CASA recognizes volunteers, touts zero wait list

October 21, 2019

Northeastern Indiana CASA’s annual volunteer banquet was held recently and included special recognition for volunteers having served five years. Pictured, from left, are Executive Director Kirby Cool, Diane Peachy (five-year volunteer serving Noble County), Judy Rensch (five-year volunteer serving DeKalb and Steuben counties), and Volunteer Coordinator Brooke Wilcoxson. Not pictured, Diane Stiles a five-year volunteer serving Noble County.

KENDALLVILLE – A banquet was recently held to celebrate the volunteers serving Northeastern Indiana CASA and to applaud their efforts this year. Each year the nonprofit gathers staff, community leaders, board members and area judges to honor the CASAs who volunteer to advocate for children in five counties – Dekalb, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben and Whitley.

“We throw around a lot of numbers in our organization because, overall, that is the best way for us to track the impact we have had in our communities. But behind those numbers are real children, with real problems, who need a voice,” said Volunteer Coordinator Brooke Wilcoxson in her speech at the banquet Thursday evening.

CASA provides a voice for powerless children involved in judicial proceedings and advocates for their best interests while striving to improve their circumstances and quality of life.

Since October 2018, Northeastern Indiana CASA volunteers have logged more than 7,000 hours visiting children, attending child and family team meetings, visiting with placement homes and family members, and attending court hearings.

“Wow! The time you all have invested into these children and your cases is something to be proud of,” said Wilcoxson to the volunteers.

In the last year, the nonprofit has trained and sworn in eight new volunteers. Four more are currently going through training to hold their roles as CASAs and four others are in the application phase.

“Thank you, CASA volunteers, for being a voice. Thank you for fighting for these kiddos even when no one else agrees. Thank you for the hours you have spent listening, encouraging and advocating for each and every child in our five counties. Our CASA program would not exist without you,” Wilcoxson said.

According to Executive Director Kirby Cool, 565 children were served by Northeastern Indiana CASA in 2018, however, 66 kids were left without a CASA due to a shortage of volunteers. However, 2019 has had different results.

“I am proud to announce that in 2019, we have served 507 kiddos so far and we currently have zero kids on our waiting list,” touted Cool. “This is such a huge accomplishment. The board and I want to say ‘thank you and congratulations’ on providing every child with a voice. Without volunteers like you, accomplishing a zero waitlist would be absolutely impossible.”

Appreciation was paid to long-time volunteers who had recently retired.  Bonnie Schoppman, who served Steuben County for 26 years, had more than 50 children she advocated for during her time as a CASA. Barb Bauer had 12 years under her belt, working with more than 30 children in her 12 years. In LaGrange County, Linda Stanton served 21 years and worked with more than 30 children.

Other volunteers were honored for their service, including three volunteers who have each served five years. Diane Peachey currently volunteers in Noble County. Her five years as a CASA has resulted in 14 children served. Judy Rensch has served eight children in DeKalb and Steuben counties. Diane Stiles, in Noble County, has served six children during her five years.

Rounding out the volunteer appreciation was special recognition paid to Jackie Boyle who dedicates more than 30 hours each season to train new CASA volunteers. This time is in addition to the children she serves.

“Jackie is reliable and does her best to provide the best training possible for our CASA program,” said Wilcoxson. “These are just a few of our outstanding volunteers. We are so grateful for all you do.”