Family Court Judge Jeff Moss swears in the newest CASA volunteers serving Lincoln and Garrard counties, Megan Huston and Tahitiana Chaffin.

Lincoln and Garrard counties added two more CASA volunteers this month, as the local CASA program continues to grow at a remarkable rate.

Tahitiana Chaffin and Megan Huston were sworn in by Family Court Judge Jeff Moss last week, after they completed their training. The two can now be matched with children in the local family court system who need someone to speak up for their best interests.

Moss said CASA volunteers can help transform the outcomes of cases for kids, in large part because they provide regular perspectives and information about kids' daily lives that can often be missing from court hearings.

"CASA gives me what I feel like is a common-sense perspective," he said. "My case workers all have more cases than their recommended case loads. And CASA volunteers typically get one case."

Last year in Lincoln and Garrard counties, there were 240 children who suffered abuse or neglect. Those children get thrown into the family court system, where attorneys, parents, social workers and judges work to decide what should happen with them.

Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers visit with the children in these cases and get to know them usually better than anyone else in the courtroom. They speak up for what the children need and prevent them from falling through the cracks.

"We are so happy to be adding two more CASA volunteers for Lincoln and Garrard kids," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of the CASA program. "We served 34 kids with 21 advocates last year, and we are only going to grow from there."

CASA volunteers spend about 5-10 hours per month visiting their children, learning about their lives and writing court reports. Children who receive a CASA volunteer receive more services, do better in school and are more likely to return to safe, permanent homes.

If you would like to become a CASA volunteer, you can call the Lincoln and Garrard CASA office at (606) 442-1355 or learn more by visiting www.casaoflexington.org.

CASA Volunteer Cristy Lester-Dunn

Cristy Lester-Dunn is not someone who looks away when something is wrong. She looks straight at the problem and does whatever she can to fix it.

That’s why she serves on multiple boards focused on child advocacy, legislation and community initiatives. She believes in being involved in making her community better and modeling that belief for others.

That’s why she serves as a CASA volunteer, advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the local family court system.

“Not every child goes home from school to a welcoming household. Not every child goes home to a hot meal. Not every child resides in a safe environment,” Lester-Dunn said. “It is all of our responsibility to support and protect all children, because they are our future.”

Lester-Dunn began serving as a CASA volunteer in the middle of the pandemic. She has now advocated for five children in almost four years doing the important work. She is a CASA Volunteer of the Month for September because of her dedication to the children in a particularly difficult case.

“Cristy must not get motion sick, because we have gone through this roller-coaster ride at high speed and she hasn’t gotten off,” said Rebecca Brereton-Farr, her Volunteer Manager.

Volunteer Managers are full-time CASA staff who provide guidance and support to their CASA volunteers. The volunteers each spend roughly 5-10 hours a month visiting their CASA children, learning about their children’s lives and writing reports that give everyone on the case a much better understanding of what the children need.

“Cristy has experienced heartbreak in this case, but even in those hard times, she turns to me and says, ‘But here is what we do for them next. Here is how we move forward for the children,” Brereton-Farr said. “She shows nothing but resilience and determination to do what is best for the children at all times.”

Lester-Dunn said she volunteers because children in the family court system face so much uncertainty and trauma.

“By volunteering, I can offer them stability, support, and a caring presence during a challenging time in their lives,” she said. “I take my presence in court advocating for these children seriously and I do what I can to not only make recommendations, but to encourage others to feel what the child is feeling.”

In CASA of Lexington’s service area, there are currently only enough CASA volunteers for about one out of every five abused or neglected children in the system. Those who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to do well in school and return to safe, permanent homes that do not disrupt again.

Lester-Dunn said the decision to become a CASA volunteer is not one to take lightly. But she hopes people remember there are children right now who do not have a voice, whose needs are being over-looked.

“Put yourself in their shoes. Consider the impact there would be if someone would speak up for you,” she said. “A drop of hope makes ripples that can change a life. If you have that passion and you want to make a difference, give it a try. CASA offers a lot of support to our volunteers.”

To become a CASA volunteer, you can apply at www.casaoflexington.org. Every new CASA volunteer completes a 30-hour training course and background checks before being assigned to a child’s case. Trainings are offered in-person and virtually regularly throughout the year.

CASA Volunteer Susan Bukowski

It took a while before Susan Bukowski was in the right place in her life to become a CASA volunteer. But now that she is, she has discovered a volunteer experience with depth, which enables her to have a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

Bukowski first learned about CASA volunteers years ago, when a volunteer spoke about their experiences at a local trivia night event.

“I listened to the volunteer who spoke, but I couldn’t see myself in court,” she said.

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children in family court cases. They visit and develop friendships with the children, then provide a regular person’s perspective on the child’s life for the judge and others on the case. CASA volunteers help ensure their children’s needs are being met and that everyone is focused on getting them back into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Fast-forward to 2022 and Bukowski had more free time on her hands and was looking for a meaningful volunteer position.

“My faith is what truly pushed me to move forward with this,” she said.

As she began CASA volunteer training, Bukowski said she was unsure how she would build relationships with the children. But after the training and with the support of her Volunteer Manager, she has found success repeatedly in connecting with the kids she serves.

“I have built relationships with three teens while serving for the past 16 months,” she said. “As a CASA, you start caring about these kids and want the best for them despite difficult circumstances. I love being an advocate for them, hoping for their best futures.”

Heather Porter was Bukowski’s Volunteer Manager on her most recent case. She nominated Bukowski to receive a Volunteer of the Month honor this September because of her hard work.

“Susan’s honest, direct approach and continual presence has helped her build trust and connection with teens. She meets the kids where they are and encourages them according to their needs,” Porter said. “This direct but empathetic approach has also helped her collaborate with social workers and foster parents to effectively advocate for the kids’ needs in court.”

Bukowski said she loves the support she receives from Porter and the rest of the CASA staff because it has helped her be effective in her volunteer role.

“This volunteer position is so much more than filling backpacks or working at the local food pantry — not that those aren’t volunteer-worthy. I was looking for something with a little more depth,” Bukowski said. “If you are an adult and want to make a difference in a child’s life, this is the place to volunteer. You will receive training and will always have a Volunteer Manager as your resource. It is truly a rewarding experience and so many kids need us!”

CASA Volunteer Cindy Budek

Cindy Budek spent 40 years working with kids as a pediatric nurse practitioner at a hospital in Chicago. She dedicated her career to helping kids, including those with complex problems.

Now that she has retired and moved to Lexington, Ky., she is still helping kids in a different way: as a CASA volunteer.

The hours are much easier – it takes just five to 10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. But she can still change the course of a child’s life by being a consistent presence in their life and advocating for their needs.

“I wanted to try and find something to keep me busy and to use the skills I have. And I just really wanted to still be in contact with kids and their families,” Budek said. “I have so enjoyed being a CASA volunteer. I’m just starting my second case now.”

On Budek’s first case, she got to witness a child being reunified with her mom.

“It was just a beautiful experience seeing her mom do a 180 and get her life together,” she said. “I think in court, they were ready to give her a standing ovation for working so hard to bring her daughter back home.”

Budek visited the girl monthly and provided reports to the judge while that case was going on. Those reports ensured the judge knew what was going on in the girl’s life and verified that the mom really was turning things around.

“Knowing that hopefully, I am changing the course of a child’s life and giving them the opportunity to be able to grow and mature and be able to contribute to their family and their community is amazing,” Budek said. “Unless we intervene, things are going to be really difficult for these kids.”

Social workers and attorneys who work family court cases all have large numbers of cases at the same time and very limited time to dedicate to any one child. A CASA volunteer can focus on an individual child and often provide a level of detail about their life that no one else can.

Budek’s Volunteer Manager, Kyrsten Adkins, said she has now matched Budek with a new case that involves sifting through medical records to understand the children’s needs. Budek’s background as a pediatric nurse has made her the ideal volunteer for the case.

“She is a newer volunteer who has hit the ground running and is knocking it out of the park,” Adkins said.

Budek said serving as a CASA volunteer is very rewarding and she loves the support of Adkins and others who make it easier to do the work.

“You don’t know what your childhood experience is going to be,” she said. “I feel so blessed that I was in a family where I didn’t have to worry about food or getting to school, and I felt loved and supported. I just want to try to have as many other kids experience that as possible and know there’s someone out there who cares and wants them to succeed and have a great childhood.”

CASA Volunteer Michael Raulinaitis

Michael Raulinaitis is a single dad with two daughters, who have grown up into a nurse and a physical therapist. He works at the Toyota plant in Georgetown and likes to walk to the farmers market when he’s home in downtown Lexington.

A few years ago, he was looking for a way to do something that gave back to the community. He knew that life could be rough for kids when their home life is in disarray. Then, serendipity struck: He visited a booth at Lexington Comic Con promoting the local CASA program.

“It was then that I realized I had found a cause that fit for me,” he said.

As a CASA volunteer, Raulinaitis is matched with abused or neglected children. He visits the children monthly, gathers information about their lives, and provides reports that help get better outcomes for the children.

“I have seen kids go through the court system without a CASA or a voice,” he said. “I now see the impact that I have being an advocate for the kids.”

Raulinaitis has done great work for his current CASA kids – siblings in foster care whose future is uncertain as their parent struggles with substance misuse. Raulinaitis’ Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins said he works collaboratively with the others on the case and has always been a strong voice for whatever would be in the children’s best interests.

“He has worked many cases and he is a great volunteer,” Adkins said. “He is not afraid to speak up for these kids. He is exceeding all expectations.”

Raulinaitis said he puts a lot of his efforts into building strong relationships with the children he serves.

“In all of my cases, the kids are shy at first, but when they realize you are coming to visit them and see how they are doing, they really grow to appreciate that,” he said. “With the older children, they cannot believe that I am visiting as a volunteer because I want to help and support them.”

It takes about 5-10 hours a month to serve as a CASA volunteer. Every volunteer completes a 30-hour training class before they are matched with a child, and they are guided by a Volunteer Manager like Adkins every step of the way.

“I am blessed to be in a position where I can help and give back to some in the community who need the most help,” Raulinaitis said. “If you have any interest, go through the extensive CASA training to really understand what is needed to be a volunteer. At that point, make a decision whether it is right for you.”

New CASA Volunteers are sworn in by Family Court Judge Tiffany Yahr.

CASA of Lexington is welcoming eight new volunteers following its summer training class. These eight people will soon be matched with abused or neglected children in the family court system and begin advocating for those children’s best interests.

The graduates of the 2024 summer training class are Pat Bennett, Pat Dugger, Denise Henderson, Luke Murray, Jamacia Neal, John Overing, Katie Strayer and Jay Sudkamp.

“We are so excited to have you as part of the team!” said CASA Executive Director Melynda Jamison at a swearing in ceremony for the class. “We are out of volunteers in Fayette County, so the need is great. We need volunteers in every county but we’ve had to tell the judges here in Fayette, ‘No more cases until we get more volunteers sworn in.’”

Last year, 297 individuals served as CASA volunteers through CASA of Lexington, providing hope and advocacy for 681 abused and neglected children. So far in 2024, another 30 people have completed training. Those 30 may improve the future for as many as 75 children during their first year as CASA volunteers.

Family Court Judge Tiffany Yahr swore in some of the new volunteers. She told them that as they begin visiting their CASA children and getting to know them, they will learn about some heartbreaking situations.

“But at the same time, you’re going to see some really great things,” she said. “You’re going to see some families get a lot of healing and some kiddos that get good placements.”

Yahr said she regularly sees CASA volunteers improve the outcomes for children.

“A lot of times, I get advocates that tell me things the social workers didn’t know, or give me a completely different perspective on a kiddo,” she said. “That information is so valuable. The more that I know, the more I can make informed decisions.”

CASA of Lexington is enrolling new volunteers for its fall training class now. That class begins on Sept. 3, with classes on evenings and weekends in September and October. You can view the training schedule here, learn more about CASA volunteers here or apply to become a CASA volunteer here.

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CASA Volunteer Kelly Pack

As a child, Kelly Pack was a “state child” — she was briefly in foster care, then looked after by a relative.

“I know the system can fail people. It failed me,” she said. “That almost cost me my life. So I vowed to never allow that to happen to any child if I could help it.”

Pack’s cousin told her about CASA — a volunteer program that makes it possible for regular people to make a real difference for abused and neglected children. Pack signed up, went through the training, and now she helps children who were in the same situation she was as a child.

“The kids you encounter during your cases are incredible. The resilience in some children just amazes me every day,” Pack said. “The best part of the whole experience is the relationships you make. The relationships with the children; the relationships with the parents; the relationships with the lawyers and judges.”

Every CASA volunteer goes through a 30-hour training class that prepares them to be an advocate. They also get a Volunteer Manager who helps them every step of the way as they visit their child, gather information and write reports.

“My Volunteer Manager is wonderful. Any time I have any questions, she is a phone call away,” Pack said. “CASA is worth your time because it not only helps you learn new skills and helps you build confidence, but it also allows you to change a kid’s life.”

CASA of Lexington Executive Director Melynda Jamison said Pack has advocated for two children since she was sworn in as a CASA volunteer in June 2023.

“Kelly is a fantastic friend and advocate for the children she serves,” Jamison said. “Her lived experience gives her a valuable perspective and makes her even more effective at finding positive outcomes for kids.”

If you would like to make a difference for a child in foster care by serving as a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org to learn more.

Kathy Edwards has advocated for six children during two years as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer Kathy Edwards

Kathy Edwards is the kind of person who understands the value of teamwork. She also likes it when she can make a real difference in the world.

So when Edwards learned from a close friend about just how bad the problem of child abuse and neglect is in Kentucky, she wanted to be part of a team working to make things better.

“Hearing about the sheer volume of neglect and abuse cases was staggering, and the caseload for social workers overwhelming,” she said.

Edwards already knew about the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program because some of her co-workers were already volunteers through Lexmark’s Volunteer Time Off program. She signed up for CASA training and quickly learned just how effective the CASA program can be.

“As a CASA, I can focus on one case and one outcome. A 10-minute call to the school or doctor’s office can suddenly become the last piece of information needed to set a new course for child’s case,” she said. “More than any nonprofit I’ve been involved with, I know my time is making a direct and immediate impact on the lives of these kids.”

CASA volunteers like Edwards are matched with abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks with others in the child’s life, and writes reports that give everyone on the case the information they need to help the child.

“Developing relationships and building trust with the children in each case is critical to understanding their needs and knowing how best to advocate for them,” Edwards said. “The same can be said for establishing trust with social workers and attorneys. Getting good outcomes for kids is often a team effort.”

Edwards’ Volunteer Manager Rebecca Brereton-Farr said Edwards has been instrumental in uncovering information and finding ways to get better outcomes for the children on her current CASA case.

“I truly believe that the direction this case takes will be because of Kathy’s undivided attention to the best interests and needs of the children,” Brereton-Farr said. “She has been incredible to work with and her hard work deserves to be recognized.”

Edwards said she is amazed at how much of a difference she can make as a CASA volunteer.

“If people knew that could help a child return to a permanent, nurturing home faster just by being involved, most wouldn’t hesitate,” she said. “I cannot say enough about the CASA mission, its staff or the training I received! The reward is far greater than I ever expected.”

For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Garrard County’s first ever Farm to Fork gala will be held at the newly opened LockRidge Park in Lancaster on June 29.

The locally-sourced night of fun begins at 5:30 p.m. when the Farm to Fork market opens and music by Stoner Creek Shakedown begins. The event features a buffet of delicious food, entirely sourced from local businesses; giveaways; and a performance by the Kentucky Bluegrass Cloggers.

The menu for the buffet includes brisket from Marksbury Farms; buns, BBQ and pickles from Tallulah Farm; corn and sliced tomatoes from Vegetable Man Produce; butter from Boone Creek Creamery; pasta salad from Noodle Craft Company; ice cream from Taylor Belle’s; and cookies from Sugar Shack.

Tickets are $75 or $600 for a table of eight. Proceeds from this event benefit the CASA program serving abused and neglected children in Garrard and Lincoln counties.

This event is a partnership of the Kentucky Proud program, Garrard County Farmers Market, the Garrard County Chamber of Commerce and the Garrard/Lincoln CASA program.

Kayla Pelphrey bonded with her CASA kids, bringing some fun and consistency into their lives

Kids’ artworks hanging on the wall in Kayla Pelphrey’s office.

The art that hangs on the wall of Kayla Pelphrey’s office isn’t by anyone famous. It isn’t worth a lot of money. But it does represent an investment in the future.

Pelphrey’s office art was created by her CASA children: kids in the family court system who have suffered abuse or neglect.

“When I walk into my little office every day and see the coloring book pages and notes I’ve hung in my corner from visits, I think about the little smiles that created them,” Pelphrey said. “Those soft little smiles are something I know I’ve helped grow into great big happy grins of excitement — despite the situation at hand.”

Pelphrey has been a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer for six different children since 2022. She visits the children she is matched with regularly, getting to know them often better than anyone else assigned to the case.

Pelphrey provides a regular person’s perspective that is often lacking in court cases, which enables the judge to make more informed decisions that focus on what the children need.

“Being a CASA volunteer is one of the best things you can get involved in,” Pelphrey said. “It not only allows you to be a support for kiddos and have some fun, but sheds light on your community — the good, bad and ugly. Getting involved, understanding, and listening are the first steps to make any kind of change.”

Pelphrey is supported in her work as a CASA advocate by her Volunteer Manager Rebecca Brereton-Farr.

CASA Volunteer of the Month Kayla Pelphrey

Brereton-Farr said Pelphrey is a natural at engaging with the children she is serving. With one group of siblings, Pelphrey brought a stuffed toy dog to the first visit. They named the dog “Muffin” and Pelphrey told them the dog would come back for every visit, bringing along photos of what it got up to in between.

“The kids fell in love with Muffin and would run to play and cuddle with him when Kayla arrived for visits,” Brereton-Farr said. “She would tell them the stories of her adventures and show pictures.

“Kayla followed through on every visit and provided consistency, fun, and attention. At every visit, the kids would run to see and hug Kayla, with Muffin coming in a close second for hugs! And their smiles would grow bigger and more genuine with every visit.”

Pelphrey said she believes every child deserves to have positive experiences that stick with them into their adulthood.

“That’s something I always had growing up and something everyone deserves,” she said. “If I can have any little piece of helping to make that a reality for someone, it is time well spent!”

For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

One central Kentucky woman has improved children’s futures for 10 years as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer Judy Papania

Every year in central Kentucky, hundreds of children suffer abuse and neglect. Those children then experience instability and uncertainty about their futures as their cases move through the family court system.

One Woodford County woman has been making a difference in this system, one child at a time, for more than 10 years.

“I have had many different cases,” said Judy Papania, who has been a CASA advocate since early 2014. “The one common theme has been that the children did not deserve what they were going through. They were innocent participants and needed to be protected.”

As a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, Papania is matched with abused and neglected children. She visits them regularly, gaining a deep understanding of their lives. Then, she shares what she learns with the court, enabling the judge to make more informed decisions and get better outcomes for the children.

“It was my job to help protect them by following their medical, educational and social needs, and advocating for their best interests — how their lives can be improved today and also for the future,” Papania said.

Papania has advocated for 10 children during her years as a CASA volunteer. Her current Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lamb said in her most recent case, Papania has shown remarkable dedication to helping the sibling set for whom she advocates.

“Judy has faithfully visited the children in her case and advocated for services and stability for the children,” Lamb said. “She keeps meticulous notes and when questions arise in court, she is able to provide much-needed information to the judge. These children certainly have one of the most dedicated, passionate advocates anyone could want.”

Papania said she has greatly enjoyed being part of the CASA community.

“It is a great organization with many dedicated staff and volunteers,” she said. “It is definitely one of the most rewarding things I have done.”

For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.

Hundreds of central Kentucky children continue to suffer abuse and neglect every year. But there are also hundreds of CASA volunteers – regular people who volunteer to make things better for those children.

“New CASA volunteers are needed desperately right now,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “There are many children who need a CASA volunteer but cannot have one until we train more. We have the training available and the support staff in place to add several dozen new volunteers, who can go to work immediately helping these children.

“All we need are people with a heart for helping children.”

CASA of Lexington’s summer training class for new CASA volunteers runs the week of June 24-28. Classes are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday. Jamison said there are many seats still available.

“Our summer training lets new volunteers complete their required 30-hour class in a single week. Then, we match the new volunteers with abused and neglected children who need someone looking out for their best interests,” Jamison said.

Once matched with a child, a CASA volunteer visits the child monthly. The volunteer gathers information about the child’s situation and writes reports for each hearing in the child’s case. Volunteers’ reports can help get children more services, experience more stability and find safe, permanent homes fast.

CASA volunteers give 5-10 hours a month on average and commit to serving for a minimum of two years.

“It’s truly remarkable the positive change you can create with less time in a month than you probably spend watching TV in a week,” Jamison said. “Your CASA child may go on to live a far happier and healthier life because you were there to show them someone cared and advocate for their needs.”

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, you can learn more, fill out a volunteer application or view upcoming training schedules.

CASA volunteers who won 2023 Presidential Volunteer Service Awards pose for a photo with Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton, members of the Urban County Council, CASA staff and board members, and Fayette County’s four family court judges.

Forty-four of Fayette County’s most dedicated volunteers were honored for earning Presidential Volunteer Service Awards during the Urban County Council’s meeting Thursday.

The volunteers give their time to help abused and neglected children through CASA of Lexington. In 2023, the 44 award recipients combined to volunteer for more than 10,000 hours.

“Kentucky is among the worst states in the nation when it comes to the number of new abuse and neglect cases each year. Our family court system is filled with cases of children who deserve a stable, loving home, but are instead navigating a world filled with chaos and uncertainty,” Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton said during the presentation of the awards. “In 2023 alone, more than 440 Fayette County children had someone looking out for their best interests: They had a CASA volunteer.”

A record three CASA volunteers earned Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, the highest tier awarded through the program, for volunteering more than 500 hours each in 2023: Debra Gabbard, Brittney Thomas and Jan Colbert.

CASA volunteers Jan Colbert, Debra Gabbard and Brittney Thomas earned Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Awards for volunteering more than 500 hours each in 2023. Between the three, they gave more than 2,100 hours last year to help abused and neglected children.

Eleven CASA volunteers earned Silver PVSAs for volunteering more than 250 hours: Jane Bennington, Julie Creech, April Jilbert, Gretchen LaGodna, Nick Luddy, Elise Melrood, Cynthia Phillips, Barbara Phipps, Susan Schwalbach, Fawn Torkelson and Herb Toews III.

And 30 CASA volunteers earned Bronze PVSAs for volunteering more than 100 hours: Alex Allouch, Stuart Bennett, Megan Campbell, Barbie Carter, Jenn Cathey, Jane Crickard, Ava Crow, Kathy Edwards, Meredith Feiertag, Anne Flynn, Katy Grubb, Michael Hale, Jill Johnson, Anna Jones, Rita Klein, Kim Lyon, Tracey Meyers, Patty Overing, Heather Padilla, Kayla Pelphrey, Nancy Potter, Terri Potter, Pat Riddell, Rene Saner, Maquel Sarantakos, Sally Schneider, Jessica Schroeder, Dave Sevigny, Susan Stewart and Mary Woodward.

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month.

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system.

In Fayette County in 2023, 894 children suffered documented abuse or neglect and there were likely more than 1,700 children with open family court cases. Fayette County currently has enough CASA volunteers to serve about 25% of these children.

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can learn more, fill out an application and view schedules for training classes at www.casaoflexington.org.

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CASA Volunteer Peggy Entrekin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CASA Volunteer Patty Overing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CASA of Lexington has been given the Health Partner of the Year award by Heart of Kentucky United Way. The nonprofit received the award for rapidly growing the CASA program serving children in Garrard and Lincoln counties.

"Many have heard of CASA but do not realize all the work this agency does," said award presenter John Funkhouser during the awards luncheon on Thursday. "Today we are honoring CASA of Lexington, which runs the Garrard and Lincoln County CASA programs, for the intense growth in volunteers and thus cases they are able to serve. In less than two years, this program is now serving over 30 children, with 20-plus volunteers in Garrard and Lincoln counties."

Funkhouser shared how Heart of Kentucky United Way funding enabled CASA of Lexington to provide a CASA volunteer for one young boy who was experiencing environmental and educational neglect.

"(That boy) is now thriving in school. He hopes to be able to be reunified with his mother next year," Funkhouser said. "Congratulations and thank you to CASA of Lexington for changing the trajectory of our most vulnerable."

CASA volunteers are community members with a heart for helping children. They are matched with abused and neglected children in the local family court system. CASA volunteers serve as consistent, positive adult role models in children's lives, and as strong advocates for the children's needs.

CASA reports can help judges make more informed decisions, ensure a child's needs are prioritized, and help resolve cases with positive outcomes faster.

"We started from essentially square one in Garrard and Lincoln counties. But thanks to incredible community members who jumped at the chance to help children, this program has not just grown, but become the fastest growing CASA program for its population size in the state," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. "The level of commitment to helping children in need in this community is truly second-to-none."

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, a training class for Garrard and Lincoln counties will be offered at the Garrard Education Center in Lancaster starting on June 4, with classes on evenings and weekends. You can learn more about CASA volunteer training and apply to become a CASA volunteer at www.casaoflexington.org.

Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West, front left, presents Jessamine County CASA Volunteer Kellye Cole with her Presidential Volunteer Service Award at Tuesday’s Jessamine Fiscal Court meeting.

Ten Jessamine County CASA volunteers have been honored for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

The award recognizes volunteers nationally for contributing large numbers of hours to worthy causes. Together, Jessamine’s 10 award recipients gave 2,094 hours to their work with the CASA program in 2023, advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the family court system.  

Jessamine County Judge-Executive David West and county magistrates recognized the volunteers at Tuesday’s fiscal court meeting. They presented the PVSA to one of the volunteers who was able to attend, Kellye Cole. 

Six of the volunteers gave more than 100 hours each and received the Bronze PVSA: Anna Jones, Cole, Alex Allouch, Maquel Sarantakos, Barbie Carter and Charlene Floyd. 

Four volunteers invested more than 250 hours and received the Silver PVSA: April Jilbert, Herb Toews III, Julie Creech and Julie Turner. 

The volunteers each received a pin or medallion based on the level of their award, a certificate, and a letter of thanks signed by the U.S. President. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month. 

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system. 

In Jessamine County in 2023, there were 236 new cases of child abuse or neglect and likely more than 470 children with open family court cases. The 57 children served by Scott County’s 24 volunteers represent about 12% of the total children with cases. 

“I think that’s staggering. We don’t often hear about it with family court being closed, but we at CASA are working to break that cycle,” CASA Executive Director Melynda Jamison said after the award ceremony. “We can only do that work with the volunteers. So they are really the lifeblood of our organization.” 

Jamison said CASA is grateful to Jessamine Fiscal Court and the City of Nicholasville for providing funding for the CASA program. 

“Without their funding, Jessamine County couldn’t have a CASA program, and these volunteers couldn’t invest so much time in Jessamine County children,” Jamison said. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email jessaminecounty@casaoflexington.org or call (859) 484-6554 for more information. A regional training for new volunteers will be held in Lexington, June 24-28. You can see the schedules for all upcoming trainings at www.casaoflexington.org/training. 

Eight Scott County CASA volunteers have been honored for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

Scott Judge-Executive Joe Pat Covington, Georgetown Mayor Burney Jenkins and Family Court Judge William J. Fooks presented the awards during the Bourbon County Fiscal Court Meeting Friday. 

Together, the eight volunteers gave 1,525 hours to their work with the Scott County CASA program in 2023, advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the Scott County Family Court system. 

Seven of the volunteers gave more than 100 hours each and received the Bronze PVSA: Deborah Birdwhistell, Bev Chandler, Stephanie Deahl, Roxana del Campo, Carrie Gordy, Kim Lyon and Debbie Rurik-Goodwin. 

One volunteer invested more than 250 hours and received the Silver PVSA: Cynthia Phillips. 

Phillips has been a CASA volunteer for around 16 years – longer than there has been a CASA program in Scott County, said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. Phillips began volunteering with the Fayette County CASA program in the 2000s. She was thrilled when the CASA program expanded to serve Scott in 2020, Jamison explained. 

Phillips received a standing ovation when she received her award. 

The volunteers each received a pin or medallion based on the level of their award, a certificate, and a letter of thanks signed by the U.S. President. 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month. 

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system. 

In Scott County in 2023, there were 284 new cases of child abuse or neglect and likely more than 560 children with open family court cases. The 69 children served by Scott County’s 29 volunteers represent about 12% of the total children with cases. 

“I think that’s staggering. We don’t often hear about it with family court being closed, but we at CASA are working to break that cycle,” Jamison said. “We can only do that work with the volunteers. So they are really the lifeblood of our organization.” 

Jamison thanked Scott County and Georgetown officials for funding the CASA program, making it possible for so many children’s lives to be changed. 

Covington said he was glad to be honoring the “CASA dream team” and local officials appreciate everything the CASA program does for abused and neglected children. 

“This is a team approach with the city and the joint funding is what makes it happen,” Covington said. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email scottcounty@casaoflexington.org or call (502) 519-7122 for more information. A regional training for new volunteers will be held in Lexington June 24-28. You can see the schedules for all upcoming trainings at www.casaoflexington.org/training. 

CASA Executive Director Melynda Jamison, Friend of CASA Cassie Bottoms, CASA Volunteer Judy Papania, CASA Volunteer Priscilla Miller, and Stanford Mayor Dalton Miller take a photo together after Bottoms, Papania and Priscilla Miller were presented with Presidential Volunteer Service Awards at the Stanford City Council meeting.

Six volunteers with Lincoln County's CASA program have been honored for earning the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. 

"These six volunteers represent several firsts for Lincoln County and CASA in the region," said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director. "These are the first six Lincoln County CASA volunteers to ever earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, which requires investing a truly impressive amount of time in improving children's lives. 

"They also include our first ever CASA volunteer to earn a Gold-level award outside of Fayette County and our first ever Friend of CASA to earn an award." 

The volunteers were honored at Stanford's City Council meeting Thursday night, where Mayor Dalton Miller helped Jamison present them with their awards. Stanford helps fund the Lincoln County CASA program, which provides volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children in the family court system. 

"They're just another voice for the children," Miller said. "They hold the courts and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services accountable." 

The six 2023 PVSA recipients are: 

• Priscilla Miller, who earned the Gold PVSA for volunteering for more than 500 hours; 

• Judy Papania, who earned the Silver PVSA for volunteering for more than 250 hours; 

• Ava Crow, Anne Flynn and Ruth Putnam, who earned the Bronze PVSA for volunteering for more than 100 hours; and 

• Cassie Bottoms, who earned the Bronze PVSA for volunteering as a Friend of CASA for more than 100 hours. 

Each volunteer received a pin, medallion or medal based on the level of their award; a certificate and a letter of thanks signed by the U.S. President. 

Lincoln County's CASA volunteers advocated for 12 abused and neglected children during 2023. During that year, there were 134 new victims of abuse or neglect in Lincoln County and likely more than 260 children with open family court cases. 

"So we definitely need to serve a lot more children and we're working to grow," Jamison said. "But those that are serving here have really been instrumental and have been putting the hours in to work with Lincoln County youth." 

CASA volunteers are matched with children in the family court system who need an advocate. Each volunteer visits their child monthly, talks to adults in their child's life and reviews medical and educational records. While volunteers can go above and beyond like the PVSA recipients, on average a CASA volunteer contributes between 5 and 10 hours a month. 

CASA volunteers' reports help family court judges make more informed decisions and can lead to improved outcomes for children, including more services they need to thrive and shorter times in the system. 

Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can email lincolncounty@casaoflexington.org or call (606) 442-1355 for more information. A training for new volunteers in Lincoln and Garrard counties begins June 4 in Garrard County; and a regional training for new volunteers will be held in Lexington June 24-28. You can see the schedules for all upcoming trainings at www.casaoflexington.org/training.

CASA Volunteer Bev Chandler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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