Local BAR awards with Chief Justice Karla Gray

District Court Judge Holly Brown stands with retiring Chief Justice Karla Gray after they honored Anita Nybo and Nancy Mitchell, co-directors of the Gallatin County CASAlGAL program.

April 28 - Anita Nybo and Nancy Mitchell, co-directors of the Gallatin County CASAlGAL program, were awarded the 18th Judicial District Bar Pro Bono award for their work on training and mentoring volunteer guardians ad litem who advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system. They work with local attorneys who serve pro bono with the GALs.

The Gallatin County CASA program in Bozeman is one of 15 programs in the state. About 40 CASA volunteers are serving more than 70 children in the 18th Judicial District.

For more information, call the CASA/GAL office at 582-2051 or Ellen M. Bush at CASA of Montana at 866 863 2272 (Helena).

Helena Run/Walk to Benefit Kids

Helena runners and walkers of all ages showed their support for CASA-Advocates for Kids on April 19th, 2008. Despite a return to wintery weather, the CASA Run/Walk was a great success. Participants were in high spirits even as snow began to fall. View photographs from the event at the helenacasa website .

Bitterroot CASA Light of Hope Banquet

The 5th Annual Light of Hope event in Hamilton saw a large turnout on April 4th. Program Director Julie Crane reported that around 200 Bitterroot CASA supporters attended the event, which raised over $18,000. The event was a great success and attendees enjoyed learning more about CASA, especially as it was presented from the point of view of a former CASA child.