Court Appointed Special Advocates Celebrate with Annual Volunteer and Staff Appreciation Dinner
The CASA network recently gathered at the River Oak Chophouse for its annual appreciation dinner, honoring the exceptional individuals who dedicate themselves to the well-being of abused and neglected children in Jefferson County.
In attendance were Jefferson County's most remarkable community members, Court Appointed Special Advocates, who volunteer countless hours to advocate for the best interests of children in the foster care system. CASA staff and the organization’s Board of Directors were also present, acknowledging the unwavering commitment of the volunteers.
“CASA volunteers are the backbone of our organization, providing a voice for children who have experienced trauma and ensuring that their needs are met. They conduct thorough investigations, gather information from multiple sources, and make recommendations to the court regarding the child's well-being, and future. They are our community’s most remarkable assets to our most vulnerable population.” executive director, Whitney Roberts. “These individuals are CASA of Jefferson County. I am honored to work beside each one of them, and thank them for allowing me to do so.”
Jefferson County’s esteemed CASA volunteers: Alexis Roberts, Brittany Demaree, Chrissy Stewart, Crystal Hinton, Daniel Hellmann, Jacque McDaniel, Jillian Gregory, Harriet Ann Hoffman, John Davis, Joy Hamilton, Julia Clayton, Karlee Sedam, Kate Shaffery, Kathy Cooper, Katie Powers, Laura Lawson, LeAnne Adams, Marla Arnold, Mary Jo Hoffman, Natalie Clark, Pat Russell, Sally Nay, Sara Scroggins, Stephanie Miller, Susan Thevenow, and Taryn Holland.
Our Board of Directors: Dr. Linda Zapp, Board President | Susan Craig, Vice President | Pam Crozier, Treasurer | Nadja Boone, Secretary | Paul Hartman | Carol Ralston | Tammy Courtney | Susan Suggett-Schmidt | John Huthinson.
Our Staff: Brenda Holbrook, Program Coordinator, Kimberly Courtney, Program Manager, Jessica Brawner and Michelle Zimmermann, Volunteer Coordinators, Whitney Roberts, Executive Director.
CASA’s Program Coordinator, Brenda Holbrook, was also honored for her dedication for the CASA mission and CASA of Jefferson County
Brenda has been a vital part of the CASA program since 2018, and her contributions over the years have significantly shaped the program's presence in our county. “Brenda demonstrates the transformative power of partnerships and the importance of leveraging the unique strengths of small towns to create a vibrant and economically prosperous future. When Brenda embraced the art community as a catalyst for growth, CASA of Jefferson County became a shining example of how collaboration and community engagement can make meaningful differences in the lives of the children our program serves.” Roberts
Brenda's dedication extends far beyond her official responsibilities. She is actively involved in community outreach and fundraising initiatives, raising awareness about the critical role that CASA plays in protecting children from abuse and neglect. Her passionate advocacy has garnered widespread support and resources for our program, allowing us to expand our reach and serve even more children in our community.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Elizabeth and Troy Riley, along with General Manager Emily, for graciously hosting our recent event at the River Oak Chophouse. From the moment we arrived, their enthusiasm and support were palpable, creating an atmosphere that was both welcoming and engaging. Elizabeth and Troy's commitment to excellence was evident in every detail, ensuring that our experience was nothing short of exceptional.
