to advocate for abused and neglected children.

The trainings will begin on Sept. 21 and Oct. 12. New volunteers will complete the 30 hours of work in November and then be sworn in as CASA advocates.

The new volunteers will be graduating at a time when the need for their services is greater than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has added stress to the lives of many people, increasing the risk for child abuse or neglect. Current pandemic restrictions, while essential for public health and safety, are also expected to result in a wave of new child abuse and neglect cases. As restrictions are lifted, more eyes will be on children again to notice when something is wrong.

CASA volunteers are trained observers who are sworn to confidentiality and appointed to cases of child abuse and neglect by family court judges. They develop friendships with the children they are assigned and interview adults in the children's lives. Then, they provide reports to the judge on their case that provides a complete picture of each child's situation, allowing the judge to make more informed decisions.

On one recent CASA case, a CASA volunteer identified a communication barrier for a child that was leading to behavior issues and proposed a solution no one else on the case had thought of.

"If it weren't for the CASA volunteer, I really don't think this would have come to surface as strongly as it did," the judge on the child's case said. "When I read that CASA report it was like a light bulb went on in my brain."

The child is now getting assistance to overcome the communication barrier and things are looking up.

"Thank God we had the CASA in there," the judge said. "The CASA volunteers bring a very strong voice and they bring our attention to things we need to be paying attention to."

CASA of Lexington's "guided learning" online training format includes seven two-hour group learning sessions held over Zoom, as well as homework participants complete before the group sessions. The training prepares participants to be effective advocates by covering topics such as child development, mental health, poverty, substance abuse, domestic violence, working with LGBTQ youth, writing court reports and understanding the court process.

Prospective advocates who want to start training on Sept. 21 should apply at by Sept. 14 at www.casaoflexington.org/advocates. This training has two time slots available: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 21 and 23; Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28; and Nov. 4.

Prospective advocates who want to start training on Oct. 12 should apply by Oct. 5. This training's time slot is 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 12, 15, 22 and 29; and Nov. 5, 12 and 19.

Court observation, a final interview and an official graduation ceremony, all of which will also be held virtually, will be scheduled at a later date or individually with each prospective volunteer.

If none of these times work for a prospective volunteer, CASA of Lexington is always working to schedule more trainings. Please call our office at (859) 246-4313 or email bkleppinger@casaoflexington.org and ask to be notified of future training opportunities.

The 30-hour pre-service training is often one of the biggest time challenges for those interested in becoming a CASA volunteer. The online training format helps make it easier for many to complete a substantial portion of the training on their own time. It's also a beneficial option for people who want to be an advocate in Scott, Bourbon or Woodford counties, because they do not need to commute to Lexington for training sessions.

MORE INFO

If you have any questions or would like more info, you can visit www.casaoflexington.org, call our office at (859) 246-4313 or email bkleppinger@casaoflexington.org. You can also like CASA of Lexington on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @CASAofLexington.

Our Volunteers of the Month for August are Jenn Cathey and Cheryl Rayner. Both of them chose to be CASA volunteers because they wanted to make a difference for kids in their community.

Jenn Cathey

Jenn Cathey understands the chaos and uncertainty faced by children CASA serves.

"The earliest years of my life were tumultuous, but I was saved from those difficult circumstances through adoption," she said. "From that day forward, my story was rewritten and it has meant a happier, healthier life for me.

"When I consider the time I invest when I work with children, families, and caregivers through my role as a CASA volunteer, I know it's a chance to impact lives like mine."

Jenn has been a volunteer in Fayette County since 2018. Her Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger said she was instrumental in ensuring an individualized education plan was developed for one of the CASA children she was assigned to, and she has been able to help multiple children obtain stability in loving homes where they can thrive.

"Jenn possesses a strong level of professionalism when in court and communicating with parties to the case," Liz said. "Her communication skills are excellent."

Jenn said CASA of Lexington provides a high level of support, training and resources that enable her to do her work for kids.

"I am proud to be working through CASA of Lexington to ensure victims of child abuse and neglect have a happier, healthier life, in a safe, loving home, free from violence and neglect," she said.

Cheryl Rayner

Cheryl Rayner just became a CASA volunteer this year. She was sworn in by a judge in February and serves children in the Bourbon County family court system.

"As a brand new volunteer, her diligence and attention to detail amazed me," her Volunteer Manager Beka Schwartz said. "Cheryl needed little to no guidance as she quickly built a relationship with everyone on the case, went above and beyond on scheduling visits and phone interviews, and maintained a very objective mindset."

Cheryl said she struggled for two years over whether to become a CASA advocate, after reading about the number of children in Bourbon and surrounding counties who were being placed in temporary custody due to neglect or abuse. There have been 299 petitions for abuse and neglect over the past three years in Bourbon County alone; and more than 4,500 petitions over the same period in CASA of Lexington's service area.

"Those rising numbers weighed heavily on me," she said. "One day I was in line at the grocery store and I witnessed a mother choke and scream at her toddler daughter because the child asked for candy."

Witnessing abusive behavior firsthand hit home for Cheryl.

"That day I decided to become a volunteer."

Beka said Cheryl's dedication to CASA's mission of ensuring abused and neglected children have safe, permanent homes, was evident immediately in her work.

"I assigned her a second case and her excellent work didn't waver," she said. "Cheryl truly puts her heart and soul into CASA and exemplifies what it means to be dedicated to our kids and community."

Maynard Crossland

Maynard Crossland is one of five people who have joined the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors this year. He is the President and CEO of Shaker Village, and he has also served as a CASA volunteer himself.

"It wasn't until I served as a CASA volunteer that I truly understood the depth of the problem facing kids today who are innocent victims of abuse and neglect," Crossland said. "My time as a CASA volunteer was one of the most rewarding times of my life, as it gave me a front-row seat as I watched a young boy who had endured circumstances that were beyond my comprehension or understanding find hope and embrace what was now possible for him."

Crossland lost both of his parents at a young age, and while he was not a victim of abuse or neglect, he said his experience gave him some sense of what children go through when they lose the stability of their permanent home.

"I knew the fear that invades the dreams of a child when growing up without the foundation of unconditional love," he said. "My success in life was built on the love and support given to me by many people who willingly stepped up to help me survive."

Crossland made it a mission of his to help children in similar situations.

"When I started college, I knew that I had to give back all that had been given to me," he said. "Through the years, I have mentored many children and teens who struggled with the same issues that I had to face throughout my childhood."

Crossland said the boy he served as a CASA volunteer taught him a lot about life.

"I am a strong advocate for the mission of CASA and I look forward to doing my small part in supporting all of you who continue to give innocent children hope for a bright future."

Supporters of CASA of Lexington can help us grow awareness about our mission and find more people to serve as CASA volunteers by liking and sharing CASA of Lexington content on social media, and by being outspoken about their involvement with CASA online!

Here are some quick and easy ways you can support CASA of Lexington on social media this month:

• Aug. 2 is Friendship Day, and CASA volunteers are great friends for the children they are assigned to. Watch for a post from CASA of Lexington and like/share it; or make your own post and tag three friends. Here’s a suggested post: Happy Friendship Day! I’m tagging three of my best friends to help more people learn about CASA of Lexington. CASA volunteers are awesome friends for the abused and neglected children they represent. You can learn more at www.casaoflexington.org.

• Aug. 17 is National Nonprofit Day. Watch for a post from CASA of Lexington and like share it; or make your own post. Here’s a suggested post: (link to casaoflexington.org) For #NationalNonProfitDay, I’m highlighting CASA of Lexington, a nonprofit right here in central Kentucky that helps ensure safety, stability and permanency for hundreds of abused and neglected children every year! You can donate to CASA of Lexington at https://bit.ly/give-casalex.

• All throughout August, CASA of Lexington will be promoting our 2020 CASA Superhero Run 5K event! Like and follow our accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and make sure to like and share our posts about the run so your friends can see what’s happening!

The federal VOCA Fix Act of 2020 would strengthen the federal Crime Victims Fund, which was established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984. Nationwide, CASA programs receive more than $56 million annually in VOCA funds.

In recent years deposits to the fund have decreased dramatically, which in turn has diminished VOCA funds made available to states; many of which are passed through to CASA/GAL organizations. The decrease is due to less federal fines and fees being collected.

The VOCA Fix Act of 2020 would add funding from deferred prosecution agreements and eliminate match requirements for VOCA state assistance grants while the nation is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The VOCA Fix Act was included in the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, which has passed the U.S. House. You can help push for further progress by contacting Kentucky senators Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell and asking them to support the VOCA Fix Act. Their contact information follows:

Sen. Rand Paul

Contact form: https://www.paul.senate.gov/connect/email-rand

Main State Office (Bowling Green): 1029 State Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101

State Office Phone: (270) 782-8303

Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 224-4343

Sen. Mitch McConnell

Contact form: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contactform

Main State Office (Lexington): 771 Corporate Drive, Suite 108, Lexington, KY 40503

State Office Phone: (859) 224-8286

Washington, D.C. Office: (202) 224-2541

Here is a template you can use as a starting point to create a personal message for the senators:

Dear (RECIPIENT’S NAME AND TITLE),

I am writing to ask for your support of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Fix Act of 2020. The Crime Victims Fund (CVF) was established by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 and is administered by the Office for Victims of Crime. The CVF is financed by the collection of federal crime fines, forfeitures and special assessments rather than taxpayer dollars. The Fund helps an average of 3.7 million victims of all types of crime every year. Court Appointed Special Advocate and Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) state organizations and local programs across the country benefit from VOCA dollars in the amount of over $56 million a year which help make possible service to nearly 272,000 child victims.

In recent years deposits to the CVF have decreased dramatically which in turn has diminished the VOCA funds made available to states; many of which are passed through to CASA/GAL organizations. The recent House passed HEROES Act includes the "VOCA Fix Act of 2020." This provision of the HEROES Act includes two important provisions. They are:

In addition to the existing funds deposited to the CVF, funds collected from deferred prosecutions agreements and non-prosecution agreements would also be deposited. This would increase receipts and funds available for VOCA State Assistance Grants.

Eliminates the match requirement for VOCA victim assistance grants now and for one year after the COVID-19 emergency period expires.

Please support the inclusion of the VOCA Fix Act of 2020 in the coronavirus relief package currently under consideration and help retain and increase VOCA funding to CASA/GAL programs across the country who serve children who have experienced abuse.

Thank you very much for your support of victims of child abuse.

Sincerely,

(YOUR NAME)

A new opportunity to become an advocate for abused and neglected children is coming up soon: Online volunteer training from CASA of Lexington will begin Aug. 25.

CASA of Lexington's online-only training option is helping people become fully trained CASA volunteers, even during the pandemic.

CASA volunteers spend about 10 hours a month on their assigned family court cases. They develop relationships with the children on their cases, interview adults involved in those children's lives, and write reports and recommendations for the judge. CASA volunteers are independent and advocate solely for the best interests of the children.

Through our online, guided learning curriculum, new volunteers receive 30 hours of training from our experienced Volunteer Managers, just as they would through in-person training. About 70% of the work is completed on your own time; and the other 30% is completed in virtual group sessions held over Zoom. Volunteers also complete their required court observation hours over Zoom.

There are currently two time slots available for the group sessions: 8-10 a.m. and 2-4 p.m. The group sessions will be held on Aug. 25 and 28; Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25; and Oct. 2.

A judge will swear in the new volunteers on Oct. 8 and then they can be assigned to their first case.

CASA cases end months faster on average, meaning children are returned to safe, permanent homes sooner. And children who had a CASA on their case are far less likely to have another disruption in their placement. Being a CASA volunteer can be hard work, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

CASA of Lexington also has an in-person training scheduled to begin on Sept. 8 at our office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr., Lexington. For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, email bkleppinger@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 484-6551. To apply online, visit casaoflexington.org/advocates.

The Kentucky Bar Foundation has awarded a $5,000 marketing grant to CASA of Lexington, enabling more advocacy for abused and neglected children in central Kentucky.

The grant from KBF will back a marketing campaign to increase awareness and assist with recruitment of CASA volunteers to serve children involved in family court cases in Fayette, Bourbon, Scott and Woodford counties.

CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers advocated for more than 620 children last year, but hundreds more in the local family court systems went without a CASA volunteer. Research has shown cases with a CASA volunteer are closed sooner, and the children involved are substantially less likely to see another disruption in their placement.

The KBF funding will be available for a variety of media purchases, including print advertising, radio advertising and boosted social media posts.

"Once they hear about us, everyone wants to help CASA of Lexington achieve its mission of ensuring every child has a safe, permanent home," CASA of Lexington Community Engagement Coordinator Ben Kleppinger said. "KBF is making it possible for more people to hear about us, which is great news for the children in our community who could benefit from having a CASA volunteer."

CASA of Lexington's grant is part of $250,000 awarded to more than 30 nonprofits, programs and initiatives by KBF in 2020.

Kentucky Bar Foundation online: https://www.facebook.com/kybarfoundation/

The 2020 CASA Superhero Run cape design

CASA of Lexington is excited to unveil the design of this year's Superhero Run cape!

This year's cape is a bright shade of cyan chosen by last year's top fundraiser, 10-year-old Ava. Capes are given out to every child who is registered for the Superhero Run’s 1K fun run by Aug. 5.

Ava said she chose cyan because it's a color from one of her favorite video games, Minecraft.

Ava is the daughter of CASA of Lexington supporter and former board member Bryanna Carroll, and has actually been the top individual fundraiser for the Superhero Run, presented by Aetna Health Care, for three years in a row.

Ava said she uses videos on social media to encourage others to give to CASA of Lexington — with some help from her mom.

Ava dressed up as Wonder Woman during a previous Superhero Run

"I'm her videographer, so I shoot her video, and then I post it on social media," Bryanna said.

"I fund-raise because I want children to have safe and permanent homes," Ava said.

The cyan capes are decorated with one of the event's signature cartoon horses and jockeys, created by local artist Rick McGee, as well as the logos of the event’s two Shield Sponsors, Hunt Brothers Pizza and Dan Cummins Chevrolet. Others who register later can receive a cape as long as supplies last.

Even if pandemic restrictions prevent an in-person event this year, registrants will still receive their capes.

Registration is open now for in-person and virtual options at lexsuperherorun.com. Early bird registration is $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 1K until Aug. 5.

You can sign up to be a fundraiser for the event like Ava and earn prizes for what you raise by visiting bit.ly/superhero-fundraiser2020. Prizes for fundraisers range from $5 restaurant gift cards and CASA apparel to a chance at free Raising Cane's chicken for a year and tickets to the next Lexington Comic Con.

Learn more about the run at casaoflexington.org/superhero.

Last Monday night, abused and neglected children in central Kentucky gained 20 new advocates who will speak for their best interests.

Pandemic restrictions didn't stop CASA of Lexington from training its first group of new volunteers through an online format. Those volunteers completed 30 hours of work and were sworn in virtually by Family Court Judge Libby Messer shortly after 5:30 p.m. June 29.

Judge Messer told the new advocates that judges find the work CASA volunteers do incredibly valuable.

"We are so appreciative for what you do," she said. "You make huge differences in the lives of children. I know this is a weird time ... but we appreciate what you're doing."

Judge Messer said CASA volunteers have been able to maintain contact and provide her with information even during the pandemic.

"The reports and information we're getting from our CASA advocates are so, so important," she said.

Kay Yates, Chair of the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors, attended the virtual swearing in and thanked the new volunteers for their dedication to CASA of Lexington’s mission.

“You are the backbone of this organization,” she said.

CASA advocates play a different role in the courtroom from attorneys and guardian ad litems. They are assigned to one case at a time, and they develop personal relationships with children who may have been abused or neglected. They become a stable, reassuring presence in the children's lives at a time when they may be removed from the homes they knew and feeling scared and alone.

The volunteers will serve as the eyes and ears for judges like Judge Messer, who serves in Fayette County in the 22nd Circuit Court. They provide written reports that often identify unmet needs of their assigned children and make recommendations focused on what would be in the children's best interest.

Cases with a CASA advocate assigned to them last on average five and a half months shorter, and children are 88% less likely to wind up back in court later on.

All 20 new volunteers repeated the oath recited by Judge Messer, and were greeted with cheers and smiling faces when they officially become court-appointed special advocates.

"Congratulations everyone," CASA Program Manager Jenifer Bahr said. "We're so excited and we can't wait to get you quickly assigned to your very first case."

John Looff

As an obstetrician and gynecologist, Dr. John Looff helped many children start their lives well. Now in retirement, Dr. Looff is continuing to help in a different way.

As a trained court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer, he speaks for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Fayette County family court system.

Looff has been a CASA volunteer for two years, and the work he’s done has made an impact — so much so that CASA of Lexington has named him one of its volunteers of the month for July 2020.

“John has gone above and beyond to ensure the needs of his CASA kids are met,” said Looff’s Volunteer Manager, Kyrsten. “The judge often comments how John’s reports give her the entire story, which she is grateful for. John has also formed a strong bond with his CASA kids. He is their first call when they have a question or need advice and he is always there when they need him."

Looff said he wanted a way to give back to his community in retirement and saw becoming a CASA advocate as a great opportunity. He said he’s loved the personal interactions with children and getting to be a part of their lives.

“I’ve found that just the smallest of gestures are so appreciated by the kids. I underestimated that,” he said. “I didn’t think I had done anything out of the ordinary. I had just been there for the kids. I think it says more about what the needs of the kids are and where they’ve been and what they lack.

“It’s just those real simple things that we take for granted that mean so much for them.”

Kyrsten said Looff has helped children by finding tutoring services, by connecting kids with clothing and food resources available in the community and by working with others to ensure his assigned kids remain protected and safe.

“John has made a huge difference in these children’s lives, but he’s so humble, he won’t take any credit,” she said. "John’s advocacy has allowed these children to thrive.”

Jennifer Rock

Jennifer Rock worked with children for the social services organization Bluegrass Impact before becoming a stay-at-home mom.

But she really missed working with kids who have needs and helping meet those needs.

“I just kind of wanted to get back in the game,” she said. “I really enjoy working with CASA kids and families — just being a support for them.”

Rock is one of CASA of Lexington’s Volunteers of the Month because of the work she’s done advocating for her assigned children.

Rock’s Volunteer Manager Mary Beth said there’s one word that comes to mind before any others when describing Rock — “tenacious.”

“She leaves no stone un-turned to help her kids,” she said. “She’s continued to see her current child in-person during the shutdown — they go on socially distant walks that allow them to talk privately. I think this proved important because Jennifer was able to continue to develop that bond when the child was isolated from other support systems.”

Rock said she works with others on her case, such as workers with the Department for Community-Based Services, to make sure everyone knows what’s going on. And her frequent contact with family members has proven useful.

“I feel like I probably know more about the case than anybody else does because of my contacts with the family,” she said. “It’s great being able to make any kind of a difference for a kid and their family if I can — even if it’s small.”

Rock said she’s learned firsthand that being a CASA volunteer really can make a difference in children’s lives. “I wish more people would do it."

Connie Harvey is one of five new faces on the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors in 2020. But she's not new to leading organizations to success.

Harvey is an experienced corporate executive and a board director with experience on public, private and non-profit boards.  She is currently an Independent Director of C.I. Thornburg Company, a privately held engineering company; she also served as an Independent Director on the board of Mettler Toledo International from 2015 to 2019.

She has served on the Bluegrass Community and Technical College Foundation Board since 2011, is a board member for Goodwill of Kentucky, and is a former COO of Healthcare Services for Xerox Corporation.

Harvey is joining the CASA of Lexington board after serving as a CASA volunteer herself for the past two years.

"I have learned the critical need for advocacy and action on behalf of vulnerable children and families involved in the foster care system," Harvey said.  "I have been very impressed with the CASA organization, the management team and, most importantly, the mission.  While it can be emotionally draining at times, when your CASA child finds a permanent home, it is incredibly rewarding."

Harvey, a native of Iowa who lived for 18 years in Jamaica before moving to Lexington, began her four-year term on the CASA board on July 1.

"I look forward to working with CASA of Lexington to achieve the vision of a community where every child lives and thrives in a safe, caring and permanent home.”