CASA Swears in Eight New Volunteers

New CASA Volunteers Megan Sooter, Molly Hester, Holly Bruns, Ivy, Jack Sills, Michele Sowers, Samantha Dinwiddie, and Jessica Burnett with Judge Tim Irwin

New CASA Volunteers Megan Sooter, Molly Hester, Holly Bruns, Ivy, Jack Sills, Michele Sowers, Samantha Dinwiddie, and Jessica Burnett with Judge Tim Irwin

On Tuesday, December 18, we had a full house as we welcomed a group of eight new volunteers being sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates by Judge Tim Irwin at Knox County Juvenile Court.

These volunteers are going to be strong advocates for children. During our training we learned that several of our volunteers had experience ranging from previous work with DCS, foster parenting, adoptive parenting, a law student and a retired chaplain.

All our new volunteers came to trainings ready to learn and inquisitive. They studied their materials and asked questions relating the information they were learning back to what they would be doing as CASAs. This class had a special focus for ensuring their report writing was accurate, unbiased, and truly focused on the best interest of the children they would be serving.

Our new volunteers were excited about swearing in and brought friends and family with them to memorialize the event, including one young man who wanted to come and meet the Judge who had been a major part in finding his own forever family. He was so moved by the experience he went to school the next day, which happened to be his adoption anniversary, to share his experience with his classmates.

During swearing in, Judge Irwin welcomed our new volunteers and encouraged them to be courageous in their reporting and advocacy for abused and neglected children in Knoxville. He reminded them of the importance of having someone to be his eyes and ears in the community as he makes important life changing decisions for these children every day.

After swearing in, all our new volunteers took on cases that day. A couple of them chose to work together to be a support to one another and many of them found mentors from seasoned CASAs they asked to support them through their first case. Each one of them jumped right in with enthusiasm to be a part of making a difference in the lives of the children we serve.

By Ada Hernandez-Bell
Program Manager
CASA of East Tennessee

Three New Volunteers in November

In the first week of November, we swore in three new advocates. Thank you, Sherridan Smee,  Shana Oltmann, and Linda Thompson, for choosing to serve!

Thank You!

Thank you to our volunteers and supporters who allowed us to serve 251 children this year!

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CASA Welcomes Three New CASA Volunteers

We are pleased to introduce our newest CASA volunteers! Earlier this week, these three ladies were sworn in by Knox County Juvenile Court’s Judge Irwin. We held a reception which was attended by family, friends, staff, and our Board president. It was an exciting day made even more exciting when Channel 8 (WVLT) came by to film. If you missed it, here is the news story!

Summer Wines Party 2018

We had a wonderful Summer Wines Party fundraiser on Saturday!  All proceeds benefited CASA of East Tennessee. Over 120 people attended the event, which was held at beautiful Crescent Bend House and Gardens. Finny B's prepared the delicious food, and music was provided by The Old City Buskers.  Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, or donated a door prize to support our cause.

Six New CASA Volunteers Sworn In

We are pleased to welcome 6 new CASA Volunteers to our team! After Judge Irwin conducted the swearing-in ceremony, we held a reception which was attended by family, friends, staff, and board members. To all our volunteers, thank you for dedicating your time to give children a voice!

Sue Mathews Named CASA of the Year 2018

It's National Volunteer Week, and today we share our appreciation for the CASA of the Year Award winner: Sue Mathews! Each year, this award is presented to someone who has gone above and beyond in their service to CASA and the children we serve.

This year's award goes to Sue Mathews for her outstanding dedication to our program, both inside and outside the courtroom! Sue has all the qualities of an outstanding CASA volunteer. She is caring, honest, forthright, and has a true desire to help abused and neglected children. Sue is a dedicated, hard-working, independent child advocate who goes about her work with little fanfare. However, while Sue is humble and quiet, her advocacy is not. Her determination knows no bounds until the child's best interests are fulfilled.

Sue is willing to take on the hard cases. She is always available for casework, even on extremely short notice, and dedicates herself to the case from start to finish. And her dedication goes beyond the courtroom. She offers help with trainings, stands in for staff, and always says Yes when we ask. She steps in and steps up no matter how great the challenge or how menial the task. 

Sue officially received her award at our annual Red Shoe Gala on February 3rd.

Congratulations to Sue Mathews, our CASA Volunteer of the Year!

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CASA of East TN Welcomes 5 New Trained CASA Volunteers

Five new CASA volunteers were sworn in yesterday by Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Irwin. The swearing-in ceremony followed a 33-hour training course provided by CASA of East Tennessee. We are so excited to work with the new training class graduates who have given so much of their time for training, and who will continue to do so by advocating for children's well-being and safety. 

CASA's 2018 Red Shoe Gala A Success

On February 3rd, CASA of East Tennessee hosted our annual Red Shoe Gala. As in years past, the event combined a Wizard of Oz theme with dinner and dancing fun. The event was local band Pop Rox's last performance! The Gala also featured psychic readings, a photo booth, and a silent auction including local goods and experiences. 

All proceeds benefit CASA of East Tennessee to improve the lives of abused and neglected children through trained volunteers who advocate for a safe, permanent, loving home. 

Three New Advocates Sworn In

Three new CASA volunteers were sworn in today by Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Irwin. The swearing-in ceremony followed a 33-hour training course provided by CASA of East Tennessee. We are so thankful for all our wonderful volunteers who give their time to advocate for children's well-being and safety. 

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Two New Volunteers Sworn in September 12th

On September 12th, Judge Irwin of Knox County Juvenile Court swore in two new CASA volunteers. The two new advocates were eager to get started, and each was assigned a new case following a brief reception after the swearing in ceremony. 

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Summer Wines Party 2017

We had a wonderful Summer Wines Party fundraiser on Saturday! The delicious food was prepared by Finny B's, and music was provided by The Old City Buskers . Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, or provided a discount to support our cause.

Marcia Bailey Named CASA Volunteer of the Year

Marcia was presented the CASA of the Year Award at our 2017 Red Shoe Gala by Executive Director Britney Sink

It's National Volunteer Week 2017 and today we share our appreciation for our CASA of the Year Award winner: Marcia Bailey!

Marcia has been a CASA volunteer for three and a half years and has shown remarkable dedication and commitment to our program during that time.

In the last twelve months alone, Marcia has worked 8 cases involving 15 children, from months old to 17 years. She simply never stops -- She is quick to step in when she sees a need, and takes on a new case assignment or two, even if she already has one.

What’s more, in each case, she provides high quality advocacy for the children, maintains respectful relationships with all parties, and navigates tough situations with grace. She is successful not only because of her experience, but because she keeps an open mind when approaching a case, with an eye always on the best interest of the children.

As a volunteer, Marcia is a dream. She’s independent, but not afraid to ask questions, she shows up at court with a smile and a book, she mentors new volunteers, and she always wants to learn more about how to help. She has made real change in the lives of children because of her willingness to listen and follow through. Where others may give up, Marcia will march on until the job is done with both kindness and determination. Marcia, we thank you for your outstanding service.

Congratulations to Marcia Bailey, our CASA Volunteer of the Year!

CASA Hosts Successful 2017 Red Shoe Gala

On February 4th, CASA of East Tennessee hosted our annual Red Shoe Gala. Combining the Wizard of Oz theme with dinner and dancing fun, the event featured:

  • Local band the Pop Rox for entertainment
  • Signature cocktails, wine and beer open bar, full dinner, and delicious desserts
  • Psychic readings, a photo booth, and Wizard of Oz photo backdrop and props
  • Silent auction, including local goods and exciting experiences

Four New Volunteers Sworn in March 2nd

On March 2nd, Judge Irwin of Knox County Juvenile Court swore in four new CASA volunteers. We're so thankful for all our amazing volunteers, seasoned and new, for their dedication to the children we serve.

December Swearing In of Five New Advocate Volunteers

On Tuesday, December 13th, we had another great group of volunteers sworn in as Court Appointed Special Advocates by Judge Tim Irwin at the Knox County Juvenile Court . These five new volunteers are going to be exceptional advocates. As their trainer, I had the opportunity to see the passion they have for children exhibited repeatedly. These volunteers show up for five weeks, twice a week, to sit in a three hour long class. They always come in with reading (or anything else asked of them) done, eager to learn about what it means to be a CASA and how best to approach the work.

Since not everyone knows exactly what a swearing in entails I’ll give you a little rundown of what usually takes place. First off, everyone who is going to be sworn in meets in the lobby at Juvenile Court. This is an exciting time. Everyone is dressed to impress and often has friends or family with them to show their support. While we wait there always seems to be a kind of nervous energy present. I can only speak for myself as to why that is. I think it’s because in that moment of anticipation you really begin to consider the weight of what we, as CASAs, have signed up to do- suddenly what we’ve simply talked about is going to become a reality. We are going to advocate on behalf of children in abuse and neglect cases in the Knox County Juvenile Court- no small endeavor.

 
 

Once Judge Irwin is ready, CASA staff, current volunteers, CASA board members, court staff, and attending press file into the main courtroom. Those about to be sworn-in sit in the front row. Judge Irwin begins by thanking the volunteers for signing up to be CASA advocates. This is followed by a strong inducement to hold sacred the confidentiality that we are bound to protect. All new volunteers stand, take the oath, and then Judge Irwin signs the oaths. This is always followed by a photo session, where Judge Irwin always towers over our recently sworn-in volunteers. It makes for a great photo!

After pictures are taken and everyone leaves the courtroom we head over to the conference room for a reception. The reception is a small affair, but fun nonetheless. If you’ve never been to a swearing in, I suggest you come to one. I know we’d all appreciate your support for one of the most exciting days we get to share in at CASA. On this particular morning our swearing in reception ended with smiles, hugs, and this time around, several new volunteers left with a new case in hand, ready to begin the work they trained to undertake.

-Melissa Miller, Recruitment and Training Coordinator

RSG 2017 Call for Sponsors

CASA of East Tennessee's Fifth Annual Red Shoe Gala will be held February 4th, 2017. We are excited to announce this year's sponsorship opportunities, starting at just $100!

Ruby Red Slipper Presenting Sponsor ($2,500) – This premier sponsorship level is reserved for corporate sponsors who commit to an annual contribution of $2,500 or greater. At this level, the company is distinguished as a Presenting Sponsor on all promotional materials and will be featured in any media spotlights, highlighted on the casaofeasttn.org website, and social media. Corporate banner may be displayed at event (must be provided by company) and sponsor will be recognized throughout event including a “brick” on the Yellow Brick Road. Includes reserved table for eight attendees on request.

Emerald City Sponsor ($1,000) – Sponsorship includes sponsor's logo on event invitations, on casaofeasttn.org website, and on digital display at event. These sponsors will receive special recognition at the Red Shoe Gala and on social media. Sponsor's name will be featured on a "brick" along the Yellow Brick Road at event. Includes up to four event tickets on request.

Lollipop Guild Sponsor ($500) – Sponsors will be thanked on social media, logo presented via digital display at event, and on signage in silent auction area. Sponsor's name will be featured on a "brick" along the Yellow Brick Road. Includes up to two event tickets on request.

Yellow Brick Road Wine Sponsor ($100) – Sponsor's name will be featured on a "brick" along the Yellow Brick Road at event.

To become a sponsor please reach out to Britney Sink at britney@casaofeasttn.org or 865-329-3399 Ext 1.

Fall Class of Recruits Sworn in October 3rd

On Monday, October third I had the pleasure of watching my first group of advocate volunteers get sworn-in by Judge Tim Irwin at the Knox County Juvenile Courthouse. As this was my first group of trainees as the new Recruitment and Training Coordinator, I was thrilled to present to Judge Irwin six hardworking and dedicated volunteer trainees. Training to become a CASA advocate is no small endeavor and each of these new advocates proved time-and-again throughout the process that they were up to the task.

Our training was five weeks long, twice a week, for three hours a session. During this time trainees learned a great deal about the community that they will serve, the resources available to help them assist families, and essentially everything else you can imagine about the advocacy process that they’ll need to know to get through their first case and beyond.

It was apparent from the beginning that each and every one of these individuals has a heart to serve the community and that for each of them, the best interest of children is at the forefront of their mission. The camaraderie made for fun classes and the diversity of backgrounds meant that we often engaged in lively conversations. The end result is that CASA of East Tennessee, Inc. now has six new advocates who will serve the children with dedication and passion. I am really looking forward to seeing their love for service translated into powerful advocacy for children in Knox County.

-Melissa Miller, Recruitment and Training Coordinator

Successful Summer Wines Fundraiser

We had a wonderful and successful Summer Wines Party fundraiser on Saturday. 

Thank you to everyone who attended, sponsored, or provided a discount to support our cause.

Huge appreciation goes out to our Board of Directors for making such a successful event happen!

This event will be back for Summer 2017.

Pictured are staff members (L to R) Melissa, Britney, and Susan enjoying the evening.

Summer Wines Party

Join us for a Summer Wines Party on August 6th!
There will be summery food, chilled drinks, and live music, all to benefit CASA of East Tennessee, Inc.
 
Tickets are $75 per person or $125 per couple.
 
Wine sponsorships are available for $100.