NEWS RELEASE

Across Kentucky, more than 13,400 children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect are waiting for a trained CASA volunteer to be their voice in court. There are currently 23 local CASA programs across Kentucky providing services across 80 of our 120-county state. Although CASA of the Bluegrass and its Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) continue to serve children each year in the Anderson, Boyle, Franklin, and Mercer County area, the need for CASA volunteers continues to grow as more children enter the court system.

CASA training begins on Oct. 3  in the Danville CASA office. Volunteers are expected to commit their time one day a week for eight weeks. CASA also offers a virtual option for those who may have time constraints. Training is not limited to the Boyle County area. Anyone interested is encouraged to apply and accommodations can be made. CASA volunteers do not require any specific education, but must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, and pass a background check. CASA of the Bluegrass seeks compassion, objectivity, and a commitment to a child’s best interest.

CASA of the Bluegrass held its third annual Taste of the Trace fundraising event on Sept. 9 at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort. The event received more than 11 auction items, a flight of six Weller Bourbon bottles to raffle, and more than 25 community sponsors donated up to $2,500 to CASA of the Bluegrass. The night continued with food and libation from Staxx BBQ and Hoggy’s Ice cream. Battle Axes and live music by the S.O.S. Band provided entertainment.

With an overflow of 200 guests, CASA of the Bluegrass’ event was deemed a success. The occasion wrapped up with a speech from CASA Board Vice Chair, Rodney Williams, who spoke on the importance and need for community voices to speak up on behalf of Kentucky’s abused, neglected, and dependent children. He concluded with a letter sent from Governor Andy Beshear who was unable to make the event. It read as follows, “…We come together to celebrate CASA of the Bluegrass and the support they provide to Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens.

CASA of the Bluegrass provides an invaluable service to families in crisis and a strong voice for those who need to be heard most. In 2021, nearly 20,000 children cycled through Kentucky’s family court system. That number is alarming. However, almost 4,000 of these children had the help of CASA volunteers – everyday citizens who can make a difference in a child victim’s life.

We all owe a tremendous amount of gratitude and respect to these volunteers, who truly work to improve each child’s future.”

This year CASA of the Bluegrass has served 182 children. Since our last fiscal year (July 1st 2021-2022) to present, we have served 238 children/127 total cases.

If community members cannot volunteer their time, CASA of the Bluegrass is always accepting donations. CASA is a non-profit and receives grants through organizations such as Heart of Kentucky United Way, VOCA (Victims of Crimes Act), and independent individual donations.

CASA Volunteer Training consists of court observation, in-class/virtual sessions, and coursework. Training will begin on October 3 rd , 2022, at 5:00pm in the Danville CASA office (473 W. Walnut St.). For additional information and to register, please contact Remonica Garr-Conner at CASA of the Bluegrass, 859.936.3510 or Remonica@casaofthebluegrass.org.