The building that houses the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program is now known as the Tyrone Thompson CASA Children’s Center at Fortye Hall. The building at 601 N. Pecos Road is a hub of activity that makes a world of difference for abused and neglected children who are in foster care. The mission of the CASA Program is to support and promote court appointed volunteer advocacy for abused and neglected children, so they can thrive in a safe and permanent home.

Tyrone Thompson was a well-known member of the community, who served in the Nevada Assembly. He epitomized a true child advocate and CASA volunteer. He passed away in 2019, but left a lasting legacy of passion and commitment for representing abused and neglected children. From February of 1997 to August of 2018, Tyrone had a direct impact on 11 children in eight separate CASA cases. He assisted the local CASA Program as part of the CASA speaker’s bureau. He sat in on volunteer and staff interview panels. As part of a CASA 30-year anniversary video production, he revealed the secret to why CASA volunteers are so amazing. Tyrone also served on the Nevada CASA Association board and worked with the National CASA/GAL Association to help strengthen the CASA brand. 

The item to re-name the building received unanimous approval from the board of County Commissioners on Dec. 6. Eighth Judicial District Court Chief Judge Jerry Wiese called it, “a very special moment in the long history of our CASA Program.” He thanked the county “for providing critical funding and leadership.” He also thanked the county RPM team, “for the support and guidance on to bring this important first step to a facility worthy of the CASA cause.”

“We are grateful, honored and thankful to the commissioners and the family,” said Nevada Supreme Court Justice-elect Linda Marie Bell. “His heart was for all kids, not just CASA kids.” She thanked the county commissioners, retired county manager Yolanda King, court CEO Steve Grierson and Shelia Parks the CASA Program administrator. “Today allows a recognition of a life’s work; and also to continue the efforts in the community to protect our children and work towards making sure that all kids have safe and loving homes. The CASA Program is one way we can partner as a community to protect our most valuable and vulnerable kiddos.” She expressed great pride in the CASA program and said, “Our amazing volunteers do so much for these kids in foster care.” Justice-elect Bell then introduced the video Tyrone made as part of the 30^th anniversary and said, “I don’t think there’s anything I can say as well as Tyrone himself.”

In the video, Tyrone recounted some of the successes he had as a CASA volunteer. “The best time where I knew I truly made a difference, my first case was fifteen years ago, I had two pre-teen boys.” said Tyrone. “Fifteen years later, they’re now my Facebook friends and about six months ago, I received an in-message: and he said, ‘I just want you to know that my brother and I we truly appreciate you. We really didn’t know your purpose many years ago, and why you were there for us; but we knew you were one of those good guys that wanted to stand by us; and we love you.’ I have honorary grandchildren, so to speak. They have four children between the two of them. We keep in touch and they are doing very well.” Tyrone’s legacy lives on through the many children for whom he advocated. His words and deeds continue to resonate. His name is on the CASA building to remind the community that even though Tyrone is no longer with us in body, his heart still beats strongly through the children he helped.

Tyrone’s sister Sonja Barnum-Mason thanked the county and expressed the family’s deep appreciation for the honor.

“I am so please because Tyrone was an amazing man who had a real impact,” said Clark County Commission Chairman James B. Gibson.

“He was an amazing legislator who put families and community first,” said County Commissioner William McCurdy II. “The only way we can do better, is if we all do better. Our greatest investment is those we make for our children.”

To achieve their mission, the CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supervises volunteers, who are appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of abused and neglected children.

Call 702-455-CASA or visit ww.casalasvegas.org to learn more about the CASA Program.