Helping neglected Flathead children
Sooner or later, everyone needs someone to stand up for them. But perhaps no one needs someone to come to bat for them more than children suffering from abuse or neglect in their home.
Being a voice for children is at the heart of CASA for Kids, the Court Appointed Special Advocates program.
In Kalispell, more than 60 volunteers have been trained and now are working within the courts to protect the rights of our community's helpless child victims. These volunteers must listen with heads and hearts to sort through the maze of conflicting facts and emotions overriding each case. They uncover the individual circumstances, relationships and lives of the children they serve. And the children know they are fighting for their best interests.
It isn't an easy job. Volunteers learn not to expect hugs or smiles. But it is rewarding. They can and do make a difference in children's lives and can turn a painful, psychologically stressful situation around, giving hope and support to those who cannot speak for themselves.
"Children are the last people in the world that deserve all the injustices our society seems to inflict," says local volunteer Kierstin Compofelice. "CASA is a way to help them if we can."
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. During the month, hundreds of communities across the United States will come together at lighting ceremonies to honor "the promise of remembering the plight of America's abused, abandoned, and neglected children."
In Kalispell, that lighting ceremony took place this week at the Flathead County Justice Center. The event celebrated CASA's service to 240 abused and neglected children in Flathead County while honoring those volunteers who have dedicated themselves to giving children hope for better lives free of abuse and neglect. The awards are chosen by previous award recipients.
This year, Terry Hamik is the recipient of Light of Hope Award for her involvement in every aspect of the CASA program. During the four years that she has been with CASA, she has gone from training to be a volunteer to mentoring other volunteers, she's been available for speaking engagements, and has personally advocated for seven children within the court system.
This year, volunteers also created a new award, CASA's Choice. Deputy County Attorney Katie F. Schulz was selected as the first person honored for the passion she puts into her work. "She is amazing to work with," says program coordinator Jamie Campbell. "She makes everything seamless, pays attention to detail and represents all parties with compassion and fairness." Campbell says that Schulz also has been a tremendous asset to the CASA volunteers themselves, because she make herself accessible to them for legal advice and information.
The third annual CASA Dinner at Cafe Max fundraiser is set for April 24. The evening will feature a reception and silent auction in the Marshall Noice Gallery two doors away on Main Street in Kalispell. Tickets are $125 a person, $100 of which directly benefits CASA. Space is very limited, and advance tickets are required. For more information about the dinner, call Cafe Max at 755-7687 or the CASA office at 755-7208.