CASA of Lexington’s one-week CASA volunteer training course will be June 27-July 1 this summer. New volunteers can complete all 30 hours of their required training and be sworn in by a judge with just five days of classes.

Classes are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, June 27, to Thursday, June 30, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, July 1. The swearing in ceremony for the class will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 1.

All classes are held at CASA of Lexington’s office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr. in Lexington. You can see which topics are covered each week at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

You can apply to be a CASA volunteer now at www.casaoflexington.org/advocates. After you apply, we will reach out with background check forms and to schedule an initial interview.

CASA volunteers spend 5-10 hours a month volunteering. They commit to at least two years of service, in order to ensure consistency for the children they serve. CASA volunteers visit the child or siblings on their case monthly, talk to adults involved in the child’s life and file reports with the judge, helping create better outcomes for abused and neglected children.

You can watch a CASA 101 video that covers the basics of training and serving as a CASA volunteer here.

Anyone interested in learning more Kentucky’s only certified courthouse facility dog and what CASA volunteers do to help vulnerable children is invited to attend CASA of Lexington’s special Walk and Learn with Matilda event on April 30.

We will be walking from the parking lot of Liberty Elementary School, 2585 Liberty Road in Lexington, at 9:30 a.m. that Saturday. The walk will be a loop of about 1 mile, but participants can stop and walk back at any point. Matilda and CASA staff will lead the walk.

You can ask questions and learn about what CASA volunteers do during the walk. Current CASA of Lexington volunteers are encouraged to attend and share their own general experiences (no specific case details).

This walk is part of the National CASA Association’s “Walk/Run/Thrive” initiative, aimed at raising awareness about what CASA volunteers do and how we can help children thrive.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP here.

Please note: Matilda will be in working mode during this walk and other pets can be a distraction. We kindly request only humans attend this walk. Thank you for understanding!

Pinwheels planted along Nicholasville Road in Lexington.

Blue pinwheels are brightening central Kentucky communities served by CASA of Lexington. We planted pinwheels in each of the counties we serve to help raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

In Fayette County, pinwheels are planted along Nicholasville Road, in front of Raising Cane’s inside New Circle. In Bourbon County, pinwheels are planted in front of the courthouse and the Paris city offices. Pinwheels are planted or will be planted soon in Woodford, Scott, Jessamine, Garrard and Lincoln counties, as well.

“Every April, we want to raise awareness about the problem of child abuse. But awareness is just step one,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “Step two is going from awareness to action. And one of the best ways you can take action is by becoming CASA volunteer.”

Kentucky has one of the five worst rates of child abuse and neglect in the nation, according to the federal Child Maltreatment Report. The state has been the worst in the country for abuse and neglect three of the last four years.

More than 1,600 children were abused or neglected in CASA of Lexington’s service area last year, according to data from the Administrative Office of the Courts. There are likely thousands more cases still open from previous years. In 2021, CASA volunteers advocated for 616 of those children.

Pinwheels planted in front of the courthouse in Paris, Ky.

“There are definitely more children who need a CASA volunteer,” Jamison said. “We have trainings starting regularly throughout the year for anyone who has a heart for helping children and wants to make a real difference.”

CASA volunteers complete 30 hours of training, which can be completed in-person through classes on nights and weekends or virtually through online classes. Then, they are matched with children in the family court system.

CASA volunteers spend an average of 5-10 hours a month volunteering. They visit with the child on their case monthly, talk to adults involved in the child’s life and review documents like educational records. They file reports with the judge at each hearing, helping improve outcomes for the children.

“A majority of our volunteers actually work full-time,” Jamison said. “Except for the court hearings, which you know about months in advance, volunteers get to plan their hours around their own schedules.”

If you would like more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, you can visit www.casaoflexington.org, email info@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 246-4313.

Briana Persley is one of three ex-officio members of the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors. She is the Director of Youth Services for Lexington's Department of Social Services.

CASA: How did you first learn about CASA of Lexington?

Briana: I learned about CASA of Lexington when I was a Crime Victims’ Advocate at the Fayette Commonwealth Attorney’s Office.

CASA: Tell us about your work/career.

Briana: I have worked with a vulnerable population of children throughout my entire career. Upon graduation from Eastern Kentucky University in 1997, my first job was at the United Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Versailles. I went on to work at the Manchester Center, a nonprofit agency that served the areas of Davis Bottom, Thompson Road Addition, and Speigle Heights. The Lexington Housing Authority offered me a position as the Resident Program Coordinator after giving them a tour of Manchester Center. After working there for a brief time, I was recruited to be a Crime Victims’ Advocate by the Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney, Ray Larson, where my specialty was residential burglaries and youthful offenders. I served on the Partners for Youth Foundation, Inc.’s board until I became the foundation’s Executive Director in November of 2017. This year, I was promoted to the Director of Division of Youth Services after Stephanie Hong’s retirement. I am excited to keep the torch of excellence lit as I oversee the teams at CASA of Lexington, Audrey Grevious Center, Juvenile Probation, and the Parent and Guardian Empowerment (PAGE) program.

CASA: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Briana: I enjoy spending time with my family, designing and decorating spaces, and enjoying nature.

CASA: What would you like to say to CASA of Lexington's volunteers?

Briana: Without you, children who are abused and neglected may not have a voice in the court system. Having an advocate to verbalize the trauma they sustain is a blessing and helps them be placed in permanent, loving homes. We appreciate all you do for kids!

CASA of Lexington has named Bonnie Savage and Maquel Sarantakos its Volunteers of the Month for April.

Sarantakos has been a voice for 10 children in the family court system over the course of nearly two years as a CASA Volunteer. Savage has advocated for three children since she began volunteering almost a year and a half ago.

"There are many special memories I have from serving as a CASA volunteer," Savage said. "One that stands out was when I brought presents to give the children for Christmas. The excitement while opening each gift and the appreciation each child expressed was very rewarding."

Savage also helped a child who was struggling with reading, and got to watch as his test scores increased thanks to her help.

"As one of his reading tutors, his increase in confidence was worth all the hard work," she said.

Savage's Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger said Savage has helped her CASA children discover a love of reading they didn't know existed before.

"Bonnie is a retired teacher and has been instrumental in helping her CASA kids," Noffsinger said. "She visits weekly and reads with them. They look forward to her visits and getting to spend time with her, and she makes it enjoyable for them."

Sarantakos is also retired from teaching and said serving as a CASA volunteer has been a great way to keep interacting with kids.

"Volunteering with CASA has allowed me the opportunity to spend time with kids who need encouragement, love, and support," she said.

Sarantakos' Volunteer Manager Rebecca Brereton-Farr said she goes above and beyond for her CASA children.

"She baked brownies and homemade mac and cheese for one child on their birthday and provided books the child had been wanting to read," she said. "The family's mother told me she felt overwhelmingly blessed that Maquel was going to be part of their life story."

CASA volunteers like Savage and Sarantakos complete a 30-hour preservice training, then spend 5-10 hours a month volunteering on cases of children who have been abused or neglected. They visit monthly with children, speak to adults involved in the children's lives and provide reports to the judge that help keep the focus on what the children need. Kids who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to get services that help with their education or the effects of trauma. They're also more likely to return to safe, permanent homes faster.

"To be a good CASA volunteer, you have to have a real love and heart for children," Savage said. "It is important to learn as much about their background as possible. I think it is necessary to be involved with the children in their academics, socially, and on all levels. Really listening to the children and learning their interests enhances your understanding."

Sarantakos said empathy, listening skills and the ability to be nonjudgmental are all important for serving as a CASA volunteer.

"Kids do not have many choices when their lives become unsafe, violent, scary, or chaotic," she said. "As a volunteer, you can imagine yourself at that age and put yourself in their shoes. My greatest advice is to love them, guide them, and be patient with the court process."

Diane Minnifield

Diane Minnifield is one of three ex-officio members of the CASA of Lexington board.

CASA: How did you first learn about CASA of Lexington?

Diane: I first became aware of CASA many years ago.  I have been a prosecutor in the juvenile division of the Fayette County Attorney’s office over 25 years. I worked mainly with juvenile delinquent cases but was aware of the Dependency, Neglect and Abuse dockets before we had Family Court established in Fayette County. I remember a friend asked me what could she do to help kids. I suggested CASA, she got trained and it was like a fire rekindled in her. I think she would say CASA did as much for her as she tried to do for the kids. 

CASA: Have you served in any other roles besides board member?

Diane: I have not served in any other official capacity for CASA, but as a prosecutor in DNA court I have the pleasure of recommending cases that would benefit from a CASA volunteer.  The CASA volunteers affords us (the courts) extra eyes and ears to some of our most vulnerable kids.

CASA: Why do you serve as a CASA of Lexington board member?

Diane: I currently serve on the Board as an Ex Officio member because of the job I have in the County Attorney’s Office.  While I don’t have voting privileges, I take my board membership very seriously and I believe the comments I have on matters that come before the board are valued, as I bring the in-the-trenches perspective.

CASA: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Diane: I enjoy relaxing with a good book or watching the Hallmark channel.  My friends ask me “why do you watch the Hallmark channel?” and I say, “I live the ugly and bad in the world every day in my job.  I like when love and happiness always wins”.  Also my family is a big sports  family.  Both my husband and son played in the NFL and I still enjoy watching the game, but now it’s with a more comfortable/leisurely attitude.

CASA: What would you like to say to CASA of Lexington's volunteers?

Diane: What I say to them every day in court: Thank you! The insight you shed in your reports connected a lot of dots for me. I can’t say it enough. When you work in this field, it’s a passion and your passion shines through. Thank you!!!

A total of 65 CASA of Lexington volunteers have qualified to receive the President's Volunteer Service Award for their work in 2021.

The PVSA award program recognizes the nation’s most outstanding volunteers for contributing large amounts of time to the organizations they support. Each CASA of Lexington volunteer who qualified is receiving a Bronze, Silver or Gold pin or medallion, as well as a personal thank-you letter from the U.S. president.

The number of CASA volunteers earning the recognition grew in all three tiers over 2020. Fifty-five volunteers earned the Bronze VSA for working 100 hours or more — seven more than last year. Eight volunteers earned the Silver VSA for working up to 500 hours, compared to two last year. And two volunteers gave more than 500 hours to earn the Gold VSA; last year just one qualified for Gold.

The Gold VSA recipients are Debra Gabbard and Brittney Thomas. Thomas has advocated for more than 45 children over almost seven years as a CASA volunteer. Gabbard has advocated for 13 abused or neglected children over four years and was also named the CASA of Lexington Volunteer of the Year in 2021.

The Silver VSA recipients are Katie Blair, Judy Kendall, Rita Klein, Heather Padilla, Judy Papania, Cynthia Phillips, Vicki Ritchie and Ruth Walker. Between them, the Silver VSA recipients have advocated for 66 abused or neglected children. They have more than 35 years of combined experience as CASA volunteers.

Two of the VSA recipients are also CASA of Lexington's Volunteers of the Month for February 2022 — Brittney Thomas and Heather Padilla.

"CASA has been a blessing to me," Padilla said. "I thank God for every opportunity to serve the children and families in Fayette and surrounding counties."

In 2021, CASA of Lexington had 278 volunteers who spent more than 18,000 hours advocating for the best interests of 616 children involved in family court. Their work includes visiting monthly with children, speaking to adults involved in the children's lives and providing reports and recommendations at hearings.

“Serving as a CASA volunteer is a significant time commitment. But it’s also incredibly important and extremely rewarding work,” said Melynda Jamison, CASA of Lexington’s Executive Director. “We are proud of the work done by all of our volunteers. Receiving recognition from such a high level is welcome and our volunteers deserve it. At the same time, they would be the first to tell you the real reward is helping children find safe, permanent homes and changing their lives forever.”

The PVSA was created in 2003 to “recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity,” according to the PVSA. The award “honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too.”

Heather Padilla and Brittney Thomas have been named CASA of Lexington's Volunteers of the Month for February. Both are among a group of 10 CASA volunteers receiving either Silver or Gold awards through the President's Volunteer Service Award program.

CASA of Lexington volunteer Brittney Thomas

Thomas has been a CASA volunteer since 2015 and advocated for 45 children, often serving on multiple cases at the same time. In 2021, she volunteered more than 750 hours, earning the Gold VSA by a wide margin.

Thomas said she first learned about CASA seven years ago at a community fair.

"I called the number on the informational flyer to learn more about the program and within seconds I was hooked!" she said. "Over the years my kiddos have taught me how to be brave and how to rise strong. ... While we as CASA volunteers cannot change the circumstances that brought these kids into the foster care system, we can change how their story ends."

Thomas' Volunteer Manager Dennis Stutsman said she always works her cases efficiently and thoroughly and has worked 13 different cases since 2015.

"I can always count on Brittney to be the most informed and objective person in the courtroom and know that her valuable volunteer work will be clearly documented," Stutsman said. "And she somehow still has plenty of time left to explore historic homes at Christmas, Break Out games with friends and experience what homelessness is like spending a cold night with police!"

Thomas said she is a big fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and loves getting outdoors for hiking, kayaking or Geocaching.

"When not outside, I am most likely being bossed around by two spoiled rotten dogs who sleep in my bed and believe they are tiny humans!" she said.

Padilla became a CASA volunteer in August 2020 and has advocated for two abused or neglected children. She volunteered more than 200 hours in 2021 and will be receiving a Silver VSA medallion, along with a signed letter of thanks from the U.S. president.

CASA of Lexington volunteer Heather Padilla

"My favorite part of CASA is the kids," Padilla said. "Being a small part of their journey, even just to be a smiling face or a listening ear — that means the world to me."

Padilla's Volunteer Manager Liz Matherly said Padilla works hard to engage people involved on her cases to ensure the children get the best possible outcome.

"She makes regular visits, checks in with both foster and biological families and ensures all information is gathered," Matherly said. "Her position has differed from others at different points in her cases, but she has worked hard to create open lines of communication regardless of differing opinions and treats all parties with the utmost respect and professionalism."

Besides being a mom to her daughter, Padilla said she has started a flower business called Wren and Rose Flower Co. with a friend.

"I am excited for spring and the farmers market," she said.

Padilla said she thinks it takes "a heart of service and a spirit of excellence" to serve as a CASA volunteer.

"You have to go in knowing it's 100% about the child and how you can positively improve their situation — both presently and long term."

Zach Brien

Zach Brien is one of CASA of Lexington's newest board members. He is a Regional Trust Advisor at Truist Wealth, helping people create estate plans and trusts. He began serving on the CASA board in July.

CASA: How did you first learn about CASA of Lexington?

Zach: I was an attorney in Western Ky before I moved to Lexington, and practiced a lot in dependency, neglect and abuse court including as a guardian ad litem. I loved working with CASA in that role and met Melynda at an event. When I moved to Lexington, I reached out to get involved.

CASA: Have you served in any other roles besides board member?

Zach: I served on the finance committee for a year before being accepted as a board member.

CASA: Why do you serve as a CASA of Lexington board member?

Zach: I have always had a passion for helping kids in need. Working as a GAL and family law attorney, I saw how effective and impactful a CASA worker can be. Kentucky has absurd abuse and neglect rates, and I wanted to serve on the board to help in some small way.

CASA: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Zach: I love football, camping and hiking, and most of all playing with my sons, Hardy, age 5, and Duke, age 3.

CASA: What would you like to say to CASA of Lexington's volunteers?

Zach: Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your work is critical to our kids and our state and the judicial process. You impact children and families for years after a case is closed, and I am so appreciative of your time, effort and generosity.

iHeartMedia Lexington announced community partnerships with eight local nonprofit organizations that address one or more of the following needs in the community: mental health, youth development and addiction. Beginning today, iHeartMedia Lexington will support the mission of these organization through the stations’ assets including on-air, on stations’ websites and on social media.

iHeartMedia Lexington will create in-kind media campaigns for CASA of Lexington and seven other area nonprofits. The last set of media campaigns will end in December 2022.

Each community partner will be promoted during a three-month marketing campaign based on their specific needs, including seeking volunteers, raising awareness and promoting events. iHeartMedia Lexington’s Local Advisory Board (LAB), comprised of over 10 community leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs, selected the recipients through an extensive application process. Additionally, the LAB identified the following key needs to be most impactful in the Lexington community: Mental Health, Youth Development, and Addiction.

“We are so excited for the opportunity to partner with iHeartMedia Lexington in the coming year,” said Haleigh McGraw, Communications & Brand Director with Girl Scouts of Kentucky's Wilderness Road. “Through this partnership we look forward to the increase in visibility and awareness about Girl Scouting in Kentucky. We can't wait to show the awesome work our Girl Scouts do through service and community action projects throughout our community.”

“iHeartMedia Lexington is committed to investing in the local community,” said Earl Jones, Metro President of iHeartMedia Kentucky. “It is important that we continue to use our reach to support organizations that are working to better our community and we’re excited to serve some of Lexington’s dedicated organizations.”

iHeartMedia is the leading media outlet in the Lexington market with multiple platforms, including its broadcast stations; live events; data; and its digital businesses and platforms, including mobile, social and its own iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s free all-in-one digital music, podcasting and live streaming radio service – with 3 billion app downloads and more than 150 million registered users.

About iHeartMedia Lexington

iHeartMedia Lexington owns and operates WBUL-FM, WBUL-HD2, WKQQ-FM, WLAP-AM, WLKT-FM, WLKT-HD2, WMXL-FM, WWRW-FM, WWTF-AM and is part of iHeartMedia. iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 250 million people each month. It is number one in both broadcast and digital streaming radio as well as podcasting and audio ad tech, and includes three business segments: The iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group; the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group; and the Audio and Media Services Group. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

CASA of Lexington has named Woodford County CASA Volunteer Mike Garkovich and Bourbon County CASA Volunteer Cheryl Rayner its Volunteers of the Month for January.

CASA Volunteer Mike Garkovich

Garkovich has been a CASA volunteer for more than two years and has demonstrated dedication to the children he has been advocating for, said Jeanne Box, his Volunteer Manager.

Box said Garkovich has logged hundreds of miles driving to see the children he is advocating for —a set of siblings who are all in different placements. The children have presented many complex challenges, but Mike found ways to make sure the courts were providing what they needed, Box said.

“In addition to working his case, Mike is always willing to pitch in with CASA activities — working tabling events and visiting the state Capital,” Box said. “He is involved in the community and is a great local resource.”

Garkovich said he learned about CASA of Lexington from a front-page article in the Woodford Sun. When he began volunteering, he was working for the University of Kentucky, but he is now retired.

“Making a connection with the kids and gaining their trust” is the most rewarding aspect of being a CASA volunteer, he said. “It takes a while to gain their trust, but you prove you are going to be a consistent (person) in their life, I think that’s what does it.”

Rayner has been a CASA volunteer since February 2020. She has advocated for four children during that time and has been “unflappable in her advocacy” for them, said her Volunteer Manager Gudrun Allen.

“She has developed a good communication style and is such a pleasure to work with,” Allen said. “Cheryl was also a huge help at the Pumpkin Festival in Bourbon County this year, enthusiastically approaching people about becoming volunteers at our CASA booth!”

Like Garkovich, Rayner said she learned about CASA of Lexington from an article in her local paper, the Bourbon County Citizen, when it covered plantings of pinwheels for Child Abuse Prevention Month one April.

CASA Volunteer Cheryl Rayner

“For me, one of the greatest rewards of being a volunteer is knowing I play a role in helping parents end a family history of domestic violence, drug abuse, child neglect, unemployment and being uneducated,” Rayner said. “By enabling parents to better themselves, I have helped them to take pride in their choice to change their lifestyle, and to begin providing a safe, loving home for their children.”

When she isn’t serving as a CASA volunteer, Rayner makes “barn art” from barn wood and tobacco sticks and works with her mom on her farm.

Rayner said the change she helps create as a CASA volunteer doesn’t happen overnight.

“It takes time, patience and compassion,” she said. “You develop bonds with your children and their families. Sometimes they will not like you very much; other times they will be thankful for your faith in them. Always be open-minded and non-judgmental of the conditions that assigned you to a family. You will really make a significant, positive change in the lives of your families.”

CASA Board Member Miranda Wyles

Miranda Wyles first got involved with CASA of Lexington when the nonprofit expanded to serve Bourbon County in 2017. As a board member, she has helped guide further growth and expansions to additional counties. She has also helped with CASA events such as Camp CASA, Bourbon and the Bayou and the CASA Superhero Run.

"I love volunteering at our events!" she said. "It's hard to have a favorite."

Wyles, who has been a financial advisor with Edward Jones for the past 15 years, said she knows that children in her own community need help, which is why CASA volunteers are so important.

"It's hard to imagine children in our own communities experiencing abuse and neglect ... we don't see it," she said. "CASA of Lexington is changing lives daily. Our CASA volunteers and staff are so amazing and I'm grateful to serve on the board to contribute in some way."

Wyles enjoys traveling with her family, spending time on her family farm and gardening in her free time.

Wyles said she is deeply grateful to every one of CASA of Lexington's volunteers.

"What you do is hard, but it is SO important," she said. "You are supported, cared about, and you are making such a difference in the life of a child."

Chauncey Morris

Chauncey Morris joined the CASA of Lexington Board of Directors in 2020, thanks to encouragement from his friend and long-time CASA supporter Fred Seitz. Both Morris and Seitz work in Kentucky's booming Thoroughbred industry.

Seitz, a former CASA volunteer, was already on the board when he told Morris it could be an excellent opportunity to get involved in the community.

“Being in the Thoroughbred industry, central Kentucky is where we are. CASA’s mission is to advocate and care for the community of Central Kentucky," Morris said. "Caring for the community is part of being a responsible corporate partner."

Morris works for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, and said he is committed to contributing to the community.

Morris said the most rewarding part of being on the board has been “seeing that we’ve built upon the good stewardship of the organization and have positioned it well financially and securely to achieve CASA’s mission in Lexington and to help it expand into the surrounding counties.”

He said he greatly appreciates the hundreds of people who serve as CASA volunteers with CASA of Lexington. 

“Your work is absolutely vital and appreciated by people you may never meet," he said. "It’s safeguarding that which will provide a lasting contribution to the children you’re advocating for forever.”

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.