From the Executive Director The unknown author who stated that, “there is nothing more empowering than an idea whose time has come,” could easily have been referring to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Both brilliantly simple and simply brilliant, the idea of volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates belongs to David Soukup, who was a judge in Seattle, Washington 35 years ago. Judge Soukup presided over cases involving children who were under court protection due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their parents or guardians. Needing more information about these children’s cases than was available, Soukup sought to empower the court and child welfare systems by recruiting adult volunteers to advocate for the children’s wishes, needs, and best interest. Judge Soukup’s idea quickly spread across the nation, arriving in Maryland in the late 1980’s and locally in 1990. Clearly, the time had come for the judge’s idea to take hold on the Eastern Shore, but none of us really knew at that point just how empowering it would prove to be. Twenty-three years, countless training hours, hundreds of CASA volunteers, and thousands of CASA recommendations to the court later, we have the benefit of history and case outcomes to help us fathom the value of being part of a phenomenal idea come to fruition. National studies show that children with CASA volunteers have their needs identified sooner and receive more services than children without CASAs, and also that CASA volunteers are very effective in identifying the needs of the children and their parents. A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to find a safe, permanent home, half as likely to re-enter the foster care system, more likely to have a consistent, responsible adult presence, and substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care. National studies have also found that children with CASA volunteers do better in school, including being more likely to pass all courses and less likely to have poor conduct in school or to be expelled. A study by the University of Houston about CASA program effectiveness found that children with CASA volunteers The Advocate Court Appointed Special Advocates of Talbot and Dorchester Counties also score better on nine important protective factors: neighborhood resources; interested adults; sense of acceptance; controls against deviant behaviors; models of conventional behavior; positive attitude toward the future; valuing achievement; ability to work with others; and ability to work out conflicts. While we have Judge Soukup to credit with the idea of CASA, his concept is only as good as a community makes it. I consequently write with thanks to so many of you who have helped us to take a brilliant concept and turn it into a living, breathing dynamic that empowers local children. In Talbot and Dorchester Counties, the work of our amazingly dedicated CASA volunteers has been embraced by the children we serve and bolstered by our judges and masters, agency partners, board members, staff, and our many wonderful and generous supporters. The enclosed Annual Donor Report provides a glimpse at the vast and diverse support that we were fortunate to receive during Fiscal Year 2013, both in dollars and through in-kind donations. We deeply value every donation and are sincerely grateful for each gift. To help shore up lost federal grant funds, in December we announced the creation of our Champions of Hope Giving Society, bringing with it the opportunity to become a Founding Member via a gift of $1,000 or more within the fiscal year. To those generous donors who became Founding Members, we thank you for being champions for children! Founding members are listed in bold type in the Annual Donor Report and will be honored at a private reception later this year. To learn more about becoming a champion for children by joining the Champions of Hope Giving Society, please contact Robin Davenport at 410-822-2866, ext. 1. It’s exciting to watch an empowering idea take hold and make a significant difference in a community. Through what has truly been a collective effort, the maltreated, vulnerable Talbot and Dorchester County children who have CASA volunteers are the true beneficiaries of an idea whose time is now. Robin Davenport The time had come for the judge’s idea to take hold. CASA Words to Live By “Be there. Say yes as often as possible. Invent small pleasures. Remember how small they really are. Say no when necessary. Learn about parenting. Make loving safe. Search out the positive. Stop yelling. Speak kindly. Handle with caring.” –Excerpted from How to Really Love a Child, by SARK. SUMMER 2013
Transcript
From the Executive DirectorThe unknown author who stated that, “there is nothing more empowering than an idea whose time has come,” could easily have been referring to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Both brilliantly simple and simply brilliant, the idea of volunteer
Court Appointed Special Advocates belongs to David Soukup, who was a judge in Seattle, Washington 35 years ago. Judge Soukup presided over cases involving children who were under court protection due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their parents or guardians. Needing more information about these children’s cases than was available, Soukup sought to empower the court and child welfare systems by recruiting adult volunteers to advocate for the children’s wishes, needs, and best interest. Judge Soukup’s idea quickly spread across the nation, arriving in Maryland in the late 1980’s and locally in 1990. Clearly, the time had come for the judge’s idea to take hold on the Eastern Shore, but none of us really knew at that point just how empowering it would prove to be. Twenty-three years, countless training hours, hundreds of CASA volunteers, and thousands of CASA recommendations to the court later, we have the benefit of history and case outcomes to help us fathom the value of being part of a phenomenal idea come to fruition. National studies show that children with CASA volunteers have their needs identified sooner and receive more services than children without CASAs, and also that CASA volunteers are very effective in identifying the needs of the children and their parents. A child with a CASA volunteer is more likely to find a safe, permanent home, half as likely to re-enter the foster care system, more likely to have a consistent, responsible adult presence, and substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care. National studies have also found that children with CASA volunteers do better in school, including being more likely to pass all courses and less likely to have poor conduct in school or to be expelled. A study by the University of Houston about CASA program effectiveness found that children with CASA volunteers
The AdvocateCourt Appointed Special Advocates of Talbot and Dorchester Counties
also score better on nine important protective factors: neighborhood resources; interested adults; sense of acceptance; controls against deviant behaviors; models of conventional behavior; positive attitude toward the future; valuing achievement; ability to work with others; and ability to work out conflicts. While we have Judge Soukup to credit with the idea of CASA, his concept is only as good as a community makes it. I consequently write with thanks to so many of you who have helped us to take a brilliant concept and turn it into a living, breathing dynamic that empowers local children. In Talbot and Dorchester Counties, the work of our amazingly dedicated CASA volunteers has been embraced by the children we serve and bolstered by our judges and masters, agency partners, board members, staff, and our many wonderful and generous supporters. The enclosed Annual Donor Report provides a glimpse at the vast and diverse support that we were fortunate to receive during Fiscal Year 2013, both in dollars and through in-kind donations. We deeply value every donation and are
sincerely grateful for each gift. To help shore up lost federal grant funds, in December we announced the creation of our
Champions of Hope Giving Society, bringing with it the opportunity to become a Founding Member via a gift of $1,000 or more within the fiscal year. To those generous donors who became Founding Members, we thank you for being champions for children! Founding members are listed in bold type in the Annual Donor Report and will be honored at a private reception later this year. To learn more about becoming a champion for children by joining the Champions of Hope Giving Society, please contact Robin Davenport at 410-822-2866, ext. 1. It’s exciting to watch an empowering idea take hold and make a significant difference in a community. Through what has truly been a collective effort, the maltreated, vulnerable Talbot and Dorchester County children who have CASA volunteers are the true beneficiaries of an idea whose time is now.
Robin Davenport
The time had come for the judge’s idea to take hold.
CASAWords to Live By“Be there. Say yes as often as possible. Invent small pleasures. Remember how small they really are. Say no when necessary. Learn about parenting. Make loving safe. Search out the positive. Stop yelling. Speak kindly. Handle with caring.” –Excerpted from How to Really Love a Child, by SARK.SUMMER 2013
We are proud to be a member agency of the United Fund of Talbot County.
CASA Goes the Distance to Give Children a Chance Hemmersley Farm at Emerson Point, owned by the evening’s hosts Bill Davenport and
CASA Board member Bruce Wiltsie, provided the perfect setting for our spring fundraiser, Off to the Races.
This fun-filled Preakness-themed party on May 18, 2013 raised money for CASA’s work with children who are under court protection due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
CASA Board members and event coordinators Bruce Wiltsie, Mary Lou McAllister, Mary Griffin, Laurie Dennis, and Christina Hoff, in conjunction with event hostesses, organized and
orchestrated what some have called the winning event of the season, second to none! CASA’s Executive Director Robin Davenport included the following in her welcome remarks: “We are dedicated to giving children the chance that they deserve, the voice that they need, and the hope that CASA can bring. This event was only possible through the incredible financial support and the monumental effort of so many who gave time and talent to create this spectacular evening.” A dazzling evening beneath a beautiful tent at the water’s edge, guests enjoyed live music by the New and Used Bluegrass band and PeachBlossoms’ renowned cuisine. Pre-race activities included a Game of Chance that accompanied the running of the Preakness Stakes. An evening highlight was a young guest with a sweet and poignant message. Introducing the guest, CASA Board member John Dillon said: “We can talk for hours and publish all kinds of brochures about CASA’s work, but nothing can really tell the CASA story better than a child. You will now hear a story performed by Galen Marquess, a young local actress and a fourth grade student at The Country School.” Speaking to a spell-bound audience, in four short minutes 10-year old Marquess succeeded in capturing the hearts of the evening’s guests. We’re happy to report that such fun was had by all that we’ve been encouraged to hold this party again next year. Coming back due to popular demand is CASA’s 2nd Annual Off to the Races Preakness Party on May 17, 2014! Mark your calendars now!
L to R: Mary Van Fossan, Robin Davenport, Bruce Wiltsie, Mary Lou McAllister, and Bill Davenport are all smiles at CASA’s Off to the Races on Saturday, May 18th, at Hemmersley Farm! Photo courtesy of Second Star Photography
2013 Annual Report to Donors and Friends
Patrons$10,000 & above Mr. and Mrs. Alex MandlMD Dept. of Family AdministrationThe Neall Family Charitable FoundationSt. John Foundation, Inc.George B. Todd Fund of MSCFMr. and Mrs. George TorgglerThe United Fund of Talbot CountyVictims of Crime Assistance of GOCCPMr. Bruce Wiltsie and Mr. Bill Davenport
Heroes$7,500 to $9,999Mr. and Mrs. A. James Clark Ambassadors $5,000 to $7,499Artistic Insights of MSCF Mr. and Mrs. Edward Furman Mr. and Mrs. Jude LaspaMr. and Mrs. Vito J. Spitaleri Guardians $2,500 to $4,999Dock Street FoundationMr. and Mrs. W. James FarrellMr. and Mrs. Richard GranvilleMr. and Mrs. Bruce HammondsMr. and Mrs. Bradley HillMr. and Mrs. Richard HoffMr. Richard Marks and Ms. Amy HainesMr. and Mrs. William MillarNortheast Foods / Mr. Bill PaterakisSt. Mark’s United Methodist ChurchEstate of Mrs. R. Carmichael TilghmanMr. and Mrs. Bobby Van Fossan
Benefactors$1,000 to $2,499 Mr. and Mrs. John Akridge, IIIAmerican Legion Post 87Mr. and Mrs. Joe AnthonyBartlett, Griffin & Vermilye, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. William BowlesMr. and Mrs. Michael BracyMr. and Mrs. Daniel CanzonieroMr. Charles T. CaputeChesapeake Technology SolutionsCross Court Athletic ClubDr. and Mrs. Tucker DaltonMr. and Mrs. Steven DoehlerEmanuel and Anna Weinstein FoundationMr. and Mrs. Steven FordMr. William GinderMrs. Shirley GoochMr. and Mrs. Bryson GossMr. and Mrs. William Griffin, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. James GriswoldMr. and Mrs. John HeckMr. and Mrs. Steven HersheyMr. and Mrs. Thomas HillThe Hon. William S. HorneIntown Restorations, Inc.Katra Fund of MSCFMrs. Bette KenzieMr. Warren Kilmer and Ms. Judith NeedhamMr. and Mrs. Frank D. KittredgeMs. Linda LaramyMs. Allie MarriottMr. and Mrs. William McAllisterMrs. Norma RedeléMr. and Mrs. Bruce RogersAlice Ryan/Merriewold Trust of MSCF Ms. Mary Ann SchindlerMr. and Mrs. Christopher F. Spurry
Mr. and Mrs. Henry StansburyMr. Darian SumpThe Dale C. Christensen Family FoundationThe Frederick W. Richmond Foundation – Mr. and Mrs. Timothy E. WymanThe Hill Group at Morgan Stanley Smith BarneyThe Talbot BankMr. and Mrs. Richard Tilghman, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Samuel TrippeMr. and Mrs. Judson Van DervortMr. Colin Walsh and Ms. Carolyn WilliamsMr. and Mrs. David WillseMr. and Mrs. Peter WoickeMr. and Mr. Hubert Wright, IV Advocates $500 to $999Ms. Brenda AndersonMr. and Mrs. David BossermanBPOE Lodge 1272Mr. and Mrs. Franz BurdaThe Hon. and Mrs. Sidney CampenMrs. Carol CarlsonDr. and Mrs. R. Duane CespedesChesapeake Women’s HealthMr. and Mrs. Richard CrowleyMr. and Mrs. Thomas DeMarcoMr. and Mrs. John W. DillonMr. Robert DymondE. E. Streets Memorial Post 5118Easton Lions ClubECW of EastonECW of St. Michael’s ParishMr. and Mrs. John EgersonDr. Fayette Engstrom and Mr. Robert EngstromDr. and Mrs. Michael Fisher
Since 1990 we have been providing screened, trained, and supervised volunteers to advocate on behalf of vulnerable children in our communities who are under court protection due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In addition to the dedication of our Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers and other who help us in a variety of ways, it is through the generous support of the following individuals, businesses, and grantors that we are able to serve children who need CASA by their side. This annual report is presented with profound gratitude for the financial and in-kind support we received between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. Please note that founding members of the Champions of Hope Giving Society are in bold type.
Focus Construction, LTD/ Mr. Robert GearhartGuilford & Company Mrs. Martha HornerDr. and Mrs. Alden JamesDrs. Richard and Elizabeth MasonMs. Sherry McAllisterMr. and Mrs. Brian McCalmonMr. and Mrs. Robbie McWilliamsMs. Stephanie MehailMr. and Mrs. Jack MeyerhoffMr. and Mrs. Bob MillerMonet Family FundMr. and Mrs. Neil MufsonMr. and Mrs. A. H. PassarellaMr. and Mrs. Kirby PicklePNC Wealth ManagementMr. and Mrs. Laurence PrattMr. and Mrs. Tim RocheMr. and Mrs. Tom SaxonDr. Ali Soulati and Dr. Zuleika GhodsiUnion Baptist ChurchMr. and Mrs. John WattersMs. Bruce WellingtonMr. and Mrs. Robert WelteThe Hon. Joanne Wills and Mr. P. Reed Wills, II Sponsors$100 to $499 Ms. Alice AndersonMr. and Mrs. Steve AndersonMr. and Mrs. Herbert Andrew, IIIMr. and Mrs. Jay AngladaMr. and Mrs. Brian ArroyoAttraction Magazine Mr. and Mrs. Tom BaxterThe Hon. Robert M. BellMr. Charles Bethel and Ms. Lori WeinsteinMr. and Mrs. Russell BlackMr. and Mrs. Perry BoltonMr. and Mrs. Stanley BrightMs. Childlene R. BrooksMr. Norman BrownMrs. Jessie BrowneMrs. Mildred Bullock
Dr. Molly BurgoyneDr. and Mrs. Gordon CalvertMr. and Mrs. Robert CattaneoMr. and Mrs. Scott ClarkMrs. Susan CliffordMr. Paul ConnollyMr. and Mrs. Roy Cowdrey, Jr.Ms. Harriet CritchlowMrs. and Mr. J. Denham CrumDr. David Danner and Ms. Frances G. ForsterMrs. Barbara DaspitMr. and Mrs. C. Richard DavidsonMr. and Mrs. Dick DeerinMs. Delia DennyMr. and Mrs. Larry DentonMr. Richard X. DonovanMr. and Mrs. Blaine duPontThe Hon. and Mrs. Broughton EarnestEaston Lodge No. 1622 B.P.O. ElksEaston UtilitiesECW Of Wye ParishMr. and Mrs. Chip FichtnerMr. Thomas Filbert and Ms. Karen KaludisMr. and Mrs. John F. FordMr. Thomas Ford and Ms. Leslie PassanoMr. and Mrs. David FosterMr. W. Thomas FountainMs. Nancy FoxMr. and Mrs. Lawrence FrickerMrs. Carol FriedelMr. and Mrs. Jerry FriedmanMr. Paolo Frigerio and Ms. Leslie WestbrookMs. Regina GatesMr. and Mrs. Brian GearhartMs. Doreen GetsingerDrs. James and Judith GieskeMr. and Mrs. M. Anthony GouldMs. Ruth Noble GroomDr. and Mrs. Paul GurbelMr. and Mrs. Bruce HackettMr. and Mrs. Alexander HandyMr. and Mrs. Anthony HarringtonMr. and Mrs. John S. HashimMr. and Mrs. Mark HillMrs. Judy HodgeMr. and Mrs. James HoffmanMr. and Mrs. William Holly, III
Mr. and Mrs. Richard HoodMr. Jerry Hook and Ms. Jacqueline SmithMr. and Mrs. Francis Hopkinson, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. John HunnicuttMr. Doug JamesMr. Willliam A. Jarmon, Jr.Ms. Diana JohnsonThe Hon. and Mrs. Donald JohnsonMr. and Mrs. Herschel JohnsonMr. Robin JohnsonMrs. Marjorie JuddMr. and Mrs. Tim JunkinMr. and Mrs. Tim KaganMr. and Mrs. Edward KavanaughMr. Stephen H. KehoeMr. and Mrs. Martin KnottDr. John P. Knud-HansenKonsyl Pharmaceuticals Mr. Ken KozelMs. Mignonne LaChapelleMr. and Mrs. Marvin LangMs. Janet LarsonMr. and Mrs. David LaytonMr. and Mrs. F. Graham LeeMr. and Mrs. Willard A. LockwoodMr. and Mrs. Horace Lowman, Jr.Ms. Lisa LynchMr. Charles Marcantonio and Ms. Nathalie GalletMarcia Brady Tucker FoundationMr. and Mrs. John MathisMr. and Mrs. John MautzMr. and Mrs. William McAllister, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Don McClureMeintzer Bros. Petroleum, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Brad MessengerMs. Priscilla MillerMr. and Mrs. Richard MillerMr. and Mrs. Frederick MorganMr. and Mrs. Eugene MorroMr. and Mrs. William MunnMr. and Mrs. Chad NagelMr. and Mrs. Maurice Newnam, IIIMr. and Mrs. John A. O’BrienMr. and Mrs. Hugh O’DonnellMr. and Mrs. Stein OlavsrudMr. and Mrs. Charles O’ReillyMr. and Mrs. Geoff OxnamMr. and Mrs. Andrew ParishThe Hon. Scott Patterson and Ms. Robin Davenport PeachBlossoms Events Mrs. Sherrie PetermannMr. and Mrs. Joseph PetersMr. and Mrs. James PetersonMr. Jack Pinney and Ms. Donna CantorMr. and Mrs. John PohlhausMr. and Mrs. David PylesMs. Susan RabenhorstMrs. Ellen S. RajacichMr. and Mrs. Richard RazzettiMr. and Mrs. Craig Richardson
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Riehl, IIIMs. Annette RippertMr. and Mrs. Arthur RobertsMr. and Mrs. William RolleMr. and Mrs. Levi RuarkSamuel T. Hemsley Lodge #974 The Hon. and Mrs. Calvin SandersMr. and Mrs. Ken SappingtonMr. and Mrs. George ScholleyMs. Beth SchuckerMr. and Mrs. Joel ShillidayMr. and Mrs. George ShoenerMr. and Mrs. Langley ShookMr. and Mrs. W. Rembert SimpsonDr. and Mrs. Michael SingletonMr. and Mrs. H. D. SlaughterMr. and Mrs. John T. Smith, IIDr. Eva Smorzaniuk and Mr. Philip DietzMr. and Mrs. Richard SnowdonMr. and Mrs. Brett SnyderMs. Elizabeth Spurry KellerSt. John’s ChapelMr. and Mrs. Michael SwannTalbot County Visual Art CenterTalbot Post 70 of the American LegionThe Bay Pediatric Center The Satchell Group at BAIRDMs. Frances ThoringtonMr. and Mrs. Luther TuckerMr. Alfred Tyler, II and Ms. Cleo BraverMr. and Mrs. W. Moorhead VermilyeDr. Fredia Wadley and Mr. Edward WadleyMr. and Mrs. Bryan WatsonMr. and Mrs. Arthur WaxterMr. and Mrs. Larry WeaverMs. Carol WheelerMr. and Mrs. Donald WhitcombMs. Sara WoodallDr. Willie G. WoodsDr. Barbara WoolfordMr. Donald WootersMrs. Anne WorthingtonMr. Frederick Wyman, IIMs. Marianne YostMr. Howard Zwemer FriendsUp to $99Mr. and Mrs. John AbruzzeseThe Hon. & Mrs. Wm. H. Adkins, IIIMr. and Mrs. Thomas AlspachMr. and Mrs. Robert B. AmdurMrs. Carol W. ArmstrongMs. Betty BartlettMr. and Mrs. Robert D. BatchMr. and Mrs. William BatsonThe Hon. and Mrs. Raymond BeckRabbi and Mrs. Donald Berlin
Mr. and Mrs. William BestMr. and Mrs. Edward Bishop, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Thomas BlissMr. and Mrs. Roger BollmanMs. Gina BrentDr. and Mrs. Stephen BrighamMr. and Mrs. Edward BrownMr. and Mrs. Drew BuniskiMr. Paul ColonMr. and Mrs. James CrothersMr. Harold S. DavenportMs. Christine DolanDel. Addie Eckardt and Mr. Richard EckardtMr. and Mrs. Claude EdwardsEmbroidered Images – Mr. and Mrs. Charles LoweMr. and Mrs. Dennis FergusonDr. Rebecca Firth and Mr. Douglas FirthMr. and Mrs. Geoff FoxMs. Christine GillMr. and Mrs. Leonard GoldMr. and Ms. Stewart GreeneMs. Roberta R. GribbonMr. and Mrs. Waller HairstonMs. Florence HarperMrs. Mary HarrisonMr. and Mrs. Thomas Healy, IIIMs. Ann HolladayMs. Juanita S. HopkinsMr. Gugy IrvingMr. and Mrs. Michael JacobsMs. Carol KilbournMrs. Judith KnightMs. Johnette LanhamMrs. Susan LubyMr. and Mrs. John MageeMr. Gregory MeekinsMilton United Methodist Church Rainbow CommitteeDr. Dorothy Robins MowryMr. and Mrs. John S. NeildMr. and Mrs. Mark NewbergDr. and Mrs. Beale H. OngMs. Karen OremMs. Rima Z. ParkhurstMs. Mildred F. ParrottMr. Eugene PrevostDr. Stephen RadisMr. and Mrs. William Reybold, IIIMr. and Mrs. Thomas Reynolds, Jr.Mr. Otis SampsonMr. and Mrs. Robert SausserMr. and Mrs. Richard SchumacherMrs. Eunice B. ShearerMr. and Mrs. Stephen ShearerMr. and Mrs. Reynold SomersMr. and Mrs. Carlton Spitzer
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of CASA’s donor list. We apologize if there is an error and ask that you let us know by calling the office at 410-822-2866. Thank you!
Please consider CASA of Talbot and Dorchester Counties in your charitable giving, either through a financial gift or appreciated stock during your lifetime, or through a bequest in your will. Your thoughtfulness will help to ensure that future generations are able to benefit from your generosity.
Please have your financial planner contact us at 410-822-2866, ext. 1.
* Gifts were made in honor of the following individuals:Bryson GossLinda LaramyMary Lou McAllister
Gifts were made in memory of the following individuals:Diane Mizelle Lynne Rich
Ms. Deborah StoffMr. and Mrs. Theodore SumanTemple B’nai Israel / Rabbi Peter HymanUnited Way of Cental MarylandMr. and Mrs. Richard VangilderMr. and Mrs. John K. Waters, Jr.Westphal Jewelers – Mr. and Mrs. Bill WestphalMr. and Mrs. Richard WhiteWilliam T. Hunt InsuranceMr. and Mrs. J. Scott WimbrowMrs. Lola WismerMr. and Mrs. Larry WoodMs. Brenda Wooden
Gifts In KindAll of our Court Appointed Special Advocate Volunteers and Board Members
Atelier 11, LTDAttraction MagazineBartlett Pear InnClay BakersCompass ProgramThe County School Bell ChoirThe Crab Claw Restaurant / Ms. Sylvia JonesDiving Dog ProductionsDorchester Career and Technology CenterMrs. Susie DillonMr. Terry EffingerMr. Jerry FriedmanMr. and Mrs. William GriffinMs. Melissa Grimes-GuyMrs. Stephanie HandyMr. Steven HersheyMrs. Christina HoffMrs. Lauren MangoldMiss Galen Marquess Mr. and Mrs. William McAllisterMs. Sherry McAllisterPeachBlossoms EventsMrs. Maggii SarfatyMr. and Mrs. Vito SpitaleriSt. Mark’s VillageMr. Darian SumpTidewater Inn Mrs. Mary Van FossanMs. Linda Walls
Making a Difference Runs in the Family!When she decided to apply to become a CASA volunteer, Patricia Ross-Hawkins was continuing a cherished family legacy to make a difference that began when Ross-Hawkin’s great-great-grand aunt Harriet Tubman’s heroic actions enabled enslaved people to emancipate themselves and escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad. Invited to represent her family at President Obama’s recent official proclamation signing that established the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park, Ross-Hawkins traveled to Washington D.C. to take part in this historic event. Given the opportunity to address President Obama, Ross-Hawkins stated, “Thank you for designating the monument to honor Harriet’s work. Thanks for bringing Harriet home.” Ross-Hawkins believes that Harriet Tubman’s legacy serves as a reminder that one determined person can make a tremendous difference. Wanting to make a difference with local maltreated children, Ross-Hawkins knew that she would need courage, fortitude, and training, so she applied and trained to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer. The way Ross-Hawkins looks at it, she is continuing her ancestor’s powerful gift of giving. “By being a CASA volunteer you can be that one consistent, stable adult who can be a voice for that child,” she recently stated. She continued, “CASA can help to give a child the opportunity to grow up to become a strong, healthy adult.” Everyone at CASA thinks that her great-great-grand aunt would agree.
Uniting for ChildrenCASA’s 2nd Annual Unite for Children Luncheon occurred in April at the Dorchester Career and Technology Center in Cambridge. Local dignitaries, agency partners, and community leaders gathered to learn more about our services to Dorchester County children who are under court protection because of maltreatment.
A Triad of ExcellenceWe are pleased to introduce three new individuals who recently joined our Board of Directors! They bring such a wealth of experience and diverse backgrounds to the table that what follows is only a glimpse at their many accomplishments and affiliations.
Considering Volunteering? Read on!
CASA volunteers speak up for local children thrust into the court system because of maltreatment by their parents or guardians. After completing training classes covering a variety of topics critical to CASA’s work and being sworn in as court appointed special advocates, CASA volunteers typically work with one child at a time. They get to know the child, research his/her background, identify the child’s needs, attend court hearings, and make recommendations to assist the judge in making decisions that are in the child’s best interest. CASA closely follows the case to ensure the child receives services with the ultimate goal of seeing the child placed in a safe, permanent home. National studies have validated the work of CASA with findings that include the fact that a child with a CASA volunteer is: half as likely to re-enter
foster care; substantially less likely to spend time in long-term foster care; more likely to do better in school; and more likely to score better on nine protective factors, including neighborhood resources, interested adults, sense of acceptance, controls against deviant behavior, models of conventional behavior, positive attitude towards the future, valuing achievement, ability to work with others and ability to work out conflicts. Current CASA volunteers are happy to speak about the impact of their work. Theona Hall explains, “The children I advocate for have allowed me to see that by just spending time and listening to them, they now understand that what they say matters and that I care about their well-being.” Dick Deerin adds that by advocating for a child, “I get the feeling that I am improving the child welfare system by enhancing workable solutions for the good of many of these children and their families.” Alice Kaspar sums it up this way: “Being a CASA volunteer, I can be that one consistent, caring adult who is the voice for that child. I come away with the feeling that I have helped a child grow up to become a healthy adult, and that is a very powerful and positive outcome.” We are currently accepting applications from individuals who are interested in becoming CASA volunteers and wish to be considered for our Fall 2013 Pre-service Training. No special previous experience is necessary, but prospective volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and are screened and interviewed before being accepted into the Pre-Service Training program. Nearly one-third of the children served by CASA are boys who could benefit from having a male CASA volunteer. Additionally, of the children who are under the protection of the courts in any given year, almost half are African American. With this in mind, CASA encourages men and women from the African American community to apply to become volunteers. Please contact the CASA office at 410-822-2866 to request an application, or visit our website at www.casaoftalbot.org.
Standing in the Oval Office on March 25, 2013, Patricia Ross-Hawkins beams as President Obama signs a proclamation establishing the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Park. Photo AFP/Getty photo.
Martha Tuthill is the President and CEO of Chesapeake Technology Solutions, Inc. and an owner of Hearthstone Health and Fitness, Inc. As a consultant Martha’s has worked in the child welfare system, where she has learned of its strengths and opportunities for change. “I am so excited to serve the CASA organization by being on the Board,” Martha recently stated, continuing, “The CASA volunteers help children at a point in their lives when they truly need a friend, an advisor, and an advocate. We want to help as many children in Talbot and Dorchester County as possible.” CASA is delighted to welcome Susan, Neil, and Martha!
We welcome senior business executive Susan Mandl, who continues her Board involvement after a brief hiatus. Susan has served on the Washington Opera Board of Directors and has been active with Orphan’s Promise. Susan says that she is thrilled to be back on the Board, stating that, “It is an honor to be able to support CASA, the outstanding volunteers, and particularly the children CASA serves. I have always had a special heart for children, and CASA enables me to contribute by helping support the organization and the volunteers who directly impact children’s lives in unique and important ways.” The Country School’s headmaster, Neil Mufson, was an integral Board member in our early years and deserves credit for helping to build our strong foundation. Neil recently stated, “I feel honored to rejoin the CASA Board. The organization has grown so significantly since my last involvement in the early 1990’s. I look forward to its continued evolution in serving the children of Talbot and Dorchester Counties who might not otherwise have a fully informed voice.” Neil brings a keen knowledge of educational systems, child needs/development, nonprofit management, and best practices to the board.
Life-sized images of children graced the room at CASA’s 2nd Annual Unite for Children Luncheon.
Left to right: CASA volunteers Theona Hall and Alice Kaspar give their time, energy and compassion for lasting and positive change for children.
Susan Mandl Neil Mufson Martha Tuthill
CASA volunteer Dick Deerin making a positive difference in the lives of local children and their families through enhancing workable solutions.
Welcomed by Local Management Board Director and CASA Community Development Council member Nancy Shockley, guests were then addressed by CASA’s Executive Director Robin Davenport who stated, “We all believe that every child in our community has the right to be safe, the right to be loved, the right to have friends, and the right to live in a home with a real family so that he or she can thrive. Along with that belief, we also know that not every child in our community has what they so rightly deserve, and it is for those children that CASA was created.” Dorchester County Circuit Court Judge Brett Wilson and Master Karen Ketterman spoke about the value of CASA volunteers on children’s cases. “I want CASA to be something that is familiar to everyone,” said Judge Wilson. “It is time to get serious. We need to continue to expand and sustain CASA but we can only do that with volunteers and donations. It is becoming clearer to me that we need to invest more in human beings in the early part of their life; there is no lack of children who need
services.” Master Karen Ketterman stated, “As a Master I find that it is not an easy task making decisions about any of these kids, the stakes are so high. Every person gets just a short fleeting childhood, and we expect and hope that it would be safe, secure and happy. Unfortunately some of the cases I see are children that have missed out on at least some of that childhood.” CASA volunteer Theona Hall shared poignant examples of how CASA makes a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Hall said she became a CASA volunteer because she wanted to give back to her community. “Some of the children in our community are in troubling situations through no fault of their own. It’s up to all of us to gather together to raise these children up so that they can grow to become strong, healthy adult members of our community,” she said. Dorchester CASA Community Development Council member Greg Meekins closed the program by thanking guests for their commitment to the children served by CASA and for investing in the healthy future of our communities.
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Off to the Races!CASA’s Preakness®-themed Party will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2014!Mark those calendars now!
