SIDNEY — Shelby County CASA/GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem) continues their success in 2015.
“CASA/GAL is a volunteer based program that provides trained volunteers to represent the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in juvenile court,” said Bridget Davis, MSW, LSW, CASA program director. “Prior to receiving their first case volunteers must attend a 30-hour training course. The volunteers are responsible for conducting interviews with all interested parties in the case, provide court reports to the Juvenile Judge or Magistrate, attend meetings at Children Services, attend court hearings and monthly home visits with the child they are advocating for.”
Her report continues:
CASA staff continued to improve in 2015. I have been with CASA for 10 years in August. I was able to increase my speaking engagements to educate the community about CASA and the impact on the lives of abused and neglected children. Additionally, I joined the Sidney Rotary Club to further her involvement in helping the community.
Heather Fogt, the volunteer coordinator, celebrated four years with CASA in July. Heather continued to take the lead with the web flex training curriculum, training five new CASA volunteers. Web flex training is an online training, which is flexible for the trainee’s schedule. This has decreased the amount of face to face time in training but still offers an interactive way of learning via the web. CASA staff also expanded in 2015! CASA welcomed Treva Hicks as the administrative assistant in November. Treva was a current CASA volunteer for over three years and brings legal studies experience to the office.
Most importantly CASA advocated for 104 children referred through juvenile court, which was an increase of 11 children from the previous year! 2015 volunteers: Tareena Bladen, Sandy Bundenthal, Mandi Croft, Janice Fishbaugh, Dusti Fisher, Treva Hicks, Megan Ivery, Kathy Iwanski, Christina Keller, Gwen King, Donna Kinkle, Connie Kinsella, Raven Loaiza, Carmen Martin, Lori McLain, Victor Meeks, Susan Moloney, Stacey Painter, Marti Phelan, Terra Richardson, Tammy Rigney, Naomi St. Julian, Tom Wisener and Paula Zimmerman.
The CASA advisory board also had a successful year! The Dancing with Our Stars fundraiser continues to be a success! The third annual “CASA Day in Ohio” occurred on April 30, 2015, and the second annual “Shelby County CASA Day” occurred on September 5, 2015 in connection with the farmer’s market. In October the advisory board welcomed Paula Zimmerman to the group. Joe Chrisman, Susan Metz, and Maurya Ryan have renewed another three year term. The 2015 Advisory Board Members were: Brad Jones (Sidney Fire Department & Chair), Norm Smith (retired juvenile judge and vice Ccair), Joe Chrisman (attorney), William Balling (Sidney Police Department), Amy Simindinger (Juvenile Court Liaison), Susan Metz (Victim Services), Maurya Ryan (Alvetro Orthodontics), Chad Gessler (Clearcreek Farm), Kent Craver (Mutual Federal Savings Bank), Eileen Hix (Sidney First United Methodist) Linda Meininger (Shelby County Treasurer), Eric Ditmer (Ditmer Farms), Paula Zimmerman (past CASA employee and current CASA volunteer).
CASA held their sixth annual fundraiser, “Dancing with Our Stars” on March 21 at the Palazzo in Botkins. CASA profited over $34,000.00! 2015 dancing couples were: Rod & Kelley Dyer; Rick & Mila Hamilton; Frederick (Chip) & Jackie Simpson; Andy & Andrea Steenrod; Phillip & Carrie Topp; Greg & Erin Yarkosky. The Hamilton’s were crowned the winner with the most votes for their Punk 80’s routine.
Funds in 2015 were received from: Shelby County United Way, Shelby County Juvenile Court, Ohio Attorney General’s Office, Ohio CASA/GAL Association, Care Source, fundraising.
Save the date 2016:
• April 2- Dancing With Our Stars- Palazzo in Botkins.
For more information about volunteering please contact the CASA office at 937-498-7447.
