Lexington Connection Connection

Winter –Spring
2011

CASA
OF LEXINGTON
Board of Directors
Joe Schuler
President
Jane Bennington
Vice President
Cameron Shoaf
Secretary
Carolyn Looff
Treasurer
Appointed
Larry Forrester
Brittany Koch
Anne Vandervort
Brittany Blackburn
Pamela Weeks
Morgan Hall
Ex-Officio
Beth Mills
Libby Messer
Jim Root

Greetings Everyone!
It has been awhile since our last newsletter. Please take a few minutes to catch up on CASA news.
First, I am proud the results of the KY CASA Assessment Protocol and Best Practices review that we recently participated in went very well. Our program passed the detailed scrutiny conducted by outside consultant, Linda Ison, and Kentucky CASA Association Executive Director, Alex Blevins. A few minor recommendations were made to improve our program and these have been taken under consideration by our Board of Directors.
Overall, CASA of Lexington has been asked to be a model of best practices for other programs around the state.
Next, I would like to extend invitations to the public, and particularly to our Volunteer Advocates, to attend our Board meetings. Whether you would like to just learn more about CASA of Lexington, or whether you are interested in providing your input on various aspects, we welcome your participation. Please note the upcoming meeting listed on page three of this newsletter. The Board has scheduled a strategic planning retreat early this fall. Attendance at any of the upcoming meetings toward providing such input could be very valuable information as we forge ahead, setting goals and strategies for the agency. Please note that we presently have six (6) vacancies on our Board of Directors. If Board membership sounds like a position you would be interested in, please contact the office for further information.
Finally, as many of you are aware the tough economy has affected our program, just as it has affected other programs, individuals, and businesses. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to columnist Merlene Davis, and photographer, Matt Goins, for the coverage in the Herald Leader a few weeks ago. The media coverage has been helpful in generating interest in our children’s difficulties and has generated much needed support. Thank you!

Debi

Mark Your Calendars!!
3rd of each month: Volunteer report on hours of service due in CASA office-please use due diligence!
Exercise Class for CASA & Friends: The second Tuesday of each month Eaglecreek Wellness will host a Zumba or Yoga class for CASA
Get in shape at a low cost while supporting the cause!
In Service May 24th at 5:30 CASA Office: Community Partner Panel. Join us to learn about services (MASH, Impact Plus, Sunrise, Chrysalis House, and SKY Families) for children in the community.

CASA of Lexington Staff
Debra King, MSW CSW
Director , 246-4313
debrak@lexingtonky.gov
Rachel Bailey, BSW
Program Manager
246-4317
rbailey@lexingtonky.gov
Lyndsey Brady, BS
Program Manager
246-4315
lbrady@lexingtonky.gov

Production of this newsletter made possible by a NCASA Sustainability grant and our partners at Stout Printing

Welcome Lyndsey!
Lyndsey started as CASA’s newest Program Manager on January 1. Lyndsey is going to bring her knowledge of marketing and the business world to our CASA program. Her primary goals will be fundraising and volunteer recruitment.
Lyndsey was born and raised in Lexington then later moved to Oxford, MS where she graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2007. Lyndsey came to us from the hospitality industry after working as one of the youngest Directors of Sales and Marketing for Hilton Hotels. She is newly engaged and looking forward to what her personal and work life have to bring!

Julia Knight, Mayor Jim Gray who delivered the Proclamation designating April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and CASA Director Debra King.

Universal Child
How many mountains must you face before you learn to climb.
I’m gonna give you what it takes, my universal child.
I’ m gonna try to find a way to keep you safe from harm.
I’m gonna be a special place, a shelter from the storm.
And I can see you, your everywhere, your portrait fills the sky.
I’m gonna wrap my arms around you, my universal child.
And when I look into your eyes, so innocent and pure.
I see the shadow of the things that you’ve had to endure.
I see the tracks of every tear that ran down your face.
I see the hurt, I see the pain, I see the human race.
I can feel you, your everywhere, shining like the sun.
And I wished to God that kids like you could be like everyone.
How many tumbles must it take before you learn to fly.
I’m going to help you spread your wings, my universal child.
I can feel you every where shining like the sun.
And I wished to God that kids like you could be like everyone.
And I wished to God that kids like you could be like everyone.
Annie Lennox
Performed by Julia Knight, 14yrs. old
CASA Light of Hope Vigil March 29, 2011

New Volunteers Sworn In by Judge Joann Wise

Upcoming Board Meeting:
June 8, 4:30-5:30
All meetings held at CASA office and are open to
the public.

New Volunteers Sworn in:
Shana Klinefelter
Trydon St. Clair
Kyle Treadway
Amanda Wilkerson
Judy Dendy
Melanie Scott
Donica Sweat
Susan Cruse
Phylis Pendleton
Megan McMichael
Spouses Sworn to Abide by
Confidentiality
H.D. Uriel Smith
Stewart Cruse
Jeff Pendleton
***************************
Thank you sponsors for your financial support this past two quarters!
Beth & Louis Hairston
Delta Delta Delta
Danny Price
Julie & David Toth
J. Steven Shokley
Alpha Tau Omega
Kappa Sigma
McBrayer, McGinnis, Leslie & Kirkland
Jill Johnson
Melanie Mathis
Pamela Weeks
Matthew Koch
Maria Ransdell
Kappa Alpha Theta
Kappa Alpha Theta Alumni
Scottye & Lorene Terhune
Second Presbyterian
Price, Stagner & Co.
Toyota
Spencer Templin
Central Bank
Firehouse Subs
Best of Flowers
Susan Westrom
Crestwood Christian Church
Elizabeth & Donald Sands
.

CASA of Lexington
1155 Red Mile Place
Lexington, KY 40504

“You start out trying to change the life of a child, then find that you own life has also been changed.” CASA Advocate
DID YOU KNOW?
Every 35 seconds a child is abused/neglected
Every hour a child is displaced due to abuse/neglect
Kentucky’s child fatality rate is one of the
highest in the nation.
Advocate. Donate.
Be the difference!
Visit us on the web at: www.lexingtoncasa.com & on FaceBook or at GoodGiving.net