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2009 Volunteer of the Year Loretta Miller Honored2009 CASA Volunteer of the Year Award recipient Loretta Miller of local Helena CASA-Advocates for Kids was celebrated at this year's Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Conference. To thank the exceptional work of individuals who contribute to the success of local CASA programs, CASA of Montana recognized and awarded Sixth Judicial District Judge Nels Swandal, Eastern Montana CASA/GAL Executive Director Cherie LeBlanc, and Helena CASA-Advocates for Kids Volunteer Loretta Miller as 2009’s exemplary contributors to CASA’s work in Montana. Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Rice remarked about Miller that, “Not only does she take cases, she also serves as a mentor to other volunteers in a special mentor program. She has earned the respect of each and every social worker she works with in the local office.”
From left to right: 2009 CASA Volunteer of the Year Loretta Miller, Debra Swandal, Norine Swandal, CAN Program Director of the Year Cherie LeBlanc, the Honorable Justice Jim Rice of the Montana Supreme Court.Loretta has been a local volunteer with CASA for four years. In that time "she has taken on more than the typical advocate role, and has become one of six CASA Mentors who help to train new volunteers as they handle their first case assignment," as one of her nominations states. Other nominations point out that "Loretta does not just give of her time, which she does do freely, but is a major financial contributor to CASA-Advocates for Kids. Her business, Green Meadow Auto, has been a sponsor several years running for the annual CASA Run/Walk." Associate Justice of the Montana Supreme Court Jim Rice presented the awards on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at the start of the Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Conference held in the Helena Red Lion Colonial Hotel, April 21-23. Nominations were sent in by local CASA program staff, Child Protection Services employees, CASA Volunteers, and attorneys at law. Justice Rice explained that, “An independent committee of four evaluators chose honorees this year. CASA recognizes people who have made significant contributions in their work with children and families.” CASA, Kiwanis Club, and Child Protection Services Recognize Foster Parent MonthMay was Foster Parent Recognition Month and CASA-Advocates for Kids along with the Kiwanis Club and Child and Family Services hosted a Foster Parent Luncheon. The luncheon was May 30 at the First Presbyterian Church. Steve Bostrom of the Helena Kiwanis Club and Peggy Colvin of Child and Family Services coordinated the even in conjunction with CASA-Advocates for Kids. Kiwanis Club is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Present at the event were many foster families, Child and Family Service workers, and CASA Volunteers. Ryan Tofflemire, the Regional Administrator for Child and Family Services, presented certificates of recognition to foster parents who have given exceptional care over the past year. All foster families were thanked for the huge contribution they make in their foster children's lives and in the Helena area community. Food donations were made by VAN's Thriftway and Dominoes Pizza to support the event. Kiwanis Club generously provided the funds necessary to make this even possible. Many thanks go out to these organizations and the the volunteers from both Kiwanis Club and CASA-Advocates for Kids who staffed the Luncheon.
CASA 2009 Run/WalkRaises over $2500Click the link to read more about the 2009 Run/Walk.
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©CASA - Advocates for Kids, 2008 All Rights Reserved |
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