Program Director Bill Collins Honored by National CASA

National CASA recently announced the 2011 Awards of Excellence winners. Bill Collins, recently retired director of the Helena CASA program, has been chosen to receive the prestigious Kappa Alpha Theta CASA/GAL Program Director of the Year award at the NCASA Conference in Washington, D.C. this June. Bill devoted the last thirteen years of his career to the CASA program in Helena, and touched the lives of countless children, parents, and others involved in the child welfare system. Moreover, Bill is the first male recipient in the history of the award. Read more about Bill's invaluable contribution to the Helena community here.

New Volunteer Training in May

Want to make a difference in a neglected or abused child's life? Train to be a CASA! CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) are the judge's "eyes and ears" in court. Children with CASA volunteers benefit in many ways. They are more likely to be placed in safe, permanent homes; more likely to receive better services; and less likely to encounter numerous placement changes.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and each makes a difference in a vulnerable child's life. The Helena CASA program will be holding its spring training every Tuesday and Thursday evening May 1-24. For more information or to sign up for the training, contact Pam Young at 457-0797.

Light of Hope Banquet a Huge Success

On March 16, Helena’s CASA—Advocates for Kids program held its first-ever Light of Hope Banquet at the downtown Holiday Inn in Helena. More than 110 community members were in attendance, including district judges, the deputy county attorney, and Helena social workers. The event raised more than $11,000 to continue the work of this growing program, currently serving more than 130 children with 64 volunteers.

Steve Mandeville served as auctioneer at the banquet.

Community members and businesses donated more than 70 items and baskets for the silent auction.

The Holiday Inn ballroom was beautifully decorated with "lights of hope" for the event.

Helena CASA Program Honored at Annual State Service Awards

CASA - Advocates for Kids was recently presented with an award from the Governor’s Office of Community Service at the ServeMontana Symposium held at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel.

“This is a room filled with the spirit that makes Montana great,” Lt. Gov. John Bohlinger told those at the ceremony.

Ellen Bush, executive director for the program statewide, said Helena’s program is well respected, and she credits much of that to Collins’ leadership. Collins recently announced his intent to retire next month.

“We are proud to honor these individuals and organizations who represent the true spirit of civic engagement.” said Kim Miske, chair of the Montana Commission on Community Service.

The awards ceremony luncheon was part of the 2012 ServeMontana Symposium, a two-day conference focused on providing training and resources for national service programs, nonprofits and organizations that use and support volunteers.

2011 Newsletter

Past newsletters are available here.

Your generous donation allows us to continue serving every child in need in Montana's First Judicial District. Thank you for your support!

Upcoming In-Service Trainings

• May 31, 7-8:30 PM at the CASA Office: Dr. Leonard Lantz of AWARE will give an overview of mental illnesses in neglected and abused children
• September 13, 6-7:30 PM at the CASA Office: Florence Crittenton staff members will present an overview of the Circle of Security parenting training often required in parents’ treatment plans.