Appalachian CASA Newsletter

Volume IX, Issue 3

The Circuit Volume IX, Issue 3

Welcome to this quarterly electronic newsletter of Appalachian CASA,

an organization dedicated to serving abused and neglected children in foster care in the Appalachian Judicial Circuit, which includes Fannin, Gilmer and Pickens counties.

Our goal is to publish the newsletter once per quarter in January, April, July, and October.

Volunteer Spotlight

Becky Nunnally

Becky Nunnally became a CASA in the fall of 2014, bringing with her a heart for children and a passion to help them succeed. Her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of children placed in foster care led her to CASA. Becky’s professional life includes more than 20 years in education as a teacher and administrator in Cobb County. When Becky learned about the CASA program, she saw an excellent opportunity to utilize her experience and special skill set to support foster youth. Becky’s extensive background working with youth who have been identified as having learning and emotional disabilities has been invaluable to our organization. She has served seven youth over the last three and a half years of advocacy. These cases often present difficult circumstances, including juvenile delinquency, mental health and alternative educational needs. In fact, most of the cases she handles often involve all three of these difficult problems. She always keeps her volunteer supervisor up-to-date on her progress with a case and writes a thorough report providing much-needed information for the court to consider in her cases. Becky’s professionalism and sincerity have allowed her to collaborate with other agencies and provide quality advocacy for the youth she serves. Thank you for your service, Becky!

Blue Ridge Old Timers Parade

Saturday, June 30, 2018

Blue Ridge was buzzing with Fourth of July excitement on Saturday as crowds lined the streets for the annual Blue Ridge Old Timers Parade. CASAs Kathleen Lofaro and Linda Chaffee, along with Appalachian CASA Executive Director Melanie Davis, Community Engagement Specialist Kristy Lindstrom, and supporter Dr. Benjamin Harris, wore red, white and blue and enjoyed the celebration by waving flags, throwing candy and promoting the Appalachian CASA program.

Sweet Home Appalachia

CASA Volunteer

S-U-R-V-E-Y

Be on the lookout! Appalachian CASA will soon be sending out an electronic survey to CASA Volunteers. The survey will be conducted via email through Survey Monkey and your results will be anonymous. So check your email, complete the survey, and submit electronically! Thank you in advance for your participation!

Check out our new website!

Click Here

In Georgia - Through the Years

Information provided by Georgia CASA

In 2016

10,280 children were served

by 2,300 CASA Volunteers

In 2017

11,240 children were served

by 2,400 CASA Volunteers

In 2018

Projected to serve 13,000 children

by 2,800 CASA Volunteers

A child with a CASA Volunteer is more likely to:

~Find a safe, permanent home

~Experience fewer foster placements

~Receive needed services such as physical and mental health screenings/treatment and educational support

~Participate in extracurricular and social activities

~Succeed in school

~Avoid re-entry into foster care

Mark Your Calendar!

• July 13 from 1-3:00 p.m.— Fun Facts Friday and July Birthday celebration! Updates on kinship care will be provided by Jeffrey Cash, Regional Kinship Navigator for DFCS, Division 1. We'll also hear from Susan Lancaster about the Northern Star Transitional Independent Living Program in Dahlonega. Call the office and let us know if you have a July birthday and will be in attendance! On Second Friday of each month.

• August 4— Georgia CASA Conference at the Renaissance Waverly Hotel & Convention Center located at 2450 Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30339.

• September 28 from 7-10 p.m.— "Sweet Home Appalachia: Boots, BBQ and Bonfires" benefiting Appalachian CASA. At Chateau Meichtry located at 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, Georgia 30175. Ticket information coming soon.

• November 30— I Am for the Child Summit and Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at Noon in the Gilmer Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room.

A New Advocate for Children - Karin McNeill

Congratulations to our newest CASA, Karin McNeill. Karin was sworn in by Chief Juvenile Judge Jan Wheeler on May 11.

Volunteer Appreciation Week in April

Congratulations to our April Volunteer Week Giveaway Winners:

Fannin County: Becky Nunnally - Basket of goodies from Southern Drug Company.

Gilmer County: Melanie Essex - Beautiful basket of flowers donated by a generous supporter.

Pickens County: Jennie Sheffield - Meal for two from The Woodbridge Inn.

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to our generous sponsors!

Support from Rotary Club of Gilmer County

Appalachian CASA was pleased to receive a grant at the April 23rd meeting of the Rotary Club of Gilmer County. Community Services Director Jared Arrant (left) joined Rotary Club President Paige Green (right) in presenting local grants to Friends of the Gilmer County Library , Georgia Mountain Hospice, CASA of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit , Three Rivers Boys and Girls Club , and The Craddock Center.

Appalachian CASA is excited to be a beneficiary of the Rotary Club of Gilmer County's 21st annual golf tournament! Rotarian and Tournament Director Heath Lee (left) and Gilmer Rotary President Paige Green (right) were featured on "The Cherie Show" with Host Cherie Martin on ETC 3 TV on June 11 promoting the event. The golf tournament was originally scheduled for Friday, June 29 at Whitepath Golf Course, but had to be postponed due to weather. We'll provide you with the new tournament date once it is announced!

Sally Masters

Thank you to CASAs

Mary Anderson, Sally Masters and Nancy Page

for their superb work on the Gilmer Rotary Golf Tournament!

They secured monetary donations and prizes from the community,

and we are so appreciative!

Nancy Page

Fun Facts Friday!

~On the second Friday of each month from 1-3:00 at Gilmer CASA office~

APRIL: During our April CASA continuing education program, known as Fun Facts Friday, we welcomed back former CASA Supervisor Melissa Dempsey. Melissa is now with Highland Rivers and spoke to us about services offered there.

MAY: During our May Fun Facts Friday program, we welcomed back former CASA Volunteer Patsy Reed who spoke to us about the new Boys and Girls Club in Fannin County. Patsy serves as the director of the program, which is located at 125 School House Road in Epworth. For more information, contact Patsy at 706-964-2582.

Also in May, we learned about the Living Grace Support Group from Robin Davenport. The purpose of the Christ-centered support group is to help participants maintain healthy mental and emotional health. Topics include identity, stigma, healthy thinking, rest, relaxation, joy, cycles and triggers, mindfulness, staying resilient and more. The support group meets in Fannin County on Tuesday evenings from 6-7:30 at The Branch Baptist Church located in Mineral Bluff. For more information, contact Robin at 706-455-9857.

JUNE: At our June Fun Facts Friday program, CASA Chris Martinez spoke to attendees about the Mountain Education Charter High School. Their mission is to provide a second chance opportunity for students to earn an accredited high school diploma in a student-centered, self-paced, evening public high school. Courses are aligned with state standards and administered using course software. Tuition is free for students enrolled full time. MECHS has 16 sites in a 20-county region. www.mymec.org .

Also in June, Heath Lee, Rotarian and Golf Tournament Director, spoke to attendees about the Rotary Club of Gilmer County's 21st Annual Golf Tournament.

Foster Care Awareness Month - May

Stakeholders joined together with Gilmer County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris on May 9 for a proclamation signing declaring the month of May as Foster Care Awareness Month. Thank you to the Ellijay Times Courier for publishing this photograph in the newspaper.

Community Engagement

Appalachian CASA was pleased to speak to the Kiwanis Club of Blue Ridge on June 4 about the CASA program and our upcoming events. We would like to thank the Fannin Sentinel for publishing an article and this picture in their paper.

Pictured (L to R): Appalachian CASA Community Engagement Specialist Kristy Lindstrom, Kiwanis Club President Mike Guerra, and Appalachian CASA Executive Director Melanie Davis.

Recruiting Everyday Heroes!

Help us recruit EVERYDAY HEROES! One of the best ways for us to get the word out is through you - our CASA Volunteers! Let your family, friends, and colleagues know what being a CASA means to you. You have firsthand knowledge that only YOU can provide. So get out there, share your stories, and let others know how they can be an Everyday Hero, just like you!

Involved with a group that needs to hear the CASA story? Contact Appalachian CASA Community Engagement Specialist Kristy Lindstrom so she can share our message at 706-276-2272 or klindstrom@appalachiancasa.com.

For more information on the Appalachian CASA Volunteer Training Program, contact Advocacy and Training Manager Gina Bennett at 706-276-2272 or advocacy@appalachiancasa.com.