Roataris Learn about CASA Volunteers
Posted by John H. Frischie on Mar 07, 2017
L to R Henry Senefelder, Katie Hall, Cristin Bramlage
Kentland Rotarians were updated on the activities on the Court Appointed Special Advocates program in Newton and Jasper County by Katie Hall Program Director. CASA is an organization of community volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children to help them find safe, permanent homes. Volunteers work in 79 of Indiana’s 93 counties. 3,470 volunteers advocated for 23,524 children in 2015. Currently there were over 5,000 children waiting for an advocate to be appointed. Indiana’s Division of Child Services received 187,137 calls of possible abuse in 2016. Katie found a Kentland Rotarian when she presented at Kentland Rotary a couple of years ago, Henry Senefelder was trained and currently volunteers in the CASA program. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, complete an interview, attend training and then continue their CASA training.
The CASA program in constantly looking for adults that are willing to help children in need. There will be a new training class starting soon. Please contact Katie Hall at 219-866-0843 to volunteer. CASA Volunteer Coordinator Christin Bramlage attend the meeting also. Thanks to Katie for sharing the CASA story and Henry for arranging the program.
In other Rotary news, the club is applying for a Rotary District 6540 Grant of $3000.00 to support the second phase of construction of the new 4-H building at the Newton County Fairgrounds. Construction has begun and the shell should be open for exhibits at the 2017 Fair. The second phase will consist of equipping the building with tables, chairs, benches, restrooms, air conditioning, and heat. The Club will raise funds with local donations and fundraising projects like the March 11th Pancake Breakfast.
Tim Lohr will assume the Presidents duties and has completed phase one of President Elect Training in Monticello and will join 400 other incoming Presidents at Great Lakes Rotary President Elect Training in Kalamazoo Michigan later this month. Training is provided by District Governor Elect, Lisa Waterman and District 6540 Trainer John Frischie.