MAFTI Toolkit for Children with
Family Members Behind Bars Completed
The Montana Alliance for Families Touched by Incarceration (MAFTI) is a group of professionals from across the state of Montana who collaborate for one central purpose: to strengthen families touched by incarceration. MAFTI is dedicated to providing support and advocacy to families as they navigate through the criminal justice system.
Throughout 2009, MAFTI compiled a Toolkit that provides tips and guidance for how to talk with a child with an incarcerated family member. MAFTI received input from inmates with children, professionals working within the criminal justice system throughout Montana, and professionals working with Montana's Child Welfare system.
Download the MAFTI Toolkit: Family Members Behind Bars
Town Pump donates nearly $12,000 to CASA
Many thanks go to Town Pump for their annual Charity Golf Tournament held this Summer. Their contribution has increased since 2008 by nearly $2000. Thanks to the generosity of Town Pump, CASA continues to provide essential services such as director training, a public awareness campaign and updates on state law throughout Montana.
Livingston CASA Celebrates Annual Bugle for KidsThe 2009 Annual Bugle for Kids, hosted by Livingston-based Sixth Judicial District CASA, was won by two very lucky individuals, Jordan Moody of Big Timber and Kelly Juvan from Livingston. Kelly graciously gave his ticket to Becky Bergsing and her son Gunner, both Livingston residents. The fourth annual Bugle for Kids is an annual fundraising raffle that also provides opportunities for youth in the Livingston area to hunt with experts from Yellowstone Gateway sports. Both Gunner and Jordan shot their elks over Halloween weekend at the Twelve Springs and West Boulder Ranches, respectively. Jordan was able to make the hunt successful with only one shot and it was Gunner’s first time to shoot an elk. The Sixth Judicial District CASA would like to thank all those involved and in support of the Bugle for Kids 2009 Raffle. Yellowstone Gateway Sports in Livingston and The Fort in Big Timber sold tickets for the event. The Livingston CASA program received many contributions, notably those from Ron and Susie Dollens, Denny and Susanne Ware of the Twelve Springs Ranch, and Tom and Meredith Brokaw of the West Boulder Ranch. Without these contributors, the event would not have taken place nor have provided such an opportunity for Gunner and Jordan.
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CASA welcomes Kalispell director as new board memberCASA of Montana welcomes the newest State Board member, Jamie Campbell. Jamie is currently the Kalispell-based CASA for Kids Program Director and has a long history of working with children in need. She spent eight years as a foster parent in Washington State, ultimately becoming an adoptive parent of two. During this time she cared for over 80 children in addition to her three biological children, one step child, and serving as a guardian for another child. Jamie came to CASA for Kids as a volunteer in 2002 and had the privilege of working with each of the two preceding program directors. In 2005, she accepted the position of CASA for Kids Program Director. She holds degrees and certifications in a variety of fields, including Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Paralegal Studies, Rehabilitation Counselor, and Developmental Disabilities Specialist. Her work experience includes Preschool Teacher for a community college cooperative, Activity Director for supported living group homes, CNA, Hospice. Jamie stated that, “the common thread [of my career] is that I have spent my life in the helping fields working with highly vulnerable populations.” Many thanks to outgoing Board members Judy Pylar and Vivian Manuel. Pylar, the current Executive Director of the Great Falls CASA-CAN: Children’s Advocate Network, will retire in June 2010. Manuel has had a long career in Public Relations and has contributed her expertise to CASA in this area over the past two years.
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For more articles about CASA of Montana,
view the Winter 2009 CASA Newsletter.
