2024 Volunteer Banquet:

Volunteers, board members, staff and area judges came together to celebrate the work done by Northeastern Indiana CASA this year. A banquet-style event at Cobblestone Golf Course featured recognition and a speaker.

In 2023, the nonprofit served 308 children and to date, the organization has served 294 children. CASA volunteers have documented more than 2,148 contacts so far this year.

“I’m sure there are many more contacts that aren’t documented,” said Executive Director Kristi Bachman. “When I say volunteers are the heart of this organization, this is just one indicator.”

Brenda Yoder was the events speaker. She holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grace College and Seminary, is a licensed mental health counselor, is a licensed school counselor through the University of St. Francis, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Purdue University. She currently works part-time as an elementary school counselor and has a private counseling practice providing services through a trauma informed approach.

In her speech, Yoder shared much of her perspective dealing with children who have experienced trauma and how that impacted their success at school. She noted the change CASA volunteers and other social service agencies have on a child’s story.

“Thank you for continuing on this journey with us,” said Bachman. “I pray God blesses you all richly - not with money, although that would be great, but with the satisfaction of knowing you are helping the least of His. I am blessed to know all of you, to be your leader, and to watch all of you do your part in helping those that cannot help themselves.”