Cass County CASA Press Releases & News
March 16, 2011: New CASAs complete training and are sworn in.
(see gallery)
Court Appointed Special Advocates for children (CASA) director James Ward introduced the five new volunteers who completed 35 hours of initial training in March and were sworn in by on March 16, 2011, by Judge Susan Dobrich. They are:
- Erica Bolanger: Erica is adding “CASA volunteer” to her already busy life as program coordinator of the Cass County CASA program and Vice-Chair of the Cass County Youth Council. Erica is married and states that she is a “full time” mom to Ella.
- Amy Lewis: Amy lives in Cassopolis, but was born in New Zeeland. She works in real estate and also has three children of her own. Because of her personal experience in the foster care system as a youth, Amy believes that all children deserve a safe and permanent home.
- Jessica Lamberson: Ms. Lamberson is from Edwardsburg and is one of the new volunteers. She worked in marketing for a real estate firm and is the mother of a 19 month old child. She became inspired to become a CASA volunteer after watching Dr. Phil.
- Bruce Hendrickson: Mr. Hendrickson is from Dowagiac and decided to become a CASA volunteer because of his personal experience with the foster care system. Bruce claims that we need to “speak out, and sometimes you need to speak loudly.” He is retired and is the full time guardian of his grand-daughter.
- Joyce Shellito: Ms. Shellito is from St. Joseph. She was inspired by Dr. Phil and believed that volunteering in this capacity was a calling. She is educated as a medical Social Worker and is the mother of three children.
“There are several common threads these new volunteers share. Read more about these traits and the rewards of giving a child a voice.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Jim Ward at Cass County CASA, 269-445-4431.