CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Northwest Arkansas held it’s annual Celebration of Success Thursday, May 9th at St. Anthony’s on the Creek in Lowell. This celebration was to honor CASA’s outstanding volunteer advocates who speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. The mission of CASA advocates is to find each child a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. CASA Advocate Supervisor Vicki Robinson presented the Outstanding Service Award stating, “It is always so difficult to choose one advocate or a team of advocates to receive special awards when there are so many worthy of recognition. For me it is particularly difficult since I have the privilege of working along side such wonderfully dedicated and devoted volunteers.” Robinson presented CASA’s Outstanding Service Award to Keely Meyer. “Tonight I want to honor one volunteer that spoke up for her child during the final court hearing which embodied the spirit CASA’s mission. She literally sat tall on the witness stand, endured a brutal cross examination by the parent’s counsel and then confidently was allowed to deliver her a prepared statement written to give this child a voice in court concerning her recommendation for this child’s future placement. I was humbled by her strength, inspired by her words and continue to have the honor of working along side her as she continues to boldly advocate for other children.” Awards were also given for years of service to each of the volunteers, and the following were special award recipients:
2013 CASA Volunteer of the Year – Janet Steencken 2013 Heart of CASA – Sidney Hewgley 2013 Board Member of the Year – Sylvia Norris 2013 Foster Parents of the Year – James & Belinda Root 2013 DCFS Friend of CASA – Ryan Blue 2013 Dynamic Duo – Jim & Jerre Carter 2013 Dynamic Duo – Dale Ensinger and Geri Festul