Judy Cummins

Judy Cummins was first introduced to CASA of Lexington when her husband’s company, Dan Cummins Chevrolet, became a financial supporter of the organization.

She immediately took to the mission of CASA and her enthusiasm for serving motivated her to join the board. 

“(Executive Director) Melynda Jamison’s leadership made me want to be part of CASA," she said. "I have huge respect for her work and her drive.”

Along with getting to know the other board members, Judy has enjoyed getting to witness the work that CASA does first hand.

“The thing I have enjoyed most would probably be the court visit that I got to go on in Bourbon county. It was really amazing to get to see the work that the Volunteer Managers do in action and how effective they are," she said. "I also loved the judges appreciation dinner the past two years.  Seeing their appreciation for what the volunteers do has been really amazing.”

Outside of her involvement with CASA, Cummins is a stay-at-home mom and is on the Board of Directors with the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband, John, and her boys.

To all CASA volunteers, Cummins would like to extend her appreciation.

“Thank you so much for giving your time and helping to end the cycle.”

Shelby Howell is a CPA, a golfer, a cheer step-mom, and a dog owner but she still finds time to give to CASA of Lexington as a board member. 

She first encountered CASA through a work colleague. Her company emphasizes service in the Central Kentucky community, and Howell was hooked on CASA from the moment she heard their mission.

“Once I heard about CASA and did research, I knew it was an organization that I wanted to be involved in,” said Howell.

Since joining the board, she has remained an enthusiastic supporter of the work that CASA of Lexington does. 

“What CASA does and the impact they have in our service counties is genuinely incredible," Howell said. "CASA fills a necessary gap and can make impactful differences in many lives."

To Howell, the most rewarding part of being on the board is hearing about CASA’s mission in action.

“Learning about the differences that our volunteers have made for these children warms my heart.”

To all CASA volunteers, Howell would like to voice her appreciation: 

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your time and dedication to making a difference. Every single volunteer allows us to serve more children in need, so each and every volunteer is vital for CASA to make the impact that it does.”

CASA Volunteers of the Month for September 2021, Donna Gess (left) and Alyssa Conley.

Donna Gess was watching an episode of Dr. Phil when she learned about CASA from the show. She remembers feeling intrigued by becoming an advocate, but it wasn’t until years later when she retired that she was able to commit the time. 

“I thought it would be a perfect fit to continue to work with children since retiring from teaching,” said Gess.

This month, CASA of Lexington named Gess one of its Volunteers of the Month.

Since becoming a volunteer in February of 2020, Gess has worked with seven children over three cases. Her Volunteer Manager, Dennis Stutsman, expressed admiration for the grit she has shown working with each of these cases.

“Donna works well and objectively with bio parents, relatives and foster caregivers, whether the goal leads to adoption, relative placement or strengthening a family's ability to protect children remaining in the home,” Stutsman said.

“The kids keep me motivated,” Gess said of working on her cases. “I want to make sure they are getting the best that we can provide whether it be foster care placement, help with a problem in school, or any other concern they may be having.”

In her time outside of CASA, Gess enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two grandsons. She also enjoys needlepoint, reading, and going to the beach.

To anyone considering becoming a CASA volunteer, she offers words of encouragement. 

“The work is often difficult but very rewarding. It is difficult to learn about the situations these children have been put in and the things they have had to endure. But being a CASA volunteer can turn a child’s life around and give them a fighting chance at life,” Gess said. “Every child deserves to have someone who looks out for them and has their best interest in mind.”

CASA Volunteer Alyssa Conley feels the same as Gess. Conley was also named a Volunteer of the Month for September.

Conley’s introduction to CASA came her senior year of college, when a mentor at an internship shared her experience as an advocate.

Now, she has graduated and works as a youth case manager at the Kentucky Career Center. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, shop, and volunteering as an advocate with CASA.

“Kids are my passion. Being the voice for a child who might not have one is something that holds a big place in my heart,” Conley said. 

It’s obvious to anyone who hears about her case how much she cares. The case that Conley is assigned recently had some circumstantial changes, and Conley has been there for the children every step of the way. 

CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison praised her work ethic.

“Alyssa has developed a tremendous rapport with the school and the GAL, which has resulted in concerns being communicated to and addressed by the court,” Jamison said.

“My favorite part about being a CASA is seeing the child’s face light up every time I visit,” Conley said. “I have gained a new best friend that I know will leave an impact on me forever.”

She would like to encourage others to “take the leap,” and become CASA volunteers, and she shared a quote that helps motivate her:

 "When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower"

CASA of Lexington has been recognized as a Platinum COVID Stops Here workplace for achieving a 100% vaccination rate. It is critical that Kentuckians work together to stop the spread of coronavirus — including the dangerous new Delta variant.

Vaccination is the best way to stop COVID-19. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce developed the COVID Stops Here campaign as a way to celebrate workplaces that are leading the fight to stop COVID-19 — and to encourage more organizations to join their ranks

“The COVID-19 vaccine is Kentucky’s pathway to recovery. CASA of Lexington is helping set the bar for vaccination in Kentucky by achieving Platinum COVID Stops Here status — meaning 100% of their employees are now vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a great achievement and we thank them for helping our state stop this dangerous virus,” said Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts. “Employers are playing a very important as we work to encourage vaccination in Kentucky. In order to finally put this virus behind us, we need Kentuckians to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Together we can stop this virus, let’s make sure that COVID stops here!”

Learn more at https://buff.ly/2Xy5xp2

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton, bottom left, swears in new CASA volunteers at the CASA of Lexington office on Aug. 3.

Hugs have often been in short supply since the pandemic began, but they made a warm return at a swearing in ceremony for new CASA volunteers held at CASA of Lexington Tuesday evening.

New CASA volunteers take an oath of confidentiality Aug. 3 after completing their 30-hour training course.

Fourteen new Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers were sworn in at the ceremony, which was held in-person for the first time since February of 2020. Friends, family and CASA of Lexington staff cheered and congratulated the new volunteers after they were sworn in by Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton.

Over the summer, CASA of Lexington has trained and sworn in a total of 20 new volunteers, who will now begin advocating for abused and neglected children in family court. The volunteers will serve children with cases in Fayette, Jessamine and Scott counties.

First Jessamine County CASA Volunteers

Four of the new volunteers are the first ever sworn in to serve children in Jessamine County.

New CASA volunteers are sworn in Aug. 3.

“I want to put these new volunteers to work helping children as quickly as possible,” said Jeff Moss, Jessamine County’s family court judge. “They will provide invaluable information and insights into these children’s lives. Ultimately, they will help us achieve better outcomes for our children’s futures.”

Last year, 263 children in Jessamine County were abused or neglected, according to data from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Kentucky as a whole has the worst rate of child abuse and neglect in the nation, according to the most recent federal Child Maltreatment Report. About one out of every 50 children in Kentucky is abused or neglected each year. The rate of abuse and neglect in Jessamine County is slightly higher than the state average.

Six New Scott County CASA Volunteers

Four CASA volunteers for Scott County were sworn in by Scott County Family Court Judge Lisa Hart Morgan in July. Two more Scott County volunteers were sworn in by Judge Masterton Aug. 3.

Four new CASA volunteers for Scott County are sworn in virtually by Scott County Family Court Judge Lisa Hart Morgan in July.

“In every case where we have our CASA volunteers, I know we’re getting better information about our children,” Judge Morgan said. “I know fewer things are falling through the cracks. I know these kids are getting tremendous resources in terms of care. It’s making a huge difference in these kids’ lives.”

Judge Morgan said there are so many cases in Scott County Family Court that it often takes longer before cases can be brought back before her for review.

“Having CASA volunteers in place has really helped ensure that things don’t fall between the cracks in between court appearances,” she said. “We need as many CASA volunteers as we can get.”

Scott County’s CASA program launched in 2020. In its first year, six CASA volunteers served 15 children. That represents about 10% of the 145 children who entered the system due to abuse or neglect that year, and a smaller fraction of the total number of Scott County children with open cases.

‘It Was Just A Miracle’

Judge Masterton told the new volunteers on Aug. 3 that she has seen many cases where the CASA volunteer’s attention to a child’s needs made a huge difference.

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton talks to the newest CASA of Lexington volunteers during a swearing in ceremony on Aug. 3.

In one case, the CASA volunteer recognized that a child’s behavioral problems were tied to hearing loss. The child was enrolled at a school where they could learn American Sign Language and given cochlear implants. The child is now doing better behaviorally and will likely be adopted, Masterton said.

“It was just a miracle having that person who looked at the whole situation,” she said. “Nobody comes in other than the CASA to say what is really going on with this child.”

New CASA volunteers complete a 30-hour training course, held on nights and weekends. Then, they are sworn in and matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. A CASA volunteer visits with their assigned child regularly, talks to adults involved in the child’s life and reports back to the judge, providing a level of detail about the child’s life and what they need that isn’t otherwise available.

“There are hundreds of children in our local family courts right now who could benefit from having a CASA volunteer to advocate for them and only them,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “These new volunteers will probably make a difference for at least 40 of those children in their first year.”

CASA of Lexington’s next volunteer training course begins Sept. 7. More information about the training and an application to be a CASA volunteer are available at www.casaoflexington.org. Anyone interested in learning more or becoming a CASA volunteer can also email info@casaoflexington.org.

CASA of Lexington has been awarded a $60,000 Core Model Grant from the National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association for Children. Funds will be used to recruit, train and assign new volunteers to represent the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.

Work done under the mentoring grant will target key populations such as rural and opioid-impacted youth.

There are nearly 950 CASA programs nationwide, including 49 state offices, supporting volunteers who work on behalf of children in the child welfare system. Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decisions for each child.

The federal grant funds distributed through National CASA are provided by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, US Department of Justice, as authorized under the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 1990. In 2019, National CASA was awarded nearly $7 million in federal grants.

CASA of Lexington is the recipient of a WHAS Crusade for Children grant. The organization has been awarded the grant in recognition of the work CASA does for abused and neglected children in central Kentucky. 

The grant will go toward funding a Volunteer Manager position. Every Volunteer Manager position enables CASA of Lexington to provide up to 30 more CASA volunteers for children.

WHAS Crusade for Children has been administering grants annually for the last 68 years to organizations that improve the lives of children who have special physical, emotional, or circumstantial needs.

CASA of Lexington’s Executive Director Melynda Jamison, said “We are thrilled to receive this grant from WHAS Crusade for Children. Our Volunteer Managers work hard to make sure abused and neglected children have a voice and are able to end up in permanent homes where they can thrive.”

CASA of Lexington Volunteer Rita Klein

Rita Klein made the decision to become a CASA volunteer after considering it for a very long time. She wanted to make sure she had the capacity in her life to give the children all that they needed.

She heard about CASA through her co-workers at Lexmark, a company where many CASA of Lexington volunteers work. She has been serving as a CASA volunteer for just over a year now, and has advocated for the needs of six children over two cases.

Like many others, Klein learned about the impact she could have as a CASA volunteer long before she was ready to serve. 

“When I commit to something, I really commit,” she said. “I had wanted to be a CASA for a long time, but I needed to be in a place where I could give it my all.”

Klein’s Volunteer Manager Liz Matherly applauds Klien for her level of commitment.

“She is incredibly thorough, sifting through copious amounts of medical and school records for children who have been largely transient in their lives,” Matherly said. “She is truly an advocate who dives deep to understand the children in her case in order to best advocate for them.”

Klein said her main goal is making a real difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.

“I mentored through a church for a long time, but I never felt like I was really making an impact in their lives,” she said. “CASA gives me a real chance to make a meaningful impact, and I wanted to help break these cycles.”

CASA volunteers write reports for the judges on their children’s cases. The reports provide a high level of detail about the children’s lives, enabling the judges to make more informed decisions.

Children with CASA volunteers are more likely to succeed in school and less likely to be moved around and suffer trauma. They are also more likely to receive services they need and are often placed back into permanent homes faster. Almost 9 out 10 children who had a CASA volunteer never re-enter the foster care system — a rate twice as good as that for children who did not receive a CASA volunteer.

Klein said she encourages anyone interested to think about becoming a CASA volunteer because more volunteers are needed.

“It’s really a rewarding thing to help these children, but you need to be mindful that it will take some time,” she said. “It is a really good thing to do. You learn a lot about the systems we have in place.”

By Catherine Hale, CASA Communications Intern

CASA of Lexington Volunteer Kate Black

Kate Black is passionate about gardening. When I spoke to her on the phone, she had just come in from picking fresh blackberries on what she calls her “tiny farm” in downtown lexington. Black, however, finds joy in nurturing young people as well as her garden.

A year and a half ago, Black was encouraged by some friends who were already CASA advocates to apply to become a volunteer.

“I thought, I’m retired now, I have a certain set of skills.”

Black worked as an advocate in legal services for many years.

“I definitely didn’t know all of the ins and outs of child advocacy, but I knew from my time on UK’s faculty that I just really enjoyed working with bright young people. So I requested a case with teenagers.”

Black has been working on a case for 17 months, and in that time has seen two teenagers go from being withdrawn and failing classes to being placed in a home where they can thrive. Now, both children are earning top grades in school and are thriving. 

“I truly don't think we would've seen this turnaround in these kids if not for her dedication to them,” said Melynda Jamison, CASA of Lexington Executive Director.

“When I first met them, they weren’t that communicative with me,” Black said of her CASA kids. “Part of it was I was a new person to them, but they were also in a terrible home situation. It took a lot of time and investigation to begin to figure out what was going on. But the best part is working with the children and getting to know them. These kids have really had so little materially and in terms of guidance and yet they’re so giving. I love getting to see these kids harness their spirits, grow, and thrive.”

For Black, the most important part of the job is writing her reports.

“It isn’t the bureaucratic part I like. What I really like is trying to make the children alive and vivid in the reports, so anyone reading it can get a sense  of who these kids are and understand more than just the face value of their case. I want to make their lives meaningful to the judge.”

To anyone considering becoming a CASA volunteer, Black offers words of encouragement. 

“Don’t be nervous or scared. Be open to learning a lot. Be open to not knowing enough. Be open to the children you’re assigned to, and what direction they are trying to go in. Follow that instead of picking out the direction you want to go. It’s about them.”

CASA of Lexington Board Member Tim Schuler

Tim Schuler has a soft spot for kids, especially kids who have experienced abuse, and those who are just too young to understand what’s really happening around them. He sees serving as a board member for CASA as his way to make a difference.

“We as a community need to take care of kids and shield them from harm,” he said.

Schuler has been a banker since 1983. In 2019, a friend of Schuler’s suggested he put his financial expertise to work for his community.

“She suggested I join CASA of Lexington’s board,” he said. “She said I would not only get a lot out of it, but I would have fun, too. That all turned out to be true.”

Schuler has found joy in being a board member because of the mission of CASA and the people involved in the organization. 

“The people are wonderful,” Schuler said. “I especially enjoy watching the growth of the organization as CASA expands into Woodford, Bourbon, Scott, Jessamine and Garrard counties, spreading out to help even more children.”

In his free time, Schuler enjoys golfing, traveling, and reading.

Schuler expressed his gratitude and admiration for CASA volunteers.

“The volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization. They’re the ones face-to-face with the children and who are doing the hard work of advocacy,” he said. “We’re grateful for you and we would be nowhere without you.”

From NATIONAL CASA ASSOCIATION

Jessica Ramsey is a CASA volunteer in Lafayette County in Oxford, Mississippi. She is also an Olympic track and field athlete.

The world may know Jessica Ramsey as an American shot putter who, at the US Olympic Track & Field Team Trials held last month, threw an US Olympic Trials Championships Record to win the women's shot put 20.12 m (66ft.). However, CASA of Lafayette County in Oxford, Miss., knows Jessica as a passionate and dedicated CASA volunteer. Last week we sat down with Jessica to learn more about her, her journey to one of the most coveted athletic competitions in the world, and what it means to her to be a CASA volunteer.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. I grew up in Florida and was an athlete in school. I used to be a sprinter before moving to field events and ultimately focusing on shot put. While at Western Kentucky University I become a six-time All-American. Track & field has been a passion of mine for a long time.

Why did you become a CASA volunteer? When I’m not training or spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy working with kids. Before becoming a CASA volunteer, I volunteered at a crisis center in Oxford, Miss. Some of the staff introduced me to Erin Smith, executive director of CASA of Lafayette County. I fell in love with the mission. I want to make a positive change in a child’s life – and even the family’s life. It means the world to me. After my first case, I felt great. I immediately saw that I made an impact. To see a young child not have to worry, to be placed in a stable environment, allowing that child to thrive, was rewarding to me.

How long have you been a volunteer? I’ve been a volunteer for about 1 ½ years now. I look forward to more cases when I come back from Tokyo.

I’m glad you mentioned Tokyo! Tell us how you felt when you qualified for the US Olympic Team. I felt great. I felt amazing. I believe in a positive mindset and speaking things into existence. I always told myself I was going to make it. To actually qualify for the team was a great blessing for me.

What do you do to prepare for such an amazing competition? I focus on three things: 1) keeping a great mindset, 2) staying focused and 3) eating right. I make sure I always communicate with my coaches, and apply what they say when I train and compete. I’m also approaching the Olympic Games like any other meet so I don’t get overwhelmed by the size of it all.

Are there any similarities between how you prepare to advocate for a child or youth when you volunteer, and how you prepared for the Olympics? Being a CASA volunteer and being an athlete both require you to make sure you have all the knowledge and information necessary for the best possible outcome.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering? This is the best opportunity to have hands on experience with children and families that you’re looking to help.

What are you looking forward to (besides winning)? The opportunity to say I’ve taken gold at the trials and the Olympics.

Where can the CASA/GAL network find you on social to support you? They can find me on Instagram @_cheframsey. Thank you for all the support.

Join us as we cheer Jessica on through her Olympic qualifying rounds and hopefully her gold medal! You can find the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Track & Field schedule here.

The 2021 CASA Superhero Run cape design has been revealed. This year’s design features two superhero kid characters created by artist Matthew Walden on a dark blue background.

Every child under 13 who is registered for the 1K fun run at the Superhero Run presented by White Greer and Maggard on Aug. 21 will receive one of the custom capes. Registration is available at www.lexsuperherorun.com.

“These capes usually go fast and kids love wearing them at the Superhero Run,” CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison said. “Kids love using them long after the race, too!”

The Superhero Run benefits CASA of Lexington, a nonprofit that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who serve as Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers for abused and neglected children in the local family court systems. CASA of Lexington currently serves Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford and Scott counties, and is expanding to serve Jessamine and Garrard counties this year.

“The Superhero Run is one of our most popular fundraisers all year because there’s so much to do besides the 5K run/walk and the 1K fun run for kids 12 and under,” Jamison said.

The Superhero Run festival features free food for race registrants, inflatables, games, a petting zoo, face-painting, mini-train rides, photo ops with superheroes, a pet costume contest and more.

Early-bird registration prices are still available through July 21. Registration for the 1K fun run, which includes one cape, is $20. Registration for the chip-timed 5K walk/run is $30 and includes a CASA Superhero Run T-shirt, also featuring artwork by Walden.

IF YOU GO

The CASA Superhero Run will be Aug. 21 at WinStar Farm, 3001 Pisgah Pike in Versailles. Parking is available through gate 13, and the grounds open at 8 a.m. The 1K fun run for kids 12 and under will start at 8:30 a.m.; the chip-timed 5K run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. The festival will continue through 12 p.m. Registration is available at www.lexsuperherorun.com.

Roger Carbajal first heard about CASA of Lexington while working with another volunteer organization. He met someone in a meeting who told him about CASA’s mission and he knew he had to be a part of it. He has been involved at CASA ever since. Having served as both a volunteer advocate and a Friend of CASA, Carbajal said he found he could partner with the organization most effectively as a board member.

Carbajal said his time on the board has given him a more complete view of the impact the organization makes. Through the experiences he has had as a volunteer advocate on the board, he said the lens through which he views CASA has been enriched.

Roger runs Carbajal’s Garden Center in Lawrenceburg. Before returning to the family business, he spent 14 years working for the federal government. 

In his spare time he enjoys traveling, hiking, eating, and spending time with his dog, Bison. He also loves to play soccer any chance he can get.

To all CASA volunteers, he would like to say, “Thank you. It is because of the hard work of the volunteers that the lives of Kentucky’s children are made better.”

“Carry on the CASA mission and know we greatly appreciate what you do,” he said.We fully support each and every one associated with CASA. What you do inspires hope.”

CASA Volunteers of the Month Mary Geyer and Morgan Richardson

Seven years ago, Mary Geyer saw CASA of Lexington written up in the Lexington Herald Leader. Today, she’s just as excited about the mission of CASA as she was when she first learned about the organization. 

“It’s hard work, but it’s worth it,” Geyer said. 

“It isn’t easy knowing sometimes kids can’t keep living with their parents, but it matters that we find a way to work for what’s best for each child — to get them into a stable place where they can thrive.” 

She plans to continue working hard to see those resolutions. “It’s the progress that keeps me going. Seeing children get into better situations is what it’s all about.”

Cara MacLeod, Geyer’s volunteer manager, says, “Mary is an absolute delight to work with. She has a great amount of patience and is dedicated to her case. She has a collaborative relationship with service providers and works with compassion toward the family.”

To anyone considering becoming a CASA volunteer, Geyer says, “You can make such a difference in the child’s life. It’s all about getting a child out of a bad situation and into a healthy environment.”

Mary’s patience, compassion, and dedication are the reason she has been named one of CASA of Lexington’s Volunteers of the Month. 

Morgan Richardson was also named one of the Volunteers of the Month

Richardson has been a CASA for a year and a half and has cases in both Fayette and Scott counties.

Richardson found herself drawn to CASA after hearing the statistic that Kentucky had the highest child abuse rates in the country.

More than one out of every 50 children in Kentucky is abused or neglected, according to the most recent federal Child Maltreatment Report.Kentucky’s rate of abuse and neglect is more than double the national average, and the state has had the highest rate for three years in a row.

“I wanted to get involved with helping vulnerable populations. I was shocked to learn Kentucky had the highest rates of child abuse in the country.” She said, “I felt compelled to work with CASA because of my master’s work in social work.”

Richardson was assigned her first case in February of 2020. As a result, she was not able to meet in person with anyone. She said it was challenging to work a case without being able to meet anyone face-to-face. Richardson is looking forward to continuing her case work without having to communicate only virtually. 

“I am hopeful. I want to see what more I can do for these children,” she said.

Richardson encourages others to get involved with CASA. “If you enjoy working with children and you’re looking to be involved and help a vulnerable population you should be a CASA volunteer. Help stop the cycle of abuse.”

Gracie Johnson, left, and her mother, Jill Johnson, are a CASA volunteer team and the CASA Volunteers of the Month for June 2021.

Gracie Johnson grew up watching her mom serve as a CASA volunteer, advocating for the needs of children in the family court system.

“Seeing her passion for helping children who have been abused and neglected was so inspiring,” Gracie said.

Gracie’s mom, Jill, spent more than a decade advocating for the best interests of kids before she stepped down from the volunteer role.

“I really loved connecting with the kids, and knowing that I was doing something in their life that would make an impact and make their lives better and safer,” Jill said.

After Gracie graduated from college, she decided she would become a CASA volunteer like her mom had been. But she wasn’t going to do it alone – Jill was going to do it with her.

“I had a year before starting my graduate program and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get more involved with CASA,” Gracie said.

The two signed up for volunteer training with CASA of Lexington and were sworn and re-sworn in on Oct. 22, 2019. During their 19 months as a CASA volunteer team, the mother and daughter have advocated for eight children.

 “Working side-by-side with my mom as advocates has been one of the best experiences!” Gracie said.

This month, they’ve been selected as the CASA of Lexington Volunteers of the Month.

“Jill and Gracie have worked two cases very professionally,” said Dennis Stutsman, the pair’s Volunteer Manager. “They have been terrific at finding ways to work with relatives, and with parents with drug and behavioral challenges.”

Jill and Gracie both said serving as CASA volunteers together has been a very rewarding experience.

“CASA of Lexington is fantastic working with their volunteers and it is extremely fulfilling work,” Jill said.

Gracie said while she was initially worried about balancing her graduate-school work – she is studying social work -- with her CASA responsibilities, she has been pleasantly surprised to discover how “possible and fulfilling” the work is.

“Not only am I able to help the families I work with, I am also learning so much about resilience, strength in vulnerability and the power of advocacy from my time volunteering,” she said.

Fred Seitz discovered CASA of Lexington after he had been volunteering with another organization. He wanted to do something to give back, but he wasn't satisfied with the work he was doing.

"First of all, there was no training. So it minimized the responsibility of the job," he said. "After less than a year, I felt I wanted to do something more, something better."

Fortunately, he attended a luncheon where CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison was speaking about the impacts CASA volunteers have for kids.

"I said, 'That's where I want to be. That's where I want to spend my extra time,'" Seitz said. "So I joined, and I was an advocate for about three years."

Seitz now serves on the CASA of Lexington board. He misses working directly with the children, but he also enjoys working with the other board members to guide the organization forward.

"I enjoy making a difference in the lives of kids through the board and it's work," he said. "I also enjoy meeting wonderful people with something bigger than themselves in mind."

Seitz was born in the Bronx, and his family moved to a New Jersey farm called Brookdale when he was 5 years old. He grew up around horses. So, after serving in the Marines, he returned to horses.

"The day I got out of the Marine Corps, my wife and three kids got in a car and came to Kentucky," he said.

Seitz leased farm land and built his business over time. Eventually, he was able to buy a farm, and he named it after the place he grew up — Brookdale Farm. Today, he runs the Woodford County Thoroughbred farm with some of his children — he has two sons and three daughters, and many of them work in the horse industry, either at Brookdale or on their own.

When Seitz thinks back about his time as a volunteer advocate prior to becoming a board member, he remembers one 16-year-old boy he served who had significant issues.

"I was assigned this boy and watched him progress over time," he said. "It was wonderful."

He said he's thankful for the work all of CASA of Lexington's volunteers are doing for their CASA children today.

"Keep up the good work," he said. "You are doing great."

Fayette County Family Court Judge Libby Messer, center top, swears in 11 new CASA volunteers and two staff members over Zoom on Tuesday evening.

Eleven central Kentuckians were sworn in as volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children Tuesday by Fayette County Family Court Judge Libby Messer.

The new Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers will now be matched with children who have suffered abuse or neglect. They will advocate for the children's best interests, helping ensure the children receive services and are returned to safe, permanent homes faster.

"Thank you so much. CASA means so much to all of us in family court," Judge Messer told the new CASA volunteers during the virtual swearing in ceremony. "I know I speak for all four (Fayette County Family Court) judges when I say that you are one of the most important people in our courtroom. Your reports are always fantastic and you give us so much insight into what these kiddos need and what their lives are really like."

The new CASA volunteers completed a 30-hour training provided by CASA of Lexington prior to being sworn in. The training prepares community members of all backgrounds to serve as CASA volunteers. Once each volunteer is assigned to a case, they will spend 5 to 10 hours a month visiting with the children on the case, interviewing adults involved in the children's lives and writing reports for the judge.

"You spend more time with these children than anybody else," Judge Messer told the new volunteers. "We appreciate that. We appreciate your dedication and your willingness to take this on. It's difficult work, but it's absolutely worthwhile work and needed work and we're so happy to have you."

Last year, volunteers with CASA of Lexington advocated for the best interests of 583 children in the family court systems of Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford and Scott counties. Research has shown children with a CASA volunteer are more likely to do well in school; more likely to return to a safe, permanent home faster; and half as likely to re-enter the foster system later.

Unfortunately, there are hundreds more children in the family court systems served by CASA of Lexington who could benefit from having a CASA volunteer appointed to their case.

"These 11 new volunteers will probably help more than 20 children each year," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. "We need more people like them to give a few hours of their time each month. It's volunteer work that truly makes a lifelong difference in the lives of these kids."

Judge Messer said she hopes to see the new CASA volunteers in her courtroom soon.

"I can't wait for you to get started," she said.

In May 2020, just a few months into the pandemic, Fawn Torkelson took her first case as a CASA volunteer. She is one of dozens of people in Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford and Scott counties who have chosen to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children even as the pandemic has made everything more complicated.

"I was lucky enough to have a career in pediatric nursing, until I stayed home to raise my two daughters. I realized that I was soon going to have an empty nest and wanted to be able to volunteer for an organization that helped children," Torkelson said. "CASA of Lexington was a perfect fit for me."

Torkelson's hard work on her first case led her Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger to nominate her as a CASA Volunteer of the Month.

"Fawn has shown a phenomenal amount of patience and dedication to her case," Noffsinger said. "She has diligently collected countless medical records and school records and has developed strong relationships with the school counselors and the social worker. She is tenacious with her communication with a child in her case."

Torkelson said she has found it very rewarding to see how many people are working to help children and their families so that children can remain with their families.

"Judges, lawyers, social workers and so many amazing CASA volunteers and mentors all care and have concern for these kids and their families," she said. "My Volunteer Manager Liz is so amazing and comes at everything with such a positive attitude. She makes me feel like I have the most fantastic ideas, and really makes me feel like the work I am doing is valuable."

Torkelson said she would encourage anyone interested in helping children to look into becoming a CASA volunteer.

"I was a little intimidated at first with the possibility of writing court reports and speaking in court, but you really get to know your case and really can speak to what is in the best interest of the child," she said. "And if you are nervous about anything, your CASA Volunteer Manager is a great source of ideas and advice."

When Cynthia Balistocky and her husband moved from California to Kentucky, one of her requirements was that her new home have a CASA program.

"Being a CASA volunteer is a top priority in my life and is by far my favorite 'job,'" she said.

Balistocky, who served as a CASA volunteer with Voices for Children in San Diego, chose to live in the heart of the Bluegrass. She signed up to be a CASA volunteer with CASA of Lexington, and has advocated for the best interests of five abused and neglected children over the past two and a half years.

Balistocky's dedication and persistence in being a voice for vulnerable children is why CASA of Lexington is naming her a Volunteer of the Month for May 2021.

"Cynthia is incredibly dedicated to the kids she serves. She creates connections with both the parents and children on her cases," said Beka Schwartz, Balistocky's Volunteer Manager in Bourbon County. "What makes her an extraordinary volunteer is that she's always persistent and professional when working with other people on the case and travels hours to visit her CASA kids. She's never afraid to speak up in court to ensure her CASA kids have a voice."

Balistocky is one of 17 CASA volunteers in Bourbon County, who are advocating for 36 abused or neglected children. CASA volunteers are regular people who spend 5-10 hours a month visiting the children on their case, interviewing adults involved in the children's lives, and providing reports to the judge on the case.

Balistocky said she finds it rewarding "whenever I am that voice that made the difference for my children."

"The biggest reward is seeing them benefit from my advocacy and the subsequent thank you I receive. That’s what it’s all about," she said. "... The first time you see your child making a mad dash toward your car or you get that big bear hug, you’ll know you made the right choice to become a CASA."

Kay Yates is CASA of Lexington's Board Chair. She has served on the board since November 2015, helping lead the organization during many years of growth.

Yates is Associate Vice President of Philanthropy for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, which includes 16 separate colleges with 70 campuses across the state. She worked at four-year universities earlier in her career, but has been with KCTCS since 1989.

Yates learned about CASA programs when she was working in Henderson, Kentucky. After she moved to Lexington, she connected with CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison.

Yates was interested in being a CASA volunteer advocate, but told Jamison she would do better as a volunteer on the board right now, due to her work schedule.

"I can still play a role in improving things for abused and neglected children," even if advocating directly for children isn't the right fit right now, she explained.

Yates said she does plan to become a volunteer advocate in the future, once she reaches retirement.

"I really do think that what we do matters," she said. "It bothers me that Kentucky has such a high rate of child abuse and neglect."

Yates' family includes one daughter, two granddaughters and two sisters, as well as some nieces and nephews.

To all of CASA of Lexington's volunteers, Yates had this to say: "Thank you, thank you, thank you! You perform a tremendous service. Without our dedicated volunteers, there would be no CASA. I have the utmost respect for the staff, as well as all of our volunteers."