Category Archives: volunteer
June 8, 2022 Local Superstar Selected From 93,000 CASA Volunteers Nationally To Take Home Prestigious National CASA/GAL 2022 Child Advocate Of The Year Award
Out of 49 states, 950 programs and more than 93,000 volunteers nationwide, local Eighth Judicial District Court superstar CASA volunteer Carolyn Muscari brings home to Las Vegas the prestigious National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award.
“For a very special award celebrating the heart of the CASA/Gal network a volunteer advocate. This year’s volunteer has served children in Las Vegas for 40 – for 40 – for 40 and a half years! This is the 40th anniversary of CASA/Gal nationally. So, she’s been serving as long as the organization has been actively serving children and families,” said Judge Anthony Capizzi, when presenting the award on behalf of the National CASA/Gal program.
“When I became a CASA Volunteer in September of 1981, I was motivated by Michael Lee that the only important thing in the world is people, and the most vulnerable people are children. One day I heard about CASA on the radio; and I immediately knew that was my calling, so I signed up. And as I’ve seen the difference a CASA volunteer can make in a child’s life over the last 40 years, I am committed to being a CASA volunteer for the rest of my life,” said Carolyn Muscari. “Saving even one child is better than none.” Her insight inspired a room full of people committed to serving the best interests of abused and neglected children. “One day, I had an awakening and realized that a lot of people feel bad for these children; and they don’t need me to just feel bad for them, they need me to help them.”
In a letter of support for Carolyn’s nomination, Judge Frank Sullivan wrote, “It is my sincere pleasure and honor to submit this letter in support of Carolyn Muscari’s nomination for the 2022 Child Advocate of the Year. In my 23 years of judicial experience, more than 18 of those years exclusively presiding over cases involving abused and neglected children, I can honestly state that I’ve never had an individual contribute more to promoting the best interests of children than Ms. Muscari. As such, I can’t imagine anyone who could be more deserving of this most prestigious award than Ms. Muscari. Not only does Ms. Muscari give every child a voice, she ensures that each child’s voice is heard loud and clear.” Judge Sullivan also noted her candor, “She is not hesitant to pulse and respectfully question the court to ensure that every child achieves a safe, loving, nurturing and permanent home in a timely manner. Suffice is to say, Ms. Muscari makes sure that every child’s voice is heard in a meaningful manner as that voice gives them hope for a safe and loving future.”
Carolyn, advocacy has changed the lives of more than 160 children as a CASA volunteer since August 1981. She tirelessly promotes the mission of CASA as a volunteer peer coordinator, interview panels, swearing in ceremonies and with the CASA program speakers’ bureau to help recruit more CASA volunteers. Carolyn’s longest case lasted nine years and she was the only constant person on the case.
“We are incredibly proud to have our District Court CASA program volunteer Carolyn Muscari selected for this prestigious award,” said District Court Chief Judge Linda Marie Bell. “During her 40 years of advocacy, she has had a tremendous positive impact on the lives of so many children. She also inspires others and strengthens the CASA program through her work as a peer coordinator and efforts to bring in new volunteers.”
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of foster children in Clark County. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings and in court.
“Carolyn is truly Nevada’s treasure, a heroine of four decades to the children who need to be heard by those deciding their best interests,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton. “With great admiration, we offer congratulations to Carolyn!”
For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-CASA, or visit www.casalasvegas.org.
Tags: Carolyn Muscari, CASA program Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Judge Anthony Capizzi, Judge Anthony Capizzi Montgomery County Court in Ohio, Judge Bell, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Linda Marie Bell, Judge Rebecca Burton, Montgomery County Court in Ohio, National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award, Rebecca Burton, Volunteer in Las Vegas
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February 10, 2022 29 volunteers from different countries and different walks-of-life come together as largest class in local CASA program history to swear oath to help abused and neglected kids
A diverse cross-section of 29 newly trained Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers will be sworn in on Feb. 18 at noon via BlueJeans to advocate for the best interests for 62 children in foster care. Judge Frank Sullivan will swear in a former foster youth, students, former foster parents, healthcare workers, teachers, resort employees, legal professionals, former law enforcement, former media talent, a pastor and a married couple. These new volunteers will bring the number of those speaking on behalf of the best interests of children in foster care to 368 volunteers. The goal is to have 1,000 volunteers to meet the advocacy needs of abused and neglected children in Clark County. There is an urgent need for volunteers to meet that goal.
Those interested can learn more at one of the many monthly online orientations. Potential volunteers for the CASA program can call 702-455-4306 or visit www.casalasvegas.org to sign up for an orientation.
· Friday, Feb.25 (noon – 1 p.m.)
· Wednesday, March 2 (noon – 1 p.m.)
· Friday, March 11(9 – 10 a.m.)
· Wednesday, March 16 (6 – 7 p.m.)
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of foster children in Clark County. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. The CASA Program has been working on behalf of children in our community since 1980, when Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the CASA Program in Clark County.
“CASA volunteers are the ears and eyes of the court. They help ensure the safety and wellbeing of children in foster care and help those children achieve permanency,” said Judge Sullivan, who presides over the program. “Our CASA volunteers always say that they get much more back from the kids than they ever put into the program.”
“This is the largest class of volunteers in our CASA Program’s history,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton “These volunteers will make a huge difference in the lives of children who have faced abuse and neglect. But there is an urgent need for many more CASA volunteers to advocate for the best interests of kids in foster care. Being a CASA volunteer is a truly impactful way to give a voice to children and give back to our community.”
Tags: CASA, CASA Clark County, CASA Las Vegas, CASA Nevada, Clark County Courts, Eighth Judicial District Court, help foster kids las vegas, Help kids, help kids in las vegas, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Rebecca Burton, Kids, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Nevada CASA, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, volunteer to help kids
September 14, 2021 Learn how you can change a child’s story through an Online orientation for the CASA Program
Have you been searching for that way to give back and waiting until the time is right? There are children is foster care who need you. A new slate of online orientation sessions will reveal how you can change a child’s story as a court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Find out what it takes to be a CASA though one of the online orientations:
- Wednesday, October 6 (noon – 1 p.m.)
- Friday, October 8 (9 – 10 a.m.)
- Wednesday, October 20 (6 – 7 p.m.)
- Friday, October 22 (noon – 1 p.m.)
Those who are interested can submit an online application form at HTTPS://NV-8TH.EVINTOSOLUTIONS.COM/VOLUNTEERAPPLICATION
Who should volunteer to be a CASA?
- PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT CHILDREN
- PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN LEGAL EXPERIENCE SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF KIDS
- PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR FULFILLING WAYS TO VOLUNTEER AND PAY IT FORWARD
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit WWW.CASALASVEGAS.ORG or visit WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/#!/CASALASVEGAS.
August 6, 2021 20 New CASA Volunteers Will Swear Oath To Advocate For The Best Interests Of Children In Foster Care
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Twenty newly trained Court Appointed Special advocate (CASA) volunteers will be sworn in on August 9 at noon via BlueJeans to advocate for the best interests for children in foster care. Judge Frank Sullivan will swear in the a teacher, business owner, a UNLV student, a realtor, banker and a fire department employee. The volunteers also include a former foster youth, former military and a former law enforcement officer. They will be assigned to advocate for 52 children in foster care. The class completed the first in-person training since February 2020. Another training class will begin in mid-September. The CASA Program currently has 386 volunteers, but is looking to reach the goal of 1,000 volunteers to meet the advocacy needs of abused and neglected children in Clark County.
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the CASA Program in Clark County. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
Tags: CASA, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, Clark County Courts, Eighth Judicial District Court, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, volunteer for kids, volunteer for kids in Las Vegas, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
May 24, 2021 Change a child’s story
Kids who end up in foster care have had their lives upended. They really need someone who will look out for them and speak on their behalf in court and in school as they face the challenges before them. Those who really want to make a difference in the lives of children who have been abused and neglected should consider volunteering as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). A training program and staff are available to prepare and support volunteers.
The CASA Program hosts volunteer orientations four times per month, with the exception of November and December. The sessions open 30 minutes prior to the start time. The orientations last approximately one hour. Once applicants complete the contact information form or the CASA volunteer application, the applicant will be provided with instructions on how to register for orientation. The online orientation schedule can be found at http://casalasvegas.org/volunteer/#Orientation
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them.
For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas. Please consider volunteering as a CASA to change a child’s story.
Tags: CASA, CASA ClarkCounty, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, change a child's story, Clark county CASA, Clark County volunteer opportunity, Las Vegas Volunteers, legal volunteer, volunteer for kids, volunteer for kids in Las Vegas, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
May 15, 2021 It’s all about the best interest of our kids
“It’s all about the best interest of our kids,” said Judge Frank Sullivan repeatedly during a Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) oath ceremony to swear in 17 volunteers who will speak on behalf children in foster care. That line sums up the essence of what CASA volunteers do.
Each of the 17 new volunteers shared their reason for committing their time to such an important cause. The reasons ranged from following in the footsteps of their mother, to being inspired by their own children to volunteer and to make them proud.
“I’ve been in my community for 16 years, and my community means a lot to me. I don’t see any better way to give back to my community that to advocate for these children,” said volunteer Analeen Montmayer.
When asked why she volunteered, Lisa Czukar-Binder quoted educator Rita Pierson: “Every child deserves a champion, an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” “That’s says it all,” responded Judge Sullivan.
Presiding Family Division Judge Burton told the volunteers, “We are ever so grateful that all of you are donating your time to the community.” Judge Margaret Pickard also thanked the CASA volunteers for their time and told the group how important their role was. Casa Foundation Director Jane Saint thanked the volunteers for their life-changing volunteer work and let them know that the foundation is there for support.
“We appreciate your decision to dedicate your time to such an important role, at such a critical point in a child’s life. It’s overwhelming to think about how wonderful it is to do this for these children and for our court,” said court Chief Executive Officer Steven Grierson. It can’t be recognized enough and it can’t be put into words how much we appreciate it. Changing the story of a child is such an important mission and I just want to say thank you so much.
Take the CASA challenge and view this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLlpWsIC4uE
The volunteers come from various walks of life including: a retired Metro lieutenant, a school counselor, multiple former foster parents, retired teachers, a Raiders ambassador, a casino worker, a property manager, realtor, event planner, IT professional, auto salesperson, care provider and an accountant. Each are stepping up to fill the big need to speak for children in foster care.
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by family court judges. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
Tags: CASA, CASA ClarkCounty, CASA Foundation, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Clark county CASA, Clark County Family Court, EJDC, FamilyCourt, Jane Saint, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Margaret Pickard, Judge Rebecca Burton, Las VEgas CASA, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, Steven Grierson, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas
May 12, 2021 Cheers to another class of CASA volunteers ready to take oath – We could really use some more to change a child’s story
Cheers to the 18 Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers who will be taking an oath to speak up for 40 abused and neglected children on May 14 at noon. Check out this video to see why they are volunteering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLlpWsIC4uE
The volunteers come from various walks of life including: a retired Metro lieutenant, a school counselor, multiple former foster parents, retired teachers, a Raiders ambassador, a casino worker, a property manager, realtor, event planner, IT professional, auto salesperson, care provider and an accountant. Each are stepping up to fill the big need to speak for children in foster care.
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by family court judges. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who presides over the program has a mantra: “When you give abused and neglected kids a CASA, you give them a voice. When you give them a voice, you give them hope. When you give them hope, you give them a future.” He tells each class of CASA trainees, “CASA’s are the ears and the eyes for the court. They provide a voice and offer stability for kids who are in foster care and don’t otherwise have a lot of stability in their lives.”
“Our goal is to have a CASA for every child in foster care. CASA volunteers get deep fulfilment for the very important role they play,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton “I ask those who want to do something meaningful to help children in our community, to consider volunteering to become a CASA.”
Tags: CASA, CASA ClarkCounty, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, Clark county CASA, Clark County Family Court, Family Court Las Vegas, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Rebecca Burton, Nevada FAmily Law, volunteer for kids in Las Vegas
April 21, 2021 Change a child’s story and change your life for the better
Hundreds of pinwheels spin in the wind at the Family Court beneath the flagpole at 601 N. Pecos Road. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program planted them to mark April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and to raise awareness about the need for more CASA volunteers to speak up for the children in the foster care system. The kids’ stories are heartbreaking. Their lives are torn apart. The volunteers report that stepping up to provide a voice and stability for children is extremely rewarding and life changing.
The pinwheels are a reminder of the uplifting childhoods and bright futures that all children deserve, including the many children in our community who face abuse and neglect, and receive services under the supervision of Family Court. The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. They speak for children who are unable to speak for themselves. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas & http://casalasvegas.org/about-us/
Tags: CASA, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, Clark county CASA, Judge Frank Sullivan, Las VEgas CASA, volunteer for kids, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
April 12, 2021 500 Pinwheels To Be Planted By CASA Volunteers Will Bring Attention To April As Child Abuse Prevention Month
Hundreds of pinwheels will be planted by CASA volunteers at Family Court on April 16 at noon, at 601 N. Pecos Road near the Family Court flagpole, to bring attention to April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The pinwheels are also uplifting reminders of childhoods and the bright futures all children deserve. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program looks to raise awareness about the need for more CASA volunteers to speak up for the children in the foster care system. The pinwheels will serve as a reminder of the uplifting childhoods and bright futures that all children deserve, including the many children in our community who face abuse and neglect, and receive services under the supervision of Family Court.
The CASA program, which is part of the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children annually. The advocates represent the children in school, child and family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them. In 1980, Judge John Mendoza led the creation of the Clark County CASA Program. The CASA mission continues to be fully supported by family court judges. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or visit www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
“When you give abused and neglected kids a CASA, you give them a voice. When you give them a voice, you give them hope. When you give them hope, you give them a future,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who presides over the program. “CASA’s are the ears and the eyes for the court. They provide a voice and offer stability for kids who are in foster care and don’t otherwise have a lot of stability in their lives.”
“Our goal is to have a CASA for every child in foster care. CASA volunteers get deep fulfilment for the very important role they play,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton “I ask those who want to do something meaningful to help children in our community, to consider volunteering to become a CASA.”
To get involved please visit https://conta.cc/3dHXxX1
Tags: CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, Frank Sullivan, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Rebecca Burton, Rebecca Burton, volunteer for kids, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
February 26, 2021 CASA volunteers find meaning during pandemic by giving a voice to abused and neglected children
The Coronavirus has given people time to think, and for some it has been an opportunity to reflect on how to give their life meaning through giving back. That sentiment was heard in the words of the recent batch of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers who were sworn in to speak on behalf of kids in foster care. The new volunteers included those who had been adopted, teachers, psychology professionals and others.
“When the world stopped, I had a lot of time to think about what was missing,” said Maureen Mach. “I did some research and I saw CASA. I knew it was going to be a commitment; I knew it was exactly what I needed. It has given me so much motivation and focus, so I am just as excited to make a difference.”
Other volunteers shared their motivation:
“I was adopted and it was a less than ideal situation. I want to be for a child what I needed at that time.”
“I would like to be a solid person for the children in my cases and make sure that someone is looking out for them.”
“I want to be a consistent person in a child’s life, advocate for them, and make sure they have a consistent person in their life.”
There is a big need for CASA volunteers in Clark County to speak up for the approximately 3,000 children in the community who are receiving services under supervision of Family Court.
“When you give abused and neglected kids a CASA, you give them a voice. When you give them a voice, you give them hope. When you give them hope, you give them a future,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who administered the oath to the CASA volunteers. “CASA’s are the ears and the eyes for the court. They provide a voice and offer stability for kids who are in foster care and don’t otherwise have a lot of stability in their lives.” He reminded the volunteers to focus on three things: safety, welfare and permanency in a timely manner.
The CASA program recruits, screens, trains and supports volunteers to represent the best interests of hundreds of foster children. The volunteers speak on behalf of children in foster care who have endured abuse and neglect. They give input in school, family team meetings, and in court. Volunteering for the program involves a two-year commitment and a willingness to spend quality time with the children to advocate for them.
For those interested in volunteering with CASA and want more information about the program please call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.
Tags: CASA, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, Clark County volunteer opportunity, Frank Sullivan, Judge Frank Sullivan, Las Vegas Volunteers, legal volunteer, Maureen Mach, volunteer for kids, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
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