CASA of Lexington has named Barbara Phipps and Jane Bennington as its Volunteers of the Month for December. The two Fayette County volunteers have advocated for seven abused or neglected children.

Jane Bennington

“I have always known that there are a lot of kids who are one adult away from a positive future. CASA volunteers are often that one adult,” said Bennington, who has been a CASA volunteer since May 2019. “Serving as a CASA volunteer can be hard work, but aren’t most worthwhile things? It will tug at your heart and it is so worth it!”

Bennington’s history of involvement with CASA programs stretches back more than two decades, including time as a board member for CASA of Lexington.

CASA Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins said Bennington’s current CASA case is one of the more challenging cases she supervises.

“In the two and a half years she has been on the case, she has been the only constant for the children,” Adkins said. “They’ve had at least five social workers and each child has been in a placement that disrupted due to abuse or neglect by the caregiver. They’ve been in numerous schools where they’ve fallen through the cracks, but Jane has been there time and time again.”

Phipps has been a CASA volunteer since June 2020 and said she discovered the nonprofit organization while looking for a way to get more involved in the community.

Barbara Phipps

 “It has been a blessing to me to be a part of a group of people that care so deeply for children here in Kentucky,” she said. “There are far too many children in our community who need someone to advocate for them. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.”

Adkins said Phipps has been professional and objective as she advocates for a sibling set of girls.

“She has built tremendous rapport with the bio parents, relatives, foster parents, social workers and community partners,” Adkins said. “Barbara is a delight to work with and is a great advocate.”

Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers are trained by CASA of Lexington and sworn in by a family court judge. They are matched to abused and neglected children in the system, visiting with them regularly and providing reports to the judge that get results. Children with a CASA volunteer do better in school, get more of the services they need to thrive, and are far less likely to re-enter the foster system after they find permanency.

Phipps and Bennington encouraged more people to become CASA volunteers because there are not currently enough to serve all of the abused and neglected children in the family court system.

“If you’re worried you aren’t knowledgeable enough about the court system, don’t let that discourage you. CASA provides all the training you and you are surrounded by people who give you all the support you need to be successful,” Phipps said. “There’s a real joy in knowing you helped make it possible for a child to sleep more peacefully tonight, and even look forward to tomorrow.”

Jessica Johnston was introduced to the idea of being on CASA of Lexington’s board through a friend of hers who was already serving. 

“Once I found out what CASA’s mission was, I knew I had to be involved,” said Johnston.

Johnston has worked in Kentucky government for 14 years. She has been involved with CASA of Lexington since 2016, serving first as a CASA volunteer and now as a board member.

For Johnston, one of the best parts of being a board member is getting to share about CASA in her daily life. 

“It’s been cool to educate new people about CASA. Even in work meetings that are totally unrelated to CASA, I get to bring up  the organization and the impact they make. Recently I even met someone at a restaurant wearing a superhero run t-shirt and got to hear about how they had grown up in foster care and had benefited from having a CASA assigned to them. Those interactions and hearing the wonderful things that Judges have to say about the advocacy CASA does is very rewarding.”

Johnston would like to thank all CASA volunteers.

“Without them, judges, social workers, and GALs wouldn't have the information they need to make informed decisions about what is best for these children. Both from being an advocate myself and from being on the board, it’s amazing to see the impact of their contribution to these kids.”

CASA of Lexington has named Jackie Washburn and Stephanie Butler as CASA Volunteers of the Month for November.

CASA Volunteer Jackie Washburn

Washburn has been a CASA volunteer for more than five and a half years. She has advocated for 10 abused or neglected children over six family court cases during that time.

Washburn said she had previously served as a CASA volunteer and as she got ready to retire from her job with Toyota, she thought, “I’m going back to CASA.”

“I just missed it real bad and I wanted to help,” she said. “It’s fulfilling and you’re helping. I know the numbers of kids in need are going up. I’m making a difference if I can help a family.”

Washburn’s Volunteer Manager Liz Matherly nominated her for the honor.

“Jackie does a wonderful job of connecting with both the families and children in her cases,” Matherly said. “Most recently, she was re-appointed to a case she had previously been on, which had closed. The relationships she had built previously helped her jump right back in with the family this time around.”

CASA volunteers visit with abused or neglected children monthly, often getting to know them and their needs better than anyone else in the courtroom. The insights and context provided by CASA reports help judges make more informed decisions that get kids services they need and move them back into safe, permanent homes faster.

CASA Volunteer Stephanie Butler

Stephanie Butler is also a CASA Volunteer of the Month for November. Butler recently moved to Georgia for her husband’s job, but has continued to serve on her current CASA case.

CASA volunteers are asked to commit to serving through the closure of their CASA child’s case, in order to ensure consistency for the child. For some CASA children, their CASA volunteer is the only adult consistently showing up in their lives.

Butler’s Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger said she has gone above and beyond in her dedication.

“Stephanie wants to see her case through to closure and drives from Atlanta monthly to visit her CASA kids,” Noffsinger said. “Stephanie’s court reports are exemplary. She provides so much detail that the judge remarked she really feels like she knows the kids so much better because of it.”

Butler said she really enjoys being a consistent presence in her CASA children’s lives.

“The kids have been in multiple placements, had different schools, therapists, doctors …” she said. “I try very hard to let the kids know that I will always be there for them. It is so important for kids to know that there is an adult that they can count on.”

Both Butler and Washburn said they would encourage others to become CASA volunteers, as well.

“You cannot always fix a problem or situation. However, you can be there for the kids!” Butler said. “Knowing that you are helping kids and families navigate the system to get them as much help as possible and have the best outcome possible is the reward.”

CASA of Lexington volunteer Debra Gabbard, left, receives the 2021 Volunteer of the Year award at CASA of Lexington’s annual volunteer appreciation Fall Festival.

Debra Gabbard has been honored by CASA of Lexington as the 2021 CASA Volunteer of the Year.

Gabbard is a Lexmark employee who has been advocating for abused and neglected children since early 2018. She has advocated for 13 children across four cases during her more than three and half years as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. She has also recruited numerous coworkers and friends to serve as CASA volunteers.

“Debra is capable of handling strong personalities in complex cases with insight, patience and respect for everyone, whether that is a parent irritated about having a case plan or a relative placement with need for resources referrals or a child who wants to make sure the judge hears his concerns,” said Dennis Stutsman, Gabbard’s Volunteer Manager. “I am proud to have Debra on my team. She is one of the most capable volunteers who can handle two cases at once without missing anything.”

Gabbard learned about CASA of Lexington through a backpack program at Lexmark.

“I had been donating school supplies and didn’t know much about CASA, but that led me to investigate more,” she said. “I have done a lot of volunteering throughout my life. Volunteering with CASA is a commitment and I think that’s why it’s so rewarding. It’s not just that you’re volunteering for this particular day; you are committing to the program — you’re committing to the children. I’ve told everybody it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Gabbard was honored as Volunteer of the Year at CASA of Lexington’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Fall Festival.

Stutsman said Gabbard’s contributions to CASA go far beyond her excellent advocacy.

“Any time we need the perspective of an experienced CASA volunteer to teach new trainees, Debra is at the top of the list of ‘go-to’ volunteers. And she is always the first to step forward to help with any CASA event,” he said. “Debra has recruited so many new volunteers it is hard to keep count. And she still makes sure to support CASA in events like our Superhero Run. There seems to be no end to her enthusiasm for helping kids.”

Gabbard said she has recruited many other CASA volunteers by being open about how meaningful an experience it has been for her.

“I think Lexmark is very supportive of us and of volunteer opportunities,” she said. “I have a lot of really good friends who are caring people. I think it has been through a culmination of sharing what I have done with the people I work with and my friends on Facebook.”

Gabbard said one of her favorite moments from her advocacy work was when she was invited to the adoption ceremony for one of the children she had advocated for.

“It was amazing for me to be able to be a part of that,” she said. “… I smile when I talk about CASA. It’s life-changing.”

Gabbard said people sometimes are reluctant to get involved because of the tough situations many CASA children face — they don’t know how they would handle knowing about the abuse or neglect the children have suffered.

“But the truth is that it is happening. Regardless of whether you see it or not, it’s happening,” Gabbard said. “To know that you’re going in as a CASA volunteer and making recommendations for that child, and the judge is listening to you — the rewards are just so much greater.

“I’ve never done anything that I feel makes as much of a difference as what I do with CASA.”

New CASA volunteers are sworn in Oct. 7 after completing a 30-hour training class.

Central Kentucky gained 23 advocates for abused and neglected children this month. 

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton swore in the newest class of Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers on Oct. 7. The volunteers will be matched with abused and neglected children in five central Kentucky counties: Fayette, Bourbon, Woodford, Scott and Jessamine. 

CASA volunteers advocate for the best interests of children in the family court system, providing details the judge otherwise might not have and identifying children’s needs that have been overlooked. Research has shown CASA volunteers help children receive more services, do better in school and return to safe, permanent homes faster. 

Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton speaks to new CASA volunteers during a swearing in ceremony on Oct. 7, 2021.

“I often will read the CASA report first when I’m preparing for my docket,” Judge Masterton told those gathered for the swearing in ceremony. “It really frames my approach to the rest of it. It gives me a completely different perspective on the way I think about the case.” 

Many of the children CASA volunteers are matched with have suffered severe neglect or physical abuse. They may be living in foster care or with relatives while their case moves through the courts. Some have been moved among multiple placements in a matter of months.

Masterton noted social workers and attorneys in family court “are way overwhelmed and have huge caseloads,” which prevent them from developing the personal relationship with an abused child like a CASA volunteer can. 

“The only person who can kind of drill through all the noise is the CASA volunteer,” she said. “We don’t always agree on everything, but getting that vantage point is very important to me.” 

New CASA volunteers are sworn in by Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton, bottom right, on Oct. 7, 2021.

The 23 new CASA volunteers completed a 30-hour training before being sworn in. They will each be assigned to a Volunteer Manager, a full-time staff member with CASA of Lexington who supports them every step of the way. 

CASA volunteers spend five to 10 hours a month volunteering and commit to serve for at least two years, in order to provide consistency for the children they work with. 

Four of the new advocates have signed up to volunteer in Jessamine County, where CASA of Lexington just launched a CASA program this year. Jessamine County was previously the largest county in Kentucky without a CASA program; it now has 10 CASA volunteers ready to advocate for abused and neglected children. 

Three of the new volunteers will be assigned to cases in Scott County, which first added a CASA program in 2020, bringing that county’s number of volunteers to 23. 

Woodford and Bourbon counties each gained one new volunteer from this class; the rest of the new volunteers will serve children in Fayette County. 

“These 23 new volunteers could make a life-changing difference for as many as 60 children over the next year,” CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison said. “There are many more children right here in our communities who could use a CASA volunteer, but unfortunately we do not have enough volunteers to serve all of them.” 

CASA of Lexington’s next training for new volunteers begins Jan. 11; a full schedule is available at www.casaoflexington.org/training.  

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton

Fayette County Family Court Judge Lucinda Masterton has been named Judge of the Year by the Kentucky CASA Network.

WATCH: Judge Masterton’s acceptance video is available on YouTube.

Masterton was honored during the KCN’s Awards of Excellence on Oct. 1. She has been a family court judge handling dependency, neglect and abuse cases since 2006, and is planning to retire at the end of her current term.

“I am most privileged and most honored and touched — there aren’t really words to describe how taken I am with the honor that CASA has given me this year,” Masterton said. “I am thrilled that CASA believes that I deserve this honor, but the honor really goes to CASA. It is such a remarkable program. It’s service to the children in this community is beyond measure.”

CASA of Lexington Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins, who serves in Judge Masterton’s court, nominated her for the award.

“I’ve seen Judge Masterton be ethical and fair in her decision-making and doing everything she can to support reunification of families when it is safe,” Adkins said. “She is a proponent of CASA in our community, our state and our nation. She is highly respected and assists in training new judges across Kentucky. She was also recently named to the national CASA Leadership Council.”

CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison said Masterton regularly presides over swearing in ceremonies for new CASA volunteers and has helped raise awareness about the CASA program through the Kentucky judges’ annual judicial college, leading to more awareness statewide.

CASA volunteers are trained and sworn community volunteers who are assigned typically to one case at a time in the family court system. They visit with the child or siblings who have been abused or neglected, talk with adults involved in the children’s life, and review medical and educational records. In the course of their work, which takes 5 to 10 hours a month, they improve communication and identify needs of the child that may have been overlooked.

Children who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to receive services, more likely to do well in school and more likely to find a safe, permanent home that never disrupts again.

Judge Masterton recalled one case that stands out to her, in which a child was struggling with severe behavioral problems. The CASA volunteer identified hearing loss as a central cause of the behavioral issues.

“Because of the CASA, this child now has cochlear implants, is working with the Kentucky School for the Deaf, has tremendous services and his behavior has gotten better,” she said. “That’s just one example and it’s so powerful to me.”

Adkins said Masterton’s awareness of community resources and tireless efforts to get children and families services that can help them set her apart.

“Judge Masterton is nearing retirement and after her many years of service and her support of CASA of Lexington, I can’t think of someone more deserving for CASA judge of the year,” Adkins said.

Masterton said she is equally honored to have CASA volunteers available for difficult cases in her courtroom.

I really have to say it’s back at you,” she said. “This program is what makes my job easier and makes me a better judge because I have that voice of the CASA.”

CASA of Lexington has named Traci Irvin and Brandi Damkier as its Volunteers of the Month for October. Both have been advocating for abused and neglected children for about four years.

Brandi Damkier

"When I moved to Lexington 4 years ago, my cousin recommended that I become a volunteer," Damkier said. "Prior to that, I knew very little about CASA. Having prior personal experience in family court prompted me to want to help others navigate a system that can be overwhelming and scary."

A CASA volunteer visits regularly with the child on their case, often getting to know that child better than anyone else involved in the courtroom. The CASA volunteer serves as the eyes and ears of the judge on the case, leading to better outcomes for some of Kentucky's most vulnerable children.

"As a CASA I have been able to connect with children, teens and families that have desperately needed someone to guide them through the emotional and confusing path of foster care," Damkier said. "My reward is simply knowing that I am making a loving impact in their lives."

Traci Irvin

Irvin said she got involved as a CASA volunteer after she and her spouse closed their third adoption.

"My husband said, 'You have to find another way of helping kids besides bringing them all home,'" she said. "CASA has been the perfect fit!"

Irvin and Damkier were nominated for Volunteer of the Month by their Volunteer Managers, full-time staff who train and support CASA volunteers every step of the way.

"Traci Irvin demonstrates dedication in the time she spends communicating with her CASA kiddos throughout each month, and great love in how she advocates for them," said Gudrun Allen, Irvin's Volunteer Manager. "She does not hesitate to speak up in court and is not intimidated by the difficulties that may come up in a case. I admire her passion for this advocacy!"

Dennis Stutsman, Damkier's Volunteer Manager, said none of the cases she has worked have been easy.

"She digs into her cases and works relentlessly to achieve the best interests of her kids," Stutsman said.

One case involved an infant born to a severely addicted mother. She watched out for the child's needs as it was cared for first by a loving foster family, then with the child's biological father.

"Brandi worked professionally everyone — foster parents, maternal grandparents and the child's dad — to ensure that the child found a safe, supportive and permanent home with family," Stutsman said.

Both Volunteers of the Month say they would encourage anyone interested in helping children to look into becoming  a CASA volunteer.

Irvin said her faith plays a big role in her decision to serve.

"Allow the Lord to lead you, and if or when he does, never stop praying over which CASA case to take, praying over your CASA kiddos, as well as yourself as a CASA volunteer," she said.

Damkier said serving as a CASA volunteer can be a life-changing experience.

"You will become empowered and impassioned to help these children," she said. "Your heart will be opened and although you are serving them — you will get so much more in return. I encourage everyone I meet to consider becoming a CASA!"

As Volunteers of the Month, Damkier and Irvin will each receive a free session at the Lexington Salt Cave and a Volunteer of the Month magnet.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, the next 30-hour training class begins Jan. 11. CASA volunteers must pass a background check and be at least 21 years old. They volunteer for 5-10 hours a month and commit to at least two years of service.

You can learn more at www.casaoflexington.org/learn, by emailing info@casaoflexington.org or by calling (859) 246-4313.

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.”