The Lindy Harrell Children's Fund
The establishment of the "Lindy Harrell" Special Request fund enables CASAs to apply for monies to help their child attend a camp, special therapy, get a prom dress, etc. This is to not only help the children but enable each CASA to feel more empowered to assist when there is a type of need that DFCS is unable to cover.
Lindy Harrell Initiatives
These programs are provided to help us better serve our CASA volunteers by a generous donation from the late Lindy Harrell.
Extra Mile Program
250-500 miles traveled = $25 gift card
501-750 miles traveled = $50 in gift cards
751-1000 miles traveled = $75 in gift cards
1001+ miles traveled = $100 in gift cards
Gift cards will first be given quarterly based on mileage logged into CPRS.
Enhanced Trauma Training Program
We are excited that current CASA volunteers, Dana Hartley and Tess Nordick, have created a specific training for all our CASAs on trauma. This training helps all our CASA volunteers be more trauma informed. It also equips them with some tools and resources for helping the children and their families, as well as the foster families, build some resilience and connections so they can begin to heal. All of our CASAs will be required to attend this training and may select, from various dates offered, when they will do so.
Counselor Support Program
Kristy Snedden, LCSW, will be providing quarterly group in-person sessions (alternating between the CASA office and a location (TBD) in Lavonia) and virtual group sessions each month when an in-person session is not held. Email reminders will be sent out prior to each session.
Peer-to-Peer Support Group Program
We will have 4 "Peer to Peer" groups based on geography. Each CASA will be assigned to a group and it will be your option to participate regularly, sometimes or not at all (or switch to a different group if you prefer). Each group will connect at least quarterly to socialize and support each other. These will be different from our current "lunch-n-learn/CASA connection" meetings as they will not be at a restaurant. They might be at someone's home, a park, or even at a bowling alley or other activity location. This is to enable more interaction and easy conversation. Also, staff will not be present as the groups will be coordinated by a CASA(s).