CHA--Homeless Final Draft

program first as the Family Coordinator providing family strengthening and mentoring programs and then as the Program
Coordinator administering the overall delinquency prevention program. The agency provided after school programming.
Each staff of the program saw it as their responsibility to see the potential in each child and then to help them to see it in their
self. My work with this program helped me to develop appreciation for diversity and respect for the qualities and characteristics
that make us unique. Working with children and families from varied and diverse backgrounds, I learned that poverty
and oppression are very real factors that can affect a person’s ability to succeed.
In my role as Executive Director for CASA of Graves County & Southwest KY, I recognize that a number of risk factors
contribute to the abuse and neglect of children including parental stress, untreated mental illness, drug abuse, excessive
use of alcohol, or parental engagement in unhealthy or violent relationships. I also understand that child abuse and neglect
can be reduced by making sure each family has the support they need to raise their children in a healthy environment. I read
or heard somewhere that parents don’t always deserve their kids but kids always deserve their parents. I’ve learned that most
of the time, despite circumstance for removal, children want to be home with their parent(s). As CASA we ensure that the
child’s wishes are known to the court and we advocate for their best interests. Over and over again, I have seen the difference
that our caring and compassionate volunteers make in the
lives of children that are most vulnerable. CASA is built on
the foundation of volunteerism. Ordinary people that want to
make a direct impact on the life of an abused/neglected child.
If you have a heart for children and have the time to give then
consider becoming a CASA volunteer. Doing so will bless
your life with great purpose. For more information on how
to join our cause and become a CASA volunteer call 270-251-
2060. Anyone age 21 or older is welcome to apply. All candidates
must successfully complete interview and background
screening process, 30 hours of training, and commit to at least
Pioneer Award 2017
one year of service.
CASA of Graves County & Southwest KY is a member of
the Kentucky CASA Network comprised of 23 programs across the state of Kentucky as well as a member of the National
CASA Association. CASA of Graves County & Southwest KY, Inc. operates on grants, donations, and fundraising events
each year. Your contribution can help us reach the children who need CASA Services. Tax-deductible donations can be
mailed to CASA of Graves County & Southwest KY, P.O. Box 5200, Mayfield, KY 42066 or can be made online by visiting
www.casagravesswky.org. CASA of Graves County & Southwest KY is a BBB Accredited Charity.
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