Protecting Children - Giving Back
Posted January 4, 2012 7:03 pm
Jerad serves on the CASA-Children Worth Saving, Inc. Board of Directors. He has been the Treasurer for the board for 3 years. When he is not volunteering with CASA program, Jerad works as the Trust Administrator at Sunflower Bank in Dodge City, and he is on the Dodge City Community College Endowment Association. Jerad believes in giving back to the community and being involved in causes that will make a real impact for the people who live in the local area. When asked why he became interested in the CASA program, Jerad stated "I felt the need to make sure that children within the community are protected." In his spare time, Jerad likes to hunt, read a good book, and go golfing. He also likes to spend as much time as he can with his friends. He is described as easy going, dependable, and determined. |
A Big Heart
Posted January 4, 2012 6:57 pm
 Tawn Hawes began her work as a CASA volunteer in July 2010. She is already working her third case as a CASA volunteer and continues to be an asset to the program. the Executive Director, Kristin Hines, said "Tawn has a big heart to see children reach their potential." Although originally from Nebraska she now lives with her husband in Wright, KS. She is a Kindergarten teacher at Northwest Elementary in Dodge City with a new class of over 20 little ones! When not running, fishing or being active with her family, Tawn is helping children have better lives. |
CASA asking for Christmas gifts for kids
Posted December 21, 2011 10:13 am
Dodge City Daily Globe, December 14, 2011
Since 1981, the Court Appointed Special Advocates For Children agency has helped abused or neglected children find safe and caring homes. The agency, which is a United Way program, is almost entirely volunteer-based.
While the volunteers are a huge support system for the children all year round, it can be especially challenging during the holidays, so businesses that have expressed interest are asked to help provide holiday gifts.
"Being in foster care is hard enough. We want to make the holidays as happy as possible," said Kristin Hines, executive director of the 16th Judicial District CASA.
One of the businesses in Dodge City that has helped out for many years is the Credit Union of Dodge City. Every year, CASA sends the credit union wish lists from children in the program.
Children write their own lists and ask for necessary items, such as clothing, and a few toys.
"We give the lists to our employees and ask them to get as much of it as they feel comfortable with," said Karen Hamit, CEO of the credit union. "Everyone at the credit union contributed, and we were able to get everything the children asked for."
Bank of America and Western Beverage also donated gifts to help ensure that every child has something to open on Christmas morning.
Once the gifts have been purchased and wrapped, CASA will pick them up and distribute them to the children.
Year-round service
CASA has a few other programs that run throughout the year.
Every child who comes through CASA receives a "my stuff" bag, which contains basic essentials and a few fun things for the children to make the transition of moving to a new place a little easier on them.
The agency also makes activity bags, which are filled with games, puzzles and snacks, for the volunteers to take when they are visiting a child for the first time. The bags are intended to help break the ice.
"We really try as hard as we can to make a difficult situation as good as possible for the children that have to go through it," Hines said.
For more information about CASA or to find out what items the agency currently needs, contact (620) 225-1278. Donors may also send a check and designate what they would like the money to be used for.
Reach Julia Kazar at (620) 408-993 or e-mail her at julia,kazar@dodgeglobe.com.
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Winter Training
Posted November 23, 2011 12:41 pm
We are excited to offer a special winter session of CASA volunteer training. Gretchen Webster said "I think it is important to schedule a winter training since we have several people from Dodge City and Meade interested in becoming CASA volunteer." Potential volunteers sign up through out the year, but we typically hold trainings in the spring and fall. It is neat to have interest in volunteering during the holiday season and be able to offer another session of volunteer training. Applications are being accepted and training is starting, so contact Gretchen or Kristin at 620-225-1278 today to join the class! |
Welcome New CASA Board Members
Posted November 9, 2011 8:55 am
We are excited to welcome Roger Musgrove and Cherie Schnelle to our Board of Directors. Roger and Cherie are residents of Meade County.
Roger offered his time after hearing a presentation about the CASA program and learning of our need for a Board member to represent the communities in Meade County. He is a retired Chief of Police for the City of Meade. Roger is involved with many volunteer opportunities through out Meade County and is excited to serve on the CASA Board of Directors.
Cherie and her husband have known about the CASA program for some time, they both thought it was a great program, but had never had the opportunity to become involved. CASA volunteer Paula Ripple (certified Spring 2011) knew Cherie and encouraged her to talk with program staff about serving on the Board of Directors. Cherie quickly got in contact with staff and as they say the rest is history.
We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to Roger and Cherie for representing Meade County on our Board of Directors! |
