{“featuredImages”:[{“title”:””,”description”:””,”url”:”http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/wp-content/uploads/7942_casause.jpg”}],”content”:”
“It’s all about the best interest of our kids,” said Judge Frank Sullivan repeatedly during a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) oath ceremony to swear in 17 volunteers who will speak on behalf children in foster care. That line sums up the essence of what CASA volunteers do.
Each of the 17 new volunteers shared their reason for committing their time to such an important cause. The reasons ranged from following in the footsteps of their mother, to being inspired by their own children to volunteer and to make them proud.
“I’ve been in my community for 16 years, and my community means a lot to me. I don’t see any better way to give back to my community that to advocate for these children,” said volunteer Analeen Montmayer.
When asked why she volunteered, Lisa Czukar-Binder quoted educator Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” “That’s says it all,” responded Judge Sullivan.
Presiding Family Division Judge Burton told the volunteers, “We are ever so grateful that all of you are donating your time to the community.” Judge Margaret Pickard also thanked the CASA volunteers for their time and told the group how important their role was. Casa Foundation Director Jane Saint thanked the volunteers for their life-changing volunteer work and let them know that the foundation is there for support.
“We appreciate your decision to dedicate your time to such an important role, at such a critical point in a child’s life. It’s overwhelming to think about how wonderful it is to do this for these children and for our court,” said court Chief Executive Officer Steven Grierson. It can’t be recognized enough and it can’t be put into words how much we appreciate it. Changing the story of a child is such an important mission and I just want to say thank you so much.
Take the CASA challenge and view this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLlpWsIC4uE
The volunteers come from various walks of life including: a retired Metro lieutenant, a school counselor, multiple former foster parents, retired teachers, a Raiders ambassador, a casino worker, a property manager, realtor, event planner, IT professional, auto salesperson, care provider and an accountant. Each are stepping up to fill the big need to speak for children in foster care.
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by family court judges. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
“}