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THE
CASA BRIEF
A Newsletter for Volunteers, Friends and Supporters of Douglas County CASA
U
Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children
Volume 24, Number 3 - FALL 2015
“Here’s Looking at You, Kids!”
CASAblanca Reaches $50K Goal!
With more than 60 children still waiting for a CASA volunteer, our 2015 CASAblanca benefit was
crucial for our kids this year. Fortunately, a great turnout and generous community support made this
year’s benefit our most successful yet; proceeds are expected to to surpass $50,000 as donations continue
to trickle in. With many guests sporting 1940’s attire, the evening included live music, photo booth, live
and silent auctions, food and beverages, “Bogie’s Stogies”, a costume contest sponsored by Images Salon
& Day Spa, Static, and Salon Lucca, and fabulous prizes including a diamond necklace donated by
Kizer-Cummings Jewelry. Special thanks to our title sponsor Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine!
Mark your calendars now for CASAblanca 2016 on September 30, 2016. See p. 3-4 for more photos and sponsors.
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Ladybird Diner Serves Up a Donation to Douglas County CASA!
After tragedy struck the Ladybird Diner, causing the restaurant to close for several months due to smoke
and water damage from a fire next door, chef and co-owner Meg Herriford decided to pay it forward
when the diner reopened on August 11. Meg selected Douglas County CASA as the charity to benefit
from their re-opening night, and the result was a donation of more than
$3,000 for our CASA agency. Homemade pies and philanthropy clearly go
hand in hand! Our thanks to Meg Herriford, her business partners, and staff
for serving an ample slice of generosity to Douglas County CASA.
Kappa Alpha Thetas Flip a Successful
CASA Cakes Benefit
In addition to volunteering at our CASAblanca fundraiser, our KU Kappa
Alpha Thetas coordinated a very successful “CASA Cakes” pancake feed to
benefit Douglas County CASA. With all-you-can-eat sausage and pancakes,
the event lured more than 900 people and raised over $5,000 for our CASA
program. Kappa Alpha Thetas support CASA programs nationwide, but we
happen to think that we have the best KAT chapter right here in Lawrence.
Thank you, Thetas!!
THANK YOU! We are extremely grateful to everyone who
has supported the CASA mission in Douglas County via financial
contributions, grants, volunteering, and in-kind gifts including
gift cards, birthday gifts and more. With more than 60 children
still waiting for a CASA volunteer, your help is crucial and greatly appreciated.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please call the 24-hour report center
at 1-800-922-5330. Call 911 if a child is in immediate danger.
OUR WISH LIST …
♥ Restaurant gift cards ♥ Travel-sized toothpaste
♥ New medium-size stuffed animals
♥ Backpacks for toddlers & girls ♥ Large generic fleece blankets
♥ Kohl’s, Walmart & Target gift cards ♥ Kleenex
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CASAblanca 2015: Here’s Looking at You, Kids!”
Special thanks to our Sponsors …
Title Sponsor: Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, P.A.
Platinum Sponsor: O’Connor Co.-Piller Foundation
Gold Sponsors: Anonymous / Capitol Federal / INTRUST Bank / Pennington and Co.
Silver Sponsors: Bartlett & West / Boston Financial Data Services, Inc. / Emprise Bank /
Jack Ellena Honda / R.A. Gollier II DDS / Kohart Accounting PA /
Lawrence Family Vision Colinic / Lawrence Memorial Hospital /
Peterson, Krische, Van Horn DDS / Wilkerson, Saunders & Anderson DDS, LLC
Bronze Sponsors: Ameriprise Financial Services-Peggy Johnson / Black Hills Energy /
Briggs Auto Sales / Fagan Emert & Davis LLC / First State Bank & Trust / Webster &
Joan Golden / Growing Smiles / Golf Course Superintendents Association of America /
Kansas Secured Title / Stephens Real Estate / Sabatini Architects
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Special Thanks to …
BA Green Construction / Dan Blomgren, Cibo Sano / Harry Miller & Steve Capp /
Corpus Christi Catholic Church / Eagle Trailer / Mandy Enfield / Eilseen’s Colossal Cookies /
First Construction LLC / Grandstand Sportswear and Glassware / Dennis Hill / Home Depot /
Hy-Vee / Kappa Alpha Thetas / Kizer-Cummings Jewelers /
Lawrence Arts Center / LHS Instructor Charlie Lauts & Students /
Lawrence Country Club / The Merc / Brianna Mosiman / Kim Murphree / Peoples Bank /
Kristin Piper / USD 497 / Vinland Valley Nursery / Paul Werner Architects /
Silent Auction Donors / Douglas County CASA Volunteers / DCCF / Justin & Jean Anderson
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CASA Playhouse Finds A Home at Ballard Center
The lucky winner of our 2015 CASA playhouse, designed and built
by LHS students, was announced at the CASAblanca benefit on
August 28 at Abe & Jake’s Landing. Danette Umholtz was the lucky
winner when her name was drawn out of a fedora onstage at the
benefit. Danette is graciously donating the playhouse to the Ballard
Center where many children will enjoy its unique features for years to
come. We are grateful to everyone who made a donation to win the
playhouse during its summer tour of Lawrence.
Special thanks to USD 497, LHS instructor Charlie Lauts and the
LHS students who created the magical playhouse, and to the generous
sponsors who made the 2015 playhouse possible. The project was
funded by donations from First Management/First Construction and
Eagle Trailer. In addition to LHS staff, project mentors included
Leticia Cole of Paul Werner Architects and BA Green Construction.
Board President Competes for CASA!
We are proud to announce that CASA Board President Aidan
Loveland Koster has been selected to compete in the
Transformations 2016 gala, which brings the chance for a
$10,000 donation to Douglas County CASA! Be sure to attend
the free launch party on Friday, November 13, 5:30-7:30 pm at
W Banquet Hall, 704 Connecticut. And purchase your tickets
soon to the Transformations gala on January 23 at Liberty Hall.
www.transformationslawrence.com
Remember These Great Ways to Support
Douglas County CASA:
 Donate online at www.dccasa.org.
 Shop on Amazon via smile.amazon.com and select
Douglas County CASA as the benefitting charity.
 Buy tickets to concerts, games and other events via
www.eztickets4you.com
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CASA Volunteer
Spotlight:
LYNNE CHASE and
BRUCE CONNELLY
Volunteers are the heart of CASA, so it’s always
inspiring to shine the spotlight on our dedicated
advocates. In this issue, we are delighted to feature
volunteers Lynne Chase and Bruce Connelly
(pictured at right on the grounds of Versailles in France). Always willing to help, Lynne graciously
agreed to answer a few questions on behalf of the dynamic duo.
What prompted you to become a CASA volunteer?
When I was teaching at Emporia State
University, another professor mentioned volunteering for CASA. I was immediately intrigued. At that
time my husband, Bruce Connelly, began training to become a CASA volunteer. I started my volunteer
work with CASA as a Support CASA volunteer. I enjoyed assisting my husband with his CASA family.
Soon I knew I wanted to train as a full CASA volunteer. Eventually my husband decided to step back and
take on a CASA support role. Now because of all his prior experiences as a CASA volunteer, he is an
invaluable source of support for my efforts.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your volunteer work with CASA so far? I would say
that the most rewarding aspect has been developing strong relationships with the CASA children. As the
children become comfortable with me, we build trust and begin sharing on a deeper level. I have been
assigned to four children, and Bruce has had three young CASA children. Although he is not a parent, he
managed to garner the affections of these children almost immediately. He thoroughly enjoyed outings
with them.
What has been the most challenging aspect? My most frustrating and challenging aspect has been the
seemingly slow progress that a case may make. Of course, I want parents, social workers, court workers,
and others to solve every problem as soon as it arises. That seldom happens. Patience is key!
Please describe a memorable moment with a CASA child. One of the most memorable interactions
I’ve had has been with a CASA girl. She was finishing 5th grade and wanted a new dress for the school
promotion event. I took her shopping at several stores. She was most excited to try on several pretty
dresses; she ultimately picked out a lovely blue dress, matching sweater, and necklace. I was so pleased
to attend her promotion event and see her looking so happy and proud in her new outfit. Bruce had a
wonderful experience with one of his CASA children. He acquired a bicycle for her through KVC; after a
few attempts she was able to ride solo with Bruce cheering her on.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I love travel, watercolor painting, gardening, playing the
piano, and playing with grandchildren. Bruce has an all-encompassing hobby: learning the Gallic Irish
language. This endeavor has led to travel to Ireland, attending language and painting classes there and
discovering cousins.
Where did you grow up? I grew up in northern Maine near the border of Canada in a town called
Presque Isle. Bruce, in Indiana.
What is your professional background? My professional background is as a professor of library
science. Before that I was a tax accountant for many years. Bruce was a systems analyst.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your role with CASA? Being a CASA volunteer
can be very difficult at times; on the other hand, it can be extremely rewarding. No matter the
difficulties, just persevere. You will never have a more important opportunity than advocating for CASA
children.
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A special section for our Douglas County CASA Volunteers
Seven New CASA
Volunteers Join
Fall Training Class
We are very pleased to
welcome seven new volunteers
to Douglas County CASA.
Our newest recruits are
completing 30 hours of CASA
training required for official
certification as a Court
Appointed Special Advocate.
Pictured at left are Kathy
Baragary, Karen Moore,
Dave
Ranney,
Cicely
Thornton,
and
Richard
Iverson.
Not pictured are
Cheryl Saladin and Alyssa
Bauer.
With more than 60 children
in need of a CASA volunteer at
this time, we are especially delighted to welcome our newest volunteers and wish them well in their new
role. If you know someone who may be interested in volunteering, please tell them to call the CASA
office at 785-832-5172 or visit our website at www.dccasa.org. Our next training session will be held in
February.
CASA In-Service Opportunity in December:
Mark your calendars now for a special in-service opportunity for CASA and CRB volunteers! Please join
us at the Lawrence Public Library @ 12:00 noon on Friday, December 11, for our annual Q&A session
with Judge Kittel. Watch your email for details! RSVP to [email protected] or 785-832-5172.
Requests and Reminders
♦ Please remember that as an active CASA or as a CASA on leave, you are required to complete
6 hours of in-service credit annually. Please contact your supervisor if you have any questions!
There are many convenient options to consider.
♦ Don’t forget to submit your monthly reports on time! Monthly reports are always due 10 days after the
month ends.
♦ Be sure to order a Christmas stocking for your CASA kids! Call our office if you have questions.
Generously filled stocking are provided by our CASA Ambassadors and other friends.
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Tips for Supporting
Foster Children through the
Holidays
The holidays can be a very difficult time for youth
in care who have been separated from their
families and are learning new traditions in a foster
home. Here are some tips to help CASA kids stay
connected, heard and loved during the holidays:
1. Help youth in care connect with loved ones. Help facilitate visits and phone calls as permitted.
2. Make gifts or cards with your youth to send to family and friends. Or let them choose items from the
Giving Tree in the CASA office in December.
3. Talk to your CASA child about their past traditions and beliefs.
4. Talk about their current feelings and frustrations; listen.
5. Be empathetic if the child pulls away during the holidays. Understand that this is a coping mechanism
during this difficult time.
6. Encourage foster families to prepare kids for what to expect during the holidays in their new home.
7. Connect your child with CASA resources. Contact our office for an updated list of available resources.
8. Go on fun winter outings, especially during the breaks from school
a. Go sledding; b. Build a snowperson; c. Make paper snowflakes; d. Bake cookies at the CASA office.
See “Helping Young People in Foster Care Through The Holidays” via this link:
http://nc.casaforchildren.org/files/public/community/volunteers/HelpYouthInFC-Holidays.pdf
Douglas County CASA, Inc.
CASA Board of Directors: Reid Bork, Katrina Chatman (Treasurer), Machaela Edmonds,
Kendall Heiman (Secretary), Eric Hiebert, Rick Hird (Vice President), Claudia Jones,
Wendi Kelemen-Braden, Aidan Loveland Koster (President), Cathy Shenoy,
Amy Shumaker (Past President), Suzanne Valdez, Kitty Ware. Honorary Board Member: Jean F. Shepherd.
Ex officio: Jill LaPoint (CASA Ambassadors); Erin Feller (Kappa Alpha Theta).
CASA Staff: Diana Frederick, Executive Director; Susan Allen, Advocate Coordinator;
Amy Buchele-Ash, Advocate Coordinator; Maria Butler, Administrative Assistant;
Margie Carr, Advocate Coordinator; Carolyn Johnson, Advocate Coordinator;
Brooksie McCarty, Advocate Coordinator
Contact Information: Douglas County CASA, Inc., 1009 New Hampshire, Suites A & B, Lawrence, KS 66044;
Phone: 785-832-5172; Fax: 785-856-1279; E-mail: [email protected];
Web site: www.dccasa.org.
Our Mission:
We provide comprehensive advocacy for abused and neglected children in need of care and under the
protection of the court system. Our trained volunteers investigate, facilitate, monitor and mentor. Through
compassion and commitment, they are dedicated to be the child’s voice through their journey to a safe, loving
permanent home.
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