Dear Editor:
Court appointed volunteers serve as advocates for these special children. Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers are appointed by a family court judge to work with others involved in a case toward the child's placement in a permanent, loving home. The goal is for the best possible environment to be chosen for the placement of each child. Due to a lack of funding this program is in danger of being discontinued.
Locally, the CASA program has been helping abused and neglected children in Lincoln, Pulaski and Rockcastle counties since June 2006, after receiving a National CASA grant. Today, the program plays an active role in the CASA movement throughout Kentucky, serving the 28th Judicial Circuit Court District. More than 20 children have been served by CASA and our volunteers have logged hundreds of hours without any compensation other than the satisfaction of helping a child in need.
Funds are presently not available to pay $2,200 due in program insurance or the salary of the program director, which is required to oversee the training and performance of advocates who are working with the children. I am asking you for a special gift of $10, $15, $25 or more to keep our program in operation and serving abused and neglected children. Your gift will allow volunteers to continue making a difference in the lives of these children and allow us to continue meeting the needs in our community.
