Cool marks one year as CASA leader

October 21, 2019

At a recent volunteer banquet, Northeastern Indiana CASA Executive Director Kirby Cool reflected on her first year as the nonprofit’s leader and celebrated many of the organization’s successes. Pictured, from left, are Guardian Ad Litem Kelly Wilkinson, Cool, Volunteer Coordinator Brooke Wilcoxson, and Staff Guardian Ad Litem Abby Fisher.

ALBION – It’s been one year since Kirby Cool took on the role as Northeastern Indiana CASA’s executive director. Cool filled the position when long-time director Kristi Bachman retired after 13 years.  There were “big shoes to fill,” as Cool put it when interviewed about her new title a year ago. However, she came at the new position with a clear goal- to move the nonprofit forward.

In a volunteer banquet held last week, Cool addressed the crowd with a vote of thanks for the support she’s received during her first year.

“This past year has been absolutely amazing working beside you,” Cool said at the banquet. “One of my favorite things to have experienced this first year is learning from all of you. You have so much knowledge, experience and interesting stories. I think I’ve asked you more questions than you’ve asked me.”

No doubt a shift in leadership would bring some change to the nonprofit, but the changes came with a plan and with the overall goal in mind. Cool set about upgrading some technology behind the scenes to allow the nonprofit to run more effectively and efficiently.

“There’s been a lot happening here at the office to help us do what we do in a more straightforward way,” Cool said. “I evaluated our resources, and where we might be lacking, and made some changes based on that evaluation. That meant changing some technical things, adding some staff, and leveraging the help where we needed it.”

The changes have allowed for the nonprofit to tackle its mission with a clear focus - providing a voice for powerless children involved in judicial proceedings and advocating for their best interests while striving to improve their circumstances and quality of life. Because of that intensified effort, the nonprofit reached a big goal this year.

 “I am proud to announce that in 2019, we have served 507 kiddos so far and currently have zero kids on our waiting list,” touted Cool at the recent volunteer banquet. “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.”

According to 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.

“I was passionate about changing this,” said Cool. “One of my biggest goals when accepting this position was to decrease or eliminate our waitlist. I look forward to continuing a zero waitlist, recruiting more volunteers, and moving CASA forward in this coming year.”

There is a strong force behind Cool, made up of staff, board members, community supporters, and volunteers. Cool is quick to give credit where credit is due, knowing that so much of the nonprofit’s success is because of this group effort.

“I have watched so many of you speak up passionately in court, testify at a termination hearing for the first time, and advocate for what you believe is in the best interest for your kiddos, even if everyone else is against you,” Cool told the group of volunteers. “Our judges listen to you, respect you and many times make orders based on your recommendations. I want to say ‘thank you’ and keep up the amazing work you are doing.”

Looking ahead Cool said she would like to maintain the momentum gained this year and increase the nonprofit’s exposure so that more of the general public understands what CASA does for the community.

“It is easy to adopt an out-of-sight, out-of-mind attitude about the issues at hand, but the fact remains that there are children in our own communities that need someone to speak up for them,” said Cool. “Educating the public is key and continuing to share our mission is vital for us to make a difference in the counties we serve. I am looking forward to deepening my connections and relationships in these communities on behalf of Northeastern Indiana CASA.”

To learn more about Northeastern Indiana CASA, or to inquire about becoming involved with the nonprofit, visit www.neincasa.net or call 260-636-6101.