CASA/GAL programs celebrate
state winners

CASA Judge of the Year Katherine Curtis of Kalispell, Volunteer of the Year Don Dundas of Yellowstone CASA, Outreach Advocate Sherry Noel and Program Director of the Year Julie Crane were recently honored in Helena the Annual Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Conference. More than 400 people attended the conference.

CASA staff and volunteers from around the state celebrated awards to the Judge, Volunteer, Outreach Advocate and Program Director of the Year at a special awards breakfast Wednesday, April 28.

Judge Katherine Curtis of Kalispell was honored as the Montana CASA Judge of the Year in Helena recently. Attorney General Mike McGrath recognized her role in helping abused and neglected children.

"Judge Curtis is a true example of a visionary leader who actively and continually brings positive attention to the program on every level," McGrath said, quoting her nomination by retired Judge and Board Member George R. Taylor. "She is a true example of the kind of leader it takes to make CASA flourish for the betterment of abused and neglected children."

Judges appoint Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers as Guardians ad Litem who advocate for the best interest of the child. These volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court to investigate and recommend so the judge can make the right decision for a child on home placement. About 212 volunteers gave more than 12,000 hours of volunteer time to serve more than 700 Montana children in 2003.

Other state winners honored in Helena included Julie Crane of Corvallis, Program Director of the Year, Volunteer of the Year Don Dundas of Yellowstone CASA in Billings, and Outreach Advocate Sherry Noel of Hardin.

The Prevent Child Abuse Conference was attended by over 400 people working in child abuse prevention and intervention programs around Montana.

Program Director of the Year Julie Crane coordinates the Bitterroot program in Hamilton. Her work was praised by two judges, four social workers and several deputy county attorneys.

Judge James Haynes wrote, "Julie has the steadfastness, commitment, vision, patience, enthusiasm and community dedication to train herself first and then recruit numerous volunteers who now advocate for a almost all Ravalli County's neglected and abused youth."

Karen Mahar, deputy Ravalli County Attorney, nominated Julie, praising her personal dedication and her work with abused and neglected children.

"Julie started a fully-functioning, credible program in just over a year in a challenging county with the fastest-growing population in Montana," Mahar wrote. "Julie donated all her time for over a year until the program was stable. Julie is tireless, compassionate and determined."

Julie administers one of 18 local non-profit programs in Montana, working with volunteers to provide training, mentoring and assistance. Kari Hould of Malta and Sherry Noel of Hardin also were nominated for the program director award.

Yellowstone Director Shirley Folkwein nominated Volunteer of the Year Don Dundas, noting his advocacy for 14 children over the past four years, and his involvement with Yellowstone County Family Drug Treatment Court.

"Don has been a tireless advocate for children, and has given both of his professional skills and his personal generosity and warmth, " wrote Becky Bey, Coordinator of the Family Drug Treatment Court.

"Don has been an integral part of many aspects of the Yellowstone CASA Program," Folkwein said. "The only thing that occasionally-very occasionally--interferes with Don's advocacy for children is fly fishing!"

Don called the Yellowstone CASA office early in January 2001 before his retirement after 34 years as an educator, the last eight as associate principal at Billings Central Catholic High School.

Sherry Noel of Hardin was honored as the Outreach Advocate of the Year. Board Member Sheri Parker nominated her, calling her "infectious." Sherry Noel joined CASA in 1994 and became a Program Director of Rosebud and Treasure counties in 1995. Her office is under the Eastern Montana CASA program based in Miles City.

Not only is she tireless in her efforts to represent children, but she is also the master fundraiser of the state, according to CASA/GAL Coordinator Ellen Bush. Each year Sherry spearheads a big Annual Auction for Eastern Montana CASA. She solicits donations from everyone - not only Eastern Montana, but all over the country, including the Green Bay Packers.

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CASA/GAL programs celebrate state winners

CASA/GAL programs celebrate
state winners