CASA of the Eastern Panhandle

On Thursday, December 12, 2024, CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) welcomed new volunteer advocates to its dedicated team of volunteers. Kimberly Fraley, Tony Pirrone, Briana Davis, and Bob Ashby (Berkeley County); Kim Tummolo and Scott Sudduth (Jefferson County); and Katrina Necciai (Morgan County) were sworn in by Twenty-Third Judicial Circuit Judge Debra McLaughlin at the Berkeley County Judicial Center as the newest class of Court-Appointed Special Advocates. In addition, CASA’s newest staff member, Caralyn Spotts (Jefferson County) was also sworn in. Following the ceremony, members of CASA-EP and the new advocates enjoyed a special reception at Firebox 55 in Martinsburg. CASA-EP recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties who meet regularly with their assigned child(ren) and meet as needed with key people in that child’s life, including teachers, doctors, foster parents, and counselors, to have a complete picture of the child’s circumstances. The information is reported back to the Judge to let them know how the child is doing, communicate their concerns, and provide recommendations about the child, including the need for academic support and resources. Volunteer advocates not only provide crucial support to an overburdened child welfare system, but they also significantly improve the outcomes for children in the foster system. With a CASA volunteer, these children are more likely to succeed in school, find a safe and permanent home, and are half as likely to re-enter the foster care system. The new class brings the number of volunteers to over 85 advocates and expands the organization’s commitment to ensuring every child and family in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties who are victims of abuse and neglect receive life-changing, dedicated advocacy. As the need for volunteer advocates continues to grow, our community’s response is crucial. By dedicating their time and energy, these individuals are providing children in our foster care system with the support and resources they need to thrive. CASA-EP is deeply grateful to these volunteers for serving our community’s most vulnerable children, and we are confident that they will make a profound impact on the lives of these children and families. CASA-EP’s next four-week Advocate Training session tentatively kicks off on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Those who are passionate about child welfare and would like to register or learn more about how to become a CASA volunteer can visit https://lnkd.in/dppjP7g.

CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) is honored to welcome our newest volunteers to our team of dedicated advocates! Spencer Neufield, Elaine Neufield, Victoria Leizear, Grey Jones, Teri Biebel, Julie Tucker, Joni Barrowcraft were sworn in by Judge Cohee at the Berkeley County Judicial Center. These advocates will help expand CASA-EP’s commitment to ensuring every child and family in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties who are victims of abuse and neglect receive life-changing, dedicated advocacy. Our next Advocate Training session kicks off in November. To register or learn more about becoming a CASA, please visit https://lnkd.in/dppjP7g.

With your help, we make good things possible for our community's most vulnerable children at Rose Hill Farm. Thank you to all of those who attended our Gala!

988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.?Visit the?988 website?for more information about how 988 provides judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more. 988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the?988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline?and emphasizing the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. Join us on September 8, 2024, in sharing the theme "No Judgment. Just Help."

Do you want to make a positive impact on the lives of our children and youth? Join us for an inspiring and informative workshop that will empower you to become an asset builder in our community! Email Cari Lefeber at [email protected] for more information or to sign up.

CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) is honored to welcome four new volunteers to our team of dedicated advocates! Sheryl Wine, Paige Kozak, Tyler Tummolo, and Julianna Hayden were sworn in by Judge Debra McLaughlin at the Berkeley County Judicial Center. These advocates will help expand CASA-EP’s commitment to ensuring every child and family in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties who are victims of abuse and neglect receive life-changing, dedicated advocacy. Our next Advocate Training session kicks off on Tuesday, August 6th. To register or learn more about becoming a CASA, please visit https://lnkd.in/dppjP7g.

We are excited to welcome Teri Biebel to our team at CASA of the Eastern Panhandle as our new Office Manager! Teri brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous role at SkyTruth where she served as Office Administrator for 14 years, and we are excited to see how her expertise will contribute to our mission. In addition to her professional background, Teri is also an active member of our community, including her involvement with the Rotary Club of Shepherdstown. Her passion for making a difference aligns perfectly with our values here at CASA-EP. Join us in giving Teri a warm welcome! We're looking forward to the amazing things we'll achieve together.

Please join us in giving a heartfelt welcome to our newest advocate, Mary Pearce, sworn in by Judge McLaughlin at the Morgan County Courthouse. Thank you for your commitment to CASA-EP's mission and for choosing to be the voice of a child in our community! Interested in becoming a CASA volunteer? Visit mycasaep.org to learn more.

It’s National Volunteer Week! We would like to extend our gratitude to our extraordinary volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting children across the Eastern Panhandle who have experienced abuse or neglect. Their commitment to providing stability, advocacy, and hope for these children is nothing short of inspiring. Thank you!