14 NEW CASA VOLUNTEERS TO START WORK

The 14 new court appointed special advocates sworn in Wednesday almost doubles the number of these volunteers who are advocates for abused or neglected children in the area.

"As you work with these children, you will help lift up these victims who are suffering through no fault of their own," said state Rep. Mary Kasten, who was guest speaker at the luncheon to swear in the new and honor the current volunteers with CASA of Southeast Missouri.

CASA volunteers work as advocates for children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. Working on only one case at a time, they investigate and make independent reports to the juvenile judge on what course of action is in the best interest of the child.

"When a file is placed in front of me and I see the red CASA stationary and know it is a CASA report and see one of you sitting in court, it makes it much easier for me," said Peter Statler, a juvenile judge who swore in the volunteers as officers of his court. "You put so much time and effort into giving recommendations that it helps the court a great deal."

"These are children whose hearts are constantly broken," Kasten said. "You, as CASAs, are working with these broken-hearted kids to help them put the pieces back together."

Pam Jenkins, director of CASA, introduced the new volunteers.

They are Charlotte Ainsworth, Dorothy Bruce, Jane Cox, Angela Davidson, Carol Drummond, Joan Drury, Rika Gaylord, Debbie Heise, Diane Jamison, Felicia Kellum, Becky Latham, Sandra Schmidt, Cherie Stevens and Brenda Walker.

Current volunteers honored during the luncheon are Opal Aden, Elaine Jackson, Alice Koerber, Elsie Lingle, Rose Lingle, Charla Myers, Willa Pikes, Eileen Schlichting, Winnie Seabaugh, Phil Wagoner, Carroll Waldo, Becky Still, Pam McQuay, Bev Dirnberger and Cindy Schmoll.

A recognition award was given to Jerry Huskey, who has been CASA's volunteer accountant for more than three years.