CASA volunteers named ‘heroes’
HUNTERTOWN– 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.
Volunteers recognized: 65 years of combined service
At an annual banquet, seven CASA volunteers were applauded for their efforts advocating for children.
Volunteer Spotlight: Jackie Boyle
Jackie became a CASA volunteer in 2015 following her retirement. Jackie has overseen 18 CHINS cases, 1 guardianship case, and has advocated for a total of 42 children. After she retired from teaching, she moved back to Indiana and was ready to do some volunteer work. She felt that being a CASA was a perfect fit, and here she is seven years later.
May Newsletter
Another Palooza is in the books! We had a blast Friday night taking in all the fun and food that comes with CASA Palooza. And yes... watching the live auction bidding heat up! Our live auction alone brought in thousands of dollars ... somewhat helped by a very popular Dutch Apple Pie made by our Noble County Sheriff (his wife may have helped).
Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Leite
Mary Leite became a CASA volunteer in 2017 and serves Steuben County. She has overseen 8 CHINS cases, 2 divorce cases, and advocated for a total of 17 children. Mary chose CASA as a way to give back to her community. Before staying home to homeschool her children, being a special education teacher, and Special Olympics coach, she felt this was a good way to use her experience to advocate for children once again.
New director named for CASA
ALBION – As recently named executive director, Erin Conley is now tasked with leading Northeastern Indiana CASA into its 36th year. The nonprofit serves five counties including Noble, DeKalb, Steuben, Lagrange and Whitley, while working to advocate for children in judicial proceedings.
February Newsletter
CASA Palooza is happening Friday, May 13th and we are ready to be back in person for this fun event. We also want to make this year's fundraising efforts pay off in a big way. After the past two years, we need a fundraising win for the children we serve. If you haven't already marked your calendars, you'll want to do so! We'll be back at Sylvan Cellars in Rome City joined by the area's caterers, restaurants, and other eateries. Our silent and live auctions will round out the night. We can't wait to see you all there!
January Newsletter
Well, here we are... officially into the second month of the new year. What are your hopes for this year? Are you looking for something special to happen or some great goal to be reached this year? We certainly have plenty on our vision board for 2022.
Volunteer Spotlight: Sabrina Fritz
Sabrina became a CASA volunteer in 2017 following her retirement. Since then, Sabrina has overseen 8 CHINS cases and advocated for a total of 15 children. Sabrina has taken cases in Steuben, Noble, Whitley, and DeKalb counties. Before her time as a CASA volunteer, she spent over 35 years working in elementary education, first a paraprofessional, then a teacher, and finally an administrator.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
From all of us at Northeastern Indiana CASA, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are excited to celebrate this season with you and we hope you are greeted with the merriest of Christmases!
November brings a volunteer celebration... and some new faces
A banquet was recently held to celebrate the volunteers serving Northeastern Indiana CASA and to applaud their efforts this year.
Volunteers recognized: 40 years of combined service
AUBURN – At an annual banquet, CASA volunteers were applauded for their efforts in 2020 and 2021.
CASA volunteers touted as “tenacious”
AUBURN – 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.
Elizabeth Gilbert: Everyday Hero
Liz has been a CASA volunteer for almost 20 years serving Steuben County! She has advocated for over 50 children! She and her husband were foster parents for 30 years, then segued into being CASA volunteers.
Putt-Putt event raises $6,500 for CASA
Recently, the Auburn Moose Lodge held a putt-putt event to benefit CASA. This family-friendly event had something for all ages. The group presented Northeastern Indiana CASA with a check for $6,500 from the event.
October Newsletter
Our Fall Training gets underway, we say a final “thanks” to our amazing Palooza sponsors, and we celebrate a mini fundraiser that brought big rewards!
Brayton Pickard: Everyday Hero
Brayton has been a CASA volunteer since 2017. Since then, he has overseen 2 CHINS cases, 1 informal adjustment (IA), and advocated for a total of 6 children. He originally heard about CASA when he was in grad school for social work. Since then, it was something that always stuck in his mind as something that he hoped to do.
CASAs-- New And Seasoned... We Love Them All!
Can you believe that summer is almost over?!?! Soon we'll see kiddos off to school and the fall season begin to kick in. And... do you know what happens when the calendar changes from August to September?
Susan Polly: Everyday Hero
Susan became a CASA volunteer in 2020 after retiring from teaching social studies to middle school students. Since joining the CASA team, Susan has overseen 3 CHINS cases, 1 divorce case, and has advocated for a total of 11 kiddos.
Diane Peachey: Everyday Hero
Diane has been a CASA volunteer for seven years. She has worked with thirteen children during that time. Last summer, a brother and sister case Diane was appointed to for five years and a single child case she served, since he left the hospital as a newborn, for the three years, were all adopted into great families. Their adoptions were an experience Diane was so thankful to share with the families.