CASA Swears in Eight New Volunteers

New CASA Volunteers Megan Sooter, Molly Hester, Holly Bruns, Ivy, Jack Sills, Michele Sowers, Samantha Dinwiddie, and Jessica Burnett with Judge Tim Irwin

New CASA Volunteers Megan Sooter, Molly Hester, Holly Bruns, Ivy, Jack Sills, Michele Sowers, Samantha Dinwiddie, and Jessica Burnett with Judge Tim Irwin

On Tuesday, December 18, we had a full house as we welcomed a group of eight new volunteers being sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates by Judge Tim Irwin at Knox County Juvenile Court.

These volunteers are going to be strong advocates for children. During our training we learned that several of our volunteers had experience ranging from previous work with DCS, foster parenting, adoptive parenting, a law student and a retired chaplain.

All our new volunteers came to trainings ready to learn and inquisitive. They studied their materials and asked questions relating the information they were learning back to what they would be doing as CASAs. This class had a special focus for ensuring their report writing was accurate, unbiased, and truly focused on the best interest of the children they would be serving.

Our new volunteers were excited about swearing in and brought friends and family with them to memorialize the event, including one young man who wanted to come and meet the Judge who had been a major part in finding his own forever family. He was so moved by the experience he went to school the next day, which happened to be his adoption anniversary, to share his experience with his classmates.

During swearing in, Judge Irwin welcomed our new volunteers and encouraged them to be courageous in their reporting and advocacy for abused and neglected children in Knoxville. He reminded them of the importance of having someone to be his eyes and ears in the community as he makes important life changing decisions for these children every day.

After swearing in, all our new volunteers took on cases that day. A couple of them chose to work together to be a support to one another and many of them found mentors from seasoned CASAs they asked to support them through their first case. Each one of them jumped right in with enthusiasm to be a part of making a difference in the lives of the children we serve.

By Ada Hernandez-Bell
Program Manager
CASA of East Tennessee

Three New Volunteers in November

In the first week of November, we swore in three new advocates. Thank you, Sherridan Smee,  Shana Oltmann, and Linda Thompson, for choosing to serve!

Thank You!

Thank you to our volunteers and supporters who allowed us to serve 251 children this year!

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CASA Welcomes Three New CASA Volunteers

We are pleased to introduce our newest CASA volunteers! Earlier this week, these three ladies were sworn in by Knox County Juvenile Court’s Judge Irwin. We held a reception which was attended by family, friends, staff, and our Board president. It was an exciting day made even more exciting when Channel 8 (WVLT) came by to film. If you missed it, here is the news story!

Summer Wines Party 2018

We had a wonderful Summer Wines Party fundraiser on Saturday!  All proceeds benefited CASA of East Tennessee. Over 120 people attended the event, which was held at beautiful Crescent Bend House and Gardens. Finny B's prepared the delicious food, and music was provided by The Old City Buskers.  Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, or donated a door prize to support our cause.

Six New CASA Volunteers Sworn In

We are pleased to welcome 6 new CASA Volunteers to our team! After Judge Irwin conducted the swearing-in ceremony, we held a reception which was attended by family, friends, staff, and board members. To all our volunteers, thank you for dedicating your time to give children a voice!

Sue Mathews Named CASA of the Year 2018

It's National Volunteer Week, and today we share our appreciation for the CASA of the Year Award winner: Sue Mathews! Each year, this award is presented to someone who has gone above and beyond in their service to CASA and the children we serve.

This year's award goes to Sue Mathews for her outstanding dedication to our program, both inside and outside the courtroom! Sue has all the qualities of an outstanding CASA volunteer. She is caring, honest, forthright, and has a true desire to help abused and neglected children. Sue is a dedicated, hard-working, independent child advocate who goes about her work with little fanfare. However, while Sue is humble and quiet, her advocacy is not. Her determination knows no bounds until the child's best interests are fulfilled.

Sue is willing to take on the hard cases. She is always available for casework, even on extremely short notice, and dedicates herself to the case from start to finish. And her dedication goes beyond the courtroom. She offers help with trainings, stands in for staff, and always says Yes when we ask. She steps in and steps up no matter how great the challenge or how menial the task. 

Sue officially received her award at our annual Red Shoe Gala on February 3rd.

Congratulations to Sue Mathews, our CASA Volunteer of the Year!

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CASA of East TN Welcomes 5 New Trained CASA Volunteers

Five new CASA volunteers were sworn in yesterday by Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Irwin. The swearing-in ceremony followed a 33-hour training course provided by CASA of East Tennessee. We are so excited to work with the new training class graduates who have given so much of their time for training, and who will continue to do so by advocating for children's well-being and safety. 

CASA's 2018 Red Shoe Gala A Success

On February 3rd, CASA of East Tennessee hosted our annual Red Shoe Gala. As in years past, the event combined a Wizard of Oz theme with dinner and dancing fun. The event was local band Pop Rox's last performance! The Gala also featured psychic readings, a photo booth, and a silent auction including local goods and experiences. 

All proceeds benefit CASA of East Tennessee to improve the lives of abused and neglected children through trained volunteers who advocate for a safe, permanent, loving home.