ANNUAL REPORT
July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016
12 Years of Serving Children
Northeast Georgia CASA
Our Vision
“Every child in our service area who has been
identified by the Juvenile Courts as having been
abused or neglected will reside in a safe, secure
home.”
Our Mission
“The mission of Northeast Georgia Court Appointed Special
Advocates (CASA) is to provide training, supervision and
resources for volunteers to advocate for the best interest of
abused and neglected children.”
Our Board is proud once again to present the Annual N.E. Georgia CASA report for the
services provided to our eight counties. The facts and figures contained in the booklet allow the
CASA community to obtain a quick overview of the events of the past year and to assure our
advocates of the extraordinary job being done here. As Board Chairperson this year, I ask that
each of you pay close attention to our list of volunteers and review the number of children
served. Please know that these names and figures represent very real exchanges and
intervention into the lives of children who need this support they may otherwise never have
received. The volunteers and the services to the children are the frontline reason for our
organization.
Finally, please note the listing of those who give their time, talent and donations
including donors, Board members and especially the CASA staff. These are the contacts who truly
understand what CASA does for neglected and abused children. Thanks to all who make up the
organization for it has really been my honor to serve on the CASA Board this past year.
Last year we worked hard to spread the word about CASA and collaborated
extensively with other juvenile court stakeholders, while continuing to focus on providing
quality advocacy for as many children in foster care in our area as possible.
We reached 23 different civic groups, churches and other audiences throughout the year sharing about CASA. Our PR outreach included two local television spots and numerous newspaper articles/editorials. With some unanticipated additional VOCA (Victim of Crime Acts) grant funding we hired a temporary, part-time Recruitment Specialist, Carrie Woodworth. During her few months with us more than 3000 church bulletin inserts were distributed to 19 different churches, posters were widely distributed in all our counties, additional speaking engagements were secured and a library of CASA stories to share was created.
In December, with the departure of Northern Circuit Juvenile Court Judge Christopher NeSmith, our program hosted a farewell reception in his honor. Judge NeSmith was on the bench when our program expanded into the Northern Circuit in 2009. His support and appreciation of our CASAs and their hard work was critical to our successfully serving children in dependency cases in Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Madison and Oglethorpe counties. With Judge NeSmith’s departure Associate Juvenile Court Judge Warren Caswell became the first full-time Juvenile Court Judge in the Northern Circuit. We appreciate his focus on improving juvenile court processes to better serve the children. In the Mountain Circuit we continue to appreciate the support of the Honorable Robert D. Cullifer and the Honorable B. Nichole Carswell.
In the Mountain Judicial Circuit the Family Dependency Drug Treatment Court took wings since it’s beginning the previous
year. CASA participation, under the leadership of Advocacy Coordinator Susan Harris, in both the cases themselves and the strategic
planning and development of this Court with other Mountain Circuit Juvenile Court Stakeholders has been extensive.
Our National CASA one year grant, which enabled us to hire a 3rd
Volunteer Coordinator came to an end and we were very pleased
to receive additional VOCA funding. Our Board of Directors worked hard to recruit additional board members and lay the ground
work for increasing our sustainable funding to continue supporting three full-time Volunteer Coordinators. Our Friends of CASA
campaign generated nearly $52,000, an increase from the previous year.
Our CASA volunteers continued to advocate strongly for the children. We swore in 17 new CASA volunteers as a result of
three pre-service training classes and hosted 8 in-service opportunities and 20 lunch-n-learn networking sessions. Both staff and
volunteers participated in CASA Day at the Capitol and the Georgia CASA state conference. In April we tried a new venue and time
for appreciating our volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation week; a luncheon at the private Currahee Club in Stephens County.
As we begin our 13th
year of serving children in foster care in Northeast Georgia I am thankful for our judges, partners in juvenile
court, all our past and current donors, our dedicated board members, experienced and committed staff members, and our
passionate, hardworking CASA volunteers!
Sincerely,
Melissa Mitchell
Executive Director
Northeast Georgia CASA
252 Children were served between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016
Ages & Gender
PlPPle
Age Female Male
1-5 years old 50 63
6-11 years old 40 43
12-15 years old 13 13
16-18+ years 17 13
TOTAL 120 132
41%
24%
24%
11% Reunification
Adoption
Guardianship/long termcustody with relative
Other-long term fostercare/child aged out
Placement of Children upon Case Closure
Types of Dependency & Challenges our Children Experience
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Abandonment
Domestic Violence
Emotional Abuse
Medical Neglect
Parent Incarceration
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Parental Substance Abuse
Other Neglect
Elbert 27
Franklin 42
Habersham 32
Hart 33
Madison 39
Oglethorpe 17
Rabun 29
Stephens 33
TOTAL 252
Children Served by County
Ethnicity
African American 39
Caucasian 193
Hispanic/ Latino 17
Asian/ Pacific Islander 3
MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT CASA. INC
D/B/A NORTHEAST GEORGIA CASA
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
For the Year Ended June 30, 2016
REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPORT: State, Federal and Local Assistance
$215,159.00 Donations-Unrestricted
$57,427.00
United Way
$10,322.00 Fund Raiser
$29,591.00
TOTAL REVENUE, GAIN AND SUPPORT
$312,499.00
EXPENSES Salaries
$190,411.00 Volunteer Recognition
$8,731.00
Payroll Taxes
$14,093.00 Staff Benefits
$28,465.00
Rent
$7,800.00 Utilities
$5,460.00
Supplies
$6,262.00 Printing and Publication
$656.00
Postage
$1,391.00 Fund Raising
$11,352.00
Travel and Training
$13,221.00 Legal and Accounting
$1,800.00
Repairs and Maintenance
$464.00 Other Expenses
$2,041.00
Insurance
$3,784.00 TOTAL EXPENSES
$295,931.00
Revenues Over Expenditures
$16,568.00
Interest Income
$989.00
Change in Net Assets
$17,557.00
Net Assets July 1, 2015
$147,298.00
Net Assets June 30, 2016
$164,855.00
CASA Volunteers Assigned to Children During Year
Stephanie Astalos-Jones Cheryl Harris Karen Nasworthy
Shirley Atkinson Robert Harrison Kristin Nix
Larry Bailey Tina Harrison Mary O'Neill
Melissa Ball Melissa Hatchett Robert O'Neill
Vickie Baskins Robin Hawkins Janice Parker
Gloria Bona Patricia Hussey Sheree' Parrish
Cassandra Brock Kristen Jackson Sharon Parten
Janet Campbell Susan Johnston Genia Pittman
Anne Carrigan Brenda Kelley Ginger Pitts
Jim Carrigan Donna Kelley Marti Platzer
Geraldine Chalk Doug Kennedy Eleanor Ragsdale
David Cornelius Sheila Kesler Tom Randle
Kathy Cothran Dorothy King Carrie Redman
Jodi Cronic Kate Kirby Patti Roach
Nathaniel Cross Diane Lamb Ginger Rollins
Ruth Daniel Ann Leonard Barbara Setchel
Shirley Dillard Shevella Lucas-Freeman David Setchel
Dennis Dodge Ann Lumley Robert Simons
Sara Dodge Jim Martindale Susan Smith-Patrick
Kathy Dugas Pamela Martindale Carol Von Nessen
Martha Anne Dunagan Carol Maxwell Diane Wampole
Brenda Earley Pat McCollum Dennis Webb
Christi Fordyce Jane McFerrin Betty Wilkes
Deborah Gero Delena McFry Rebecca Williams
Wanda Griffey Susan Millwood Robert Willis
Anny Griffin Beth Morris
Michelle Halpern Cathi Mowen
Northeast Georgia CASA Volunteer of the Year
Pamela Martindale
Pamela Martindale has been a volunteer in good standing with
Northeast Georgia CASA since October 2011, exactly four years.
During her four-year tenure, she has served eleven cases
encompassing twenty children. Pamela is a wonderful collaborator
and has worked with various school systems, medical professionals,
counselors and therapists. Her court reports are stellar and have been
praised by our Judges and our Departments of Children and Family
Services alike for her strong child-focused recommendations and
thorough investigation. Pamela takes time with the children she serves
to develop a good rapport and makes herself available to them, despite the child(ren) being placed several
hours away. One of Pamela’s first few cases involved a 9-year old boy with severe autism. This child was
extremely change-resistant and averse to touch. Communication was difficult but Pamela persevered and
visited frequently so the child became familiar with her. Due to her efforts, the child began speaking to her at
visits. The child’s autism, lack of potty training and severe behavior issues caused him to be moved multiple
times getting further away from Pamela each time. However, at each move, Pamela visited quickly to reassure
him and encourage him. Pam worked with several school systems to ensure his specialized educational needs
were met. She attended multiple Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings at his school and advocated
fiercely for this child. Because of her efforts, he was able to attend a special school for autistic children, where
he did well and made significant progress. Pamela always encouraged the child to see his own progress and
instilled a sense of pride in this young boy. Pamela never failed to have current therapeutic and educational
updates for the Court, with reports from the child’s educators and therapists/medical professionals. Pamela’s
persistence in social, medical, psychological and educational areas for this child helped to ensure a successful
reunification between the child and his biological father.
We are proud to have Pamela as our program’s Volunteer of the Year and our Karen N. Sibley Award Nominee
for Georgia.
Thank You to Our Donors!
Champions for Children:
1st Franklin Financial Georgia CASA Payco Inc.
Rabun County Commissioners Northern Judicial CIrcuit Stephens County Commissioners
Habersham County Commissioners United Way of Habersham County US Department of Human Resources- PSSF
Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council- VOCA
Protectors of the Family:
Carolinas Wealth Management Siegal, John Mutton, Frank
Culepper, Mike & Sandra Groover, Charles & Jacqueline Hart EMC Foundation, Inc.
Advocates for the Innocent:
Asbill, Rick & Lynn Battle, Al & Clay Chaddick, Steve & Barbara
Cody, Gerald & Britt Gaik, Bill & Carolyn Georgia Power Foundation
The Allstate Foundation Hester, Laila (In Memory of Carrie)
Plagens, Betty
Harbin Lumber Company, LLC South State Bank Telford, Gordon
Muller & Associates, LLC Lake Rabun Community Association Smitty’s Spirits
Osborn Wood Products, Inc
Beacons of Trust:
Amerigroup Harbin, Barron & Debbie Fritz, Charles & Kristina
Global Tech Henderson, Debbie Johnston, Jack & Susan
KES Group, LLC Martindale, Jim and Pam McFerrin, Jane (In Memory of John McFerrin)
Nasworthy, Karen O’Shields, Karen Randle, Tom & Mary
Simon, Sandy & Collins, Christy St. James Episcopal Church St. Matthias Epicopal Church
Web, Denny White, Alan & Lynda
Sparks of Hope
12 Spies Vineyards Cossart, John Green, Biff & Cynthia
Acree Davis Funeral Home Coughlan, Dot Greene, Al & Gail
Affordable Insurance Daniel, Randy & Ruth Greene, David
Alexander, Roger & Judy Davis, Nancy Grice, Crawford & Katherine
(In Memory of Steve Terrell LeCroy) Deas, Ruddy & Donna Guimond, Roger & Debbie
All Service & Associates Printing Deloatche, Brantley & Helen Gunn, Reginald & Mary Lu
Altholz, Ted & Andrea Dinkins, Joe & Linda Habersham Drug
(In Honor of Al & Clay Battle) Donahue, Gary Habersham EMC
Andrews, Donna Donaldson, John & Mary Harper, Clyde
(In Honor of Jane McFerrin) Eagar, Bob & Betsy Harris, David & Jina
Ayers, Margaret Edens, Al & Kimberly Harrison, Robert
BASF Corporation Edward Jones, Toccoa Hartness Duanne
Bethel, Elizabeth Edwards, DeLois Hatcher, Margaret
Bomar, Bill & Jan Elfenbein, Pamela Hatchett, Missy
Brown, Danny Eubank, Harden & Michele (In Honor of Melissa Mitchell)
Brown, Joany Ezzard, John Hawkins, Dave & Robin
Brown, Ken & Carol Fauss, Margaret Healy, Phil & Betty
Bryant, Patricia (In Honor of Sherri Schad) Hornsby, Bill & JoAnn
Buchanan’s Small Engine Repair Felker, Rebecca Jessup, Bud & Claudia
Burch, Crooms & Company, LLP First Baptist Church of Lavonia,
New Journey Class
Johns, Jim & Barbara
Burton, Ed First Presbyterian Church, Cornelia Johnson, Jim & Carol
Campbell, Janet Flintall, Virginia Jordan, Robert & Geraldine
Carboy, Jim & Beth (In Honor of Rebecca Williams) (In Honor of Royce & Evalyn Carter &
In Honor of Charles & Margaret Carter)
Carter, Charles Flores, Jose & Paige
(In Honor of Geraldine Jordan) Flowers, William & Deborah Joyner, Mike
Chatham, Howard & Julia Floyd, David Keller, Dan & Kathy
Cheek, Ben & Jana Flury, Carl & Millie Kessler, Fred
Cherry, Robert & Pam Fowler, T.A. & Dayle Kibler, Madge
Christ, Alan & Delisa Frank, Jerry Lance, Gary & Judy
Christ, Estelle Frank Worley State Farm Latexco
Church, Sam Glenn, Alice Learning Tree Academy
Clarkesville Drug, Inc. Gnecco, Don & Nancy Line, Robin & Mary
Classic South Properties Grapes & Beans Lionberger, Sid & Little
Clayton Paint & Flooring Center Green, Barbara & Kelly LK&WW Investments
Community Thrift Store, Inc.
Clarkesville
Loftis, Ronnie & Marie
Long, Guy & Nell Pittman, Ricky & Genia Stevens, WC & AM
(In Honor of Jim & Sherri Schad) Plaisted, David & Melissa Stiles, Mavis
Mann, Tom Plutt, Anne Tallulah Falls United Methodist
Church
McCollum, Dan & Pat Pratt, Pat (In Honor of Bill & Anne Plutt)
McCreary, Mary Procko, Mary Ellen The Attic
(In Honor of Sherri Schad) PTI (Pharma Tech Industries) The Gordon Law Firm
Mellichamp, James Raeber, Steve & Carol Thompson, Robert
(In Honor of Jane McFerrin) Ragsdale, Bob & Eleanor Threlkeld, Jim & Beth
Melton, Eston & Peggy Ranck, Brian Toccoa Clinic Medical Associates
Merten, John & Glenda Ray, JoAlice Trepte, Bernard & Shirley
Michels, Vince & Kris Reeves Hardware Tri-State Distributors, Inc.
(In Honor of Jim & Sherri Schad) Roberts, Alan & Joann Tugalo Gas Company
Miller, David Robinson, Don & Celia Turner, Sylvia
Miller, Wayne & Wanda Roper, Byard Turpen, James & Catherine
(In Honor of Wayne) (In Memory of Mrs. Byard Roper) (In Honor of Bill & Anne Plutt)
Mitchell, Melissa Ross, Judith United Community Bank
Molnar, Jack & Kathy Rothberg, Bob & Bobbie Veal, Warner & Ann
Morris, Ray & Joyce (In Memory of Patricia Standard) Verdino, Gary & Donna
Moss, Janice Rowe, Paul & Debbie Vopalensky, Marilyn
Mount Carmel Baptist Church Rutherford, Kirby & Beth Walden, Sandra
Myerholtz, Jimmy & Joyce Sanders, Janney & Cynthia (In Honor of Jim Walden)
Nicholson, Bruce & Brenda Sanders, Stuart & Lynne Wampole, Diane
North Georgia Credit Union Schad, Jim & Sherri White, Jerry & Cindy
Olson, Jim & Priscilla Sewell, Rusty & Linda Whitt, Dennis & Julie
Orchard Links Fellowship Shailer, Harold & Sharon Wilks, Steve
Parrish, Sheree Sigler, Larry & Juanita Williams, Rebecca
Paulsen, Sue Skilling, Matt Wilson, BF & Beverly
(In Honor of Alan White) Southern bank & Trust Wilson, Richard & Phylecia
Perry, Sandra Statham, Linda Yearwood Plumbing
(In Honor of Jim & Sherri Schad) (In Honor of Christi Fordyce)
Piedmont College Stephens County Habitat for
Humanity
Our FY 2016
Board Members:
Al Battle Treasurer
Mike Joyner Betty Plagens
Debby Harbin Secretary
Jane McFerrin Tom Randle Vice Chairman
Missy Hatchett Laura Mickel Amanda Rogers
Debra Henderson Janice Moss Alan White Chair
Bill Gaik Honorary Board Member
For Life
Our FY 2016
Staff Members:
Melissa Mitchell Executive Director
Brenda Nicholson Training & Development
Coordinator
Susan Harris Volunteer Coordinator
Kim Ball Volunteer Coordinator
Keyla Stephens Volunteer Coordinator