CASA volunteers, supporters recognized

WELLSBURG - Volunteers and supporters of a non-profit group that represents children involved in abuse and neglect cases in Brooke and Hancock counties received thanks from the program's coordinators.

Rhonda Stubbs, executive director; and Jennifer Fritz, coordinator of the program's volunteers; the sole staff of A Child's Place Court-Appointed Special Advocate program; took time at a Christmas open house to recognize the 11 volunteers as well as public officials and businesses that have supported it through the year.

Appointed by a juvenile or family law judge, the volunteers investigate the family environment of each child in an effort to determine if their parent or guardian has fulfilled such court-ordered actions as drug abuse counseling or parenting education.

Among those being recognized were: Helen Redmond, who has been a volunteer since the program began in 1999; Jenna Boley and Rita Kaylor, each volunteers for two years; Cathy Rusnak, a CASA board member who received the Stick Your Neck Out Award for donating hundreds of antique and collectible dolls belonging to her and her late mother for a fundraiser; and Carol Lynn, who put in more than 100 hours assisting with the sale.

Stubbs said the sale raised more than $6,000.

The group also received a boost during the open house from several businesses and home-based vendors who sold items or donated gift baskets and other prizes for drawings held to raise funds for the cause.

The open house raised $422 for the cause.

They included the Baymont Inn and Suites, which contributed a night's stay in a Whirlpool suite and dinner at Undo's; and Boley, who contributed three large theme baskets containing assorted product samples supplied through her business, Advantage Sales and Marketing.

Special guests included Michelle Figaretti, regional representative of Gov. Joe Manchin, who shared a letter in which Manchin expressed support and thanks to the group for its efforts to deter child abuse and neglect.

Stubbs said the program is funded in part by a federal Victims of Crime Act grant issued through the governor's office.

She said while some programs have been affected by cuts in federal VOCA funding, A Child's Place CASA has not.

Stubbs said the program has been supported also by state Sens. Jack Yost, D-Wellsburg, who serves on its board of directors; and Ed Bowman, D-Weirton; and state Dels. Randy Swartzmiller, D-Hancock; Pat McGeehan, R-Hancock; and Tim Ennis and Roy Givens, both D-Brooke.

"All of the delegates and senators have been very cooperative and worked together in responding to our needs," she said.

Also on hand was Miss West Virginia Talia Markham, a Jackson County native who has made deterring child abuse and neglect her cause.

Markham said that choice was inspired by her father, a circuit court judge who has heard many cases involving child abuse and neglect in his career.

Markham said she considers herself blessed to have grown up in a happy family and never had to fear for her safety in her own home, as some children do. She recently became a court-appointed special advocate in her home county.

Michele Bush, executive director of the West Virginia Association of CASAs, said there are 14 such organizations serving 31 West Virginia counties.

Unfortunately, that means the 24 remaining counties are without volunteers to assist abused and neglected children there.

Stubbs said A Child's Place CASA currently is aiding 44 children. Since it was begun, the program has served 253 children, she said.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)