CASA Attends National Conference in Denver

More than 30 Montana people from local and state CASA programs attended National CASA meetings in Denver in late April, joining about 1,400 people from all over the country. Eastern Montana CASA/GAL brought 10 people from their program, including many volunteers who were thrilled to have a meeting close to Montana.

The appearance of Dr. Phil and Robin from the Dr. Phil show was one of the highlights mentioned by almost everyone who attended the event. With the help of the well-known TV stars, more than 21,000 new volunteers were recruited to work with abused and neglected children last year. Dr. Phil even apologized to the group for not getting involved in the cause earlier and promised his full support to the mission.

Kiersta Sullivan, new director of the Front Range Program covering four counties north of Great Falls,  reported she  saw Dr. Phil up close from a front table. She came back with many new ideas to help the rural program from the New Directors session on Saturday. “The best idea I brought back from Denver was the fundraising idea of CASAS 4 CASA,” Kiersta said. “We are building a playhouse and selling raffle tickets for it. The local lumberyard is selling us the materials for cost and my husband is building the playhouse.”

From left: Malta Prairie CASA/GAL Director Kari Hould, CASA of MT State Board Member Joyce Funda, Great Falls CASA-CAN Executive Director Judy Pylar, CASA of MT Program Services Director Jerie Roberts, and Anaconda volunteer Sharon Scalise at the National CASA Annual Conference in Denver.
National Court Appointed Special Advocates CEO Michael Piraino (bottom row, far right) leads a panel discussion at the National CASA Annual Conference in Denver.
From left: Eastern Montana CASA/GAL Executive Director Cherie LeBlanc, Program Director Jamie Burkhalter, and two Miles City area volunteers at the National CASA Annual Conference in Denver.

"This was one of the most rewarding conferences I have ever attended. Everyone was present for the same reason: to help prevent the abuse and neglect of children, to see that they are placed in a safe and permanent home and to continue to advocate. It was very emotional for me. Listening to the panel of former child victims and hearing how the CASA volunteer in their life allowed them to move forward was the best part. Knowing that we ARE making a difference in the lives of these children makes me feel blessed to work for this organization."

-Jerie Roberts, CASA of Montana Program Services Director

CASA of Missoula Welcomes New Executive Director

LaNette Diaz is the new executive director of CASA of Missoula, following the departure of Dave McAlpin. Dave has accepted the position as director of the Montana Crime Laboratory in Missoula, after recently completing his second term as a legislator in the Montana House.

LaNette graduated with both a B.A. and M.A. in Social work from the University of Montana. She has worked in the foster care system in Billings, Spokane and Missoula. Most recently, she helped develop housing for low income families and was involved in neighborhood revitalization for low income neighborhoods in Billings and for all neighborhoods in Missoula.

A former Americorp VISTA, LaNette also trains new VISTAs and their supervisors at the annual Community Building Institute.

"After my first week on the job, I am taking a proactive approach at understanding the Missoula organization's financial structure, volunteer structure and the way our program operates locally, works with CASA Montana and with other local groups," LaNette said.

 

Congratulations to 2009 CASA Award Winners!

Click here to check out CASA's 2009 CAN Conference Award winners. The CAN Conference was held at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel in Helena, MT from April 21-23, 2009.