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August, 2010
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CASA to CASA: Biking Together to End Abuse
CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties is proud to partner with six motivated students from Oral Roberts University who, on this Labor Day weekend, will ride 300 miles in 3 days to promote the work of CASA volunteers and their service to abused and neglected children.
Nick Wagoner, organizer of the CASA to CASA: Biking Together to End Abuse event, has also partnered with Jackson County CASA in Kansas City, Missouri as well as Tulsa CASA in Oklahoma. The students will begin their ride in Kansas City and have planned to reach their destination of Tulsa CASA by Monday afternoon. “We hope to raise money and awareness for CASA, but more importantly we hope to inspire the CASA case workers who sacrifice and volunteer their time and energy to make a lasting impression and difference in a child’s life”, says Wagoner. “Every child who has been hurt needs a home. We want to let them know that they are heard and that there is hope and help.” Corporate sponsors have signed on as partners for this event – contributing to an excellent cause to benefit child victims of abuse or neglect. Individuals may also contribute to the ride, where a donation of $15 or more receives a free t-shirt. CASA would like to thank Nick and the rest of his crew for participating so generously in our mission of empowering abused children with a volunteer’s voice in court. Many thanks to the following sponsors of the CASA to CASA event:
Hops & Barley Ball at Boulevard Brewery!
Presented by Performance Contracting Group Friday, September 24th 6:30 to 10:00 p.m.  Come and enjoy a casual evening of fun benefiting CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties and helping to bring kids a happier childhood and brighter future. Presented by Performance Contracting Group, the Hops & Barley Ball will include:
We are also looking for day of event volunteers! Please contact Alyssa Perbeck 913.715.4035 if interested.
National CASA Association Grant Recipient
CASA was recently selected by the National CASA Association to receive a grant of $40,000 to support our volunteer advocate program. The funding was awarded as part of the National CASA Association’s sustainability grant category which helps underwrite operational costs, enhancing a program’s overall strength and resiliency in challenging times. More than 400 applications were submitted and 272 were awarded. The National CASA Grants Program is supported by a cooperative agreement from the US Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, with additional support from Jewelers for Children (JFC). The support of Jewelers for Children has significantly advanced National CASA’s vision of providing a CASA volunteer for every abused and neglected child who needs one.  CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties are making "Birthday Bags" for children who are in foster care living outside their homes.Frequently, these children get left out on important days like birthdays. The birthday bags will be filled with such things as a gift, streamers, napkins, paper plates, party hats, balloons, a birthday card, and gift cards for pizza and/or cake. Every child should know how much fun it is to have a birthday party. CASA is very excited about the idea of creating a 'Birthday in a Bag' for children to have something to celebrate!
If you or your group would like to donate birthday items or gift cards for these special children, please email Nina Kimbrough-Smith or call 913.715.4042.
Work of Heart Honorees
Program staff honored eight outstanding CASA advocates for the 2010 Work of Heart Award. 
Child in Need of Care Volunteers
Amy Fowler Jennifer Goodrich Rick Marien Leann Miller Amy Thompson Ballard Yeates Divorce Custody Volunteer Patty Robb Master CASA Kathy Rankin
Nominated by their program supervisor, the honorees were recognized for their extraordinary work, exemplary advocacy and commitment to their cases.
Also in attendance were the honorees' guests, Executive Director, Lois Rice, CASA staff, and board member Liz Graham. Dinner was provided by Monticello United Methodist Church Women's Spirit Circle.
Thank you for ALL you do for CASA children.
Summer 2010 Class of CASA Advocates
This Summer the following individuals attended CASA training to become our newest CASA Child Advocate Volunteers. Congratulations & Welcome! A new training class begins August 30th. If you are interested in becoming a CASA Advocate, please contact Nina Kimbrough-Smith at 913.715.4042. 
Back to School Drive for CASA Kids
Sponsored by First National Bank For the 5th year, First National Bank has sponsored the Annual Back to School Drive for our CASA Kids!! This year, First National Bank and their customers have supplied school supplies for CASA Children. First National Bank and it's giving customers make sure that our CASA children have a great start for the upcoming school year! If you or your company would also like to support CASA children, please feel free to contact Nina Kimbrough-Smith at 913.715.4042.
E-Mails Available for CASA Advocates
Due to expanded options offered by our website provider, CASA is now able to offer volunteer advocates their own CASA-specific email address ending in casajwc.org.
Benefits to Using CASA-specific Email Address Include:
To get your CASA-specific email address, or if you have questions, contact Eileen at ehainline@casajwc.com or call 913.715.4032.
Continuing Education Opportunities
CASA volunteers are required to obtain 8 CE hours each calendar year. We do require that a minimum of 4 hours are earned through CASA of Johnson & Wyandotte Counties sponsored opportunities.
Monthly Coffee Shop Discussion Groups
The monthly Coffee Shop Discussion is a great opportunity to meet with other CASA volunteer advocates and discuss individual CASA cases, assess successful techniques and learn from mistakes, while earning 1.5 continuing education hours.
For Seasoned CASA Advocates: If you completed training prior to 2010, please plan to attend one of these Coffee Shops.
For New CASA Advocates: If you completed training in 2010, please plan to attend this Coffee Shop.
To RSVP email ehainline@casajwc.com or call 913.715.4032.
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Our Recent Donors
Thank you to our recent donors, their generosity and caring commitment to the children of CASA will help provide safe, loving and supportive homes free from abuse and neglect.
Susan Allen
John N. and Teresa A. Badgerow Carol Barry Robert Bennett David Boehnke Alan and Eleanor Boley Linda Brent Reida Buehler Amy Carter Kerry Cosgrove Karen Cotter Shavonne Danner Exxonmobil Foundation Kristin Fulps Martha and DonGershun-Goldman Elizabeth Graham Andy and Pat Harris Heartland Combined Federal Campaign Douglas Hensley Richard and Cheryl Hulsey Marie and David Hunter Roxanne Hutton Tom and Gail Kenkel Anne Kiel Dennis Laughlin Stuart and Kelli Littlefield Janis McMillen Mike & Sharon Milens Mutual Fund Store Michelle & Todd Ohlde Ray Paine, Jr. Noreen Puhala Jane and Patrick Shelley • Darrell Smith • Steven and Jeannie Sopyla • Donna Thalblum • Marilyn Walz |
