CASA of the Bluegrass gives 20 year service award
Published 2:29 pm Tuesday, December 14, 2021
CASA staff members at the Volunteer Appreciation dinner
Wayne Dunn and Volunteer Coordinator Deanna Tracy
Wayne Dunn and daughter Gretchen Goodman
Executive Director Tami Wilson and Honorable Judge Bruce Petrie
CASA ornament
In Boyle County, CASA of the Bluegrass celebrated volunteers at its annual Appreciate Dinner. The Showroom, located on Lebanon Road, held volunteers, board members, judges and court personnel from Anderson, Boyle, Franklin and Mercer counties.
At CASA’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Wayne Dunn was recognized for his 20 years of volunteerism. Volunteer Coordinator Deanna Tracy presented his award. Having recently closed out a case in Anderson County after 3 years, he explained that he plans to continue his services as he’s always done for many years past as a volunteer. Dunn said, “The reward for being a CASA Volunteer is knowing and seeing children helped to be in the best, safest and loving home possible. Provide a voice for a child and be there for them as long as necessary to reach that safe place has its own reward only a volunteer can understand. We have to listen, observe, speak-up and follow-thru.”
The Honorable Judge Bruce Petrie, Family Court Judge for the 50th Judicial Circuit shared an encapsulating appreciation for CASA advocacy. Judge Petrie looked back and shared quotes and views from past and present volunteers and many of his own personal anecdotes. The future of CASA is strong. Because CASA of the Bluegrass recruits and trains Court-Appointed Special Advocates, every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive.
Executive Director Tami Wilson praised staff and volunteers. CASA speaks up for the children in Anderson, Boyle, Franklin and Mercer County who are brought before the court and bring urgency to a child’s needs both in and out of the courtroom. CASA volunteers advocate for the safety, permanency, and well-being of children through independent recommendations. The role of the volunteer is defined in Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 620.00 and must comply with the National CASA Association and Kentucky CASA Association Standards for Programs.
CASA of the Bluegrass’ parting gifts for the holiday season were wooden globe ornaments created by Willow Forge Creations. Food sponsored by Isaiah House Services (Danville, KY), made by Come to the Table KY, and served by high school students, Joey Chen, Brittany King, Emily Warriner and Sophia Wilson.
CASA volunteers do not require any specific educational certification. CASA of the Bluegrass humbly seeks compassion, objectivity, and a commitment to children. CASA of the Bluegrass is a Heart of Kentucky and United Way of the Bluegrass partner.
CASA Volunteer Training consists of court observation, in-class/virtual sessions, and coursework. Training will begin in January 2022. For additional information, please contact Remonica Garr at CASA of the Bluegrass, 859.936.3510 or remonica@casaofthebluegrass.org.
