Tag Archives: Volunteer Las Vegas
May 17, 2022 Local 40-Year CASA Volunteer Selected As National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award
She calls herself a “CASA for life;” that’s one of the reasons local CASA Volunteer Carolyn Muscari was selected for the prestigious National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award. The announcement came in a letter to Carolyn that states: “The CASA/GAL movement is only possible through committed volunteer advocates like you, and we are pleased to recognize your commitment and dedication.”
The 40-year CASA volunteer will be presented with the award at the National CASA/GAL Awards of Excellence ceremony during the National CASA/GAL Association’s 40th anniversary conference. In addition, a $20,000 grant award will be provided to Eighth Judicial District Court-CASA Program for program-wide professional development for the benefit of all staff and volunteers of the program.
“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!”
“The National CASA/GAL Association for Children is celebrating its 40 Year Anniversary and I can’t think of a more appropriate way to celebrate than with the recognition of our own Carolyn Muscari as the National CASA/GAL Volunteer of the Year,” said Family Court Judge Frank Sullivan, who presides over the CASA program. “National CASA/GAL has over 93,000 dedicated volunteers and none more deserving of the Volunteer of the Year Award than Carolyn, who has served as a Clark County CASA for over 40 years. Over the past 40 years, Carolyn has improved the well-being of countless children in the Child Welfare System by helping them reach permanent homes through her tireless “best-interest” advocacy on their behalf. As promoted in the CASA/GAL National Campaign to Change a Child’s Story, Carolyn has truly changed her CASA children’s stories by making a life-changing difference in each child’s life by providing brighter futures for them, which in turn, has made our Clark County community stronger. Carolyn is the epitome of what a CASA is and what a CASA should be, and I’m truly professionally and personally honored and privileged to have served with Carolyn in her capacity as a CASA for over the past 20 years. Congratulations Carolyn on your well-deserved “40 on 40” recognition as National CASA/GAL Volunteer of the Year!”
For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-CASA, or visit www.casalasvegas.org.
Tags: Carolyn Muscari, CASA ClarkCounty, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Frank Sullivan, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Linda Marie Bell, Judge Rebecca Burton, Linda Marie Bell, National CASA/GAL Association’s 2022 G.F. Bettineski Child Advocate of the Year Award, Rebecca Burton, Volunteer Las Vegas
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April 1, 2022 Hundreds of pinwheels to be planted during child abuse prevention month to promote the big need for CASA volunteers
Hundreds of pinwheels will be planted by CASA volunteers, court staff, judges, and child welfare partners at Family Court on April 8 at noon, at 601 N. Pecos Road near the Family Court flagpole, to bring attention to April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program is planting the pinwheels to raise awareness about the need for more CASA volunteers to speak on behalf of children in the foster care system. The pinwheels also 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. For more information about the CASA program call 702-455-CASA, or visit www.casalasvegas.org.
“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 eyes and ears 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.”
“Everyday, CASA volunteers are advocating for and changing the stories of abused and neglected children,” said Presiding Family Court Judge Rebecca Burton “We invite those who really want to make a difference in our community to visit casalasvegas.org to learn more and sign up for one of the online orientations.”
Tags: CASA, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, change a child's story, Clark County Courts, Clark County volunteer opportunity, Eighth Judicial District Court, Judge Frank Sullivan, Judge Rebecca Burton, Las Vegas Court, Las Vegas courts, Las Vegas Volunteers, legal volunteer, Nevada Court, Nevada Eighth Judicial District Court, 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
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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
July 30, 2021 Searching for fulfillment and want to give back?
If you are searching for fulfillment and want to give back, there are children is foster care who need you. Learn 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 August online orientations:
- WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1 FROM NOON – 1 P.M.
- FRIDAY, SEPT. 10 FROM 9 A.M. – 10 A.M.
- WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15 FROM 6 P.M. – 7 P.M.
- FRIDAY, SEPT. 24 FROM NOON – 1 P.M.
Those who are interested can submit an online application form at https://nv-8th.evintosolutions.com/volunteerapplication
Tags: CASA, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, Clark County volunteer opportunity, Eighth Judicial District Court, 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
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June 29, 2021 Is the time Right?
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 July online orientations:
- WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 1 FROM NOON – 1 P.M.
- FRIDAY, SEPT. 10 FROM 9 A.M. – 10 A.M.
- WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15 FROM 6 P.M. – 7 P.M.
- FRIDAY, SEPT. 24 FROM 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.
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Tags: CASA, CASA ClarkCounty, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; Foster kids;, Volunteer in Clark County, Volunteer in Las Vegas, Volunteer Las Vegas, volunteer opportunity Las Vegas, volunteer to help kids
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June 16, 2021 Step up to boost graduation rates in our community
Skipping school, cutting, ditching, or as it is officially known – truancy, is a gateway to dropping out of school and criminal activity. The Truancy Diversion Program’s (TDP) gets kids in school and on track to graduate, so they can move on to achieve career success. Volunteers are the heart of this amazing program that motivates kids who may not otherwise have anyone else who can help them. The program needs 20 volunteers with experience in either a legal profession, law enforcement, social services or education to serve as Truancy Diversion judges to do sessions in CCSD and Charter schools to motivate students to attend class and complete assignments.
A TDP judge is asked to commit one morning each week to preside over a truancy calendar at an assigned school. Wearing a judicial robe, the TDP judge, an educational liaison and a family advocate meet with students and their families if possible to address each student’s attendance record, behavioral issues and barriers to regular school attendance.
The TDP judge imparts formality to the proceedings while also providing students with an approachable authority figure who helps to motivate them. The interaction between the TDP judge and family provides participants with enhanced social skills, a sense of empowerment, and an increased appreciation for the value of education.
A training session planned for August, will give volunteers the tips and tools they need to motivate students to achieve. TDP volunteers must be at least 21 and able to pass a background check. The total time commitment is 2.5 hours per week for the duration of the school year.
If you have additional questions or are ready to get involved, please contact the Truancy Diversion Program through email TDP@clarkcountycourts.us or call 702-455-1755.
Volunteering for the Truancy Diversion Program, administered by the Eighth Judicial District Court of Nevada, is a rewarding way to pay it forward and make our community stronger through bettering our youth.
Tags: Eighth Judicial District Court, truancy diversion, Truancy Diversion Program Clark County, Truancy Las Vegas, truancy prevention, Truancy Prevention Clark County, Truancy prevention Las Vegas, Truancy Prevention Nevada, truancy reduction, truancyprevention, 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
June 14, 2021 Is it your time to make a move to volunteer
Don’t miss one of the two remaining June opportunities to learn about one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences that you can undertake. Learn how you can change a child’s story, while learning a whole lot more as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Find out what it takes to be a CASA though an online orientation on Wednesday, June 16 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. or Friday, June 25 from noon to 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.
Tags: CASA, CASA ClarkCounty, CASA Las Vegas, CASA volunteer, CASA; Las Vegas; Family Court; kids; foster kids; volunteer; advocate;, 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
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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
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