CASA OF MENOMINEE/MARINETTE SWEARS IN VOLUNTEERS
May 10, 2023
CASA of Menominee/Marinette is pleased to announce the swearing-in of several new and existing advocates. These volunteers become the first in Michigan and Wisconsin with the ability to serve across state lines. The program recently conducted its spring training, with 3 new advocates completing. The training took place over 5 weeks, and covered topics such as generational trauma, court report writing, and poverty.
CASA of Menominee/Marinette conducts regular trainings to continue its ongoing mission of making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect a child’s right to be safe, treated with dignity and respect, and to learn and grow in the security of a loving family. Count Appointed Special Advocates are trained volunteers appointed by judges to advocate for children in the child welfare system.
Menominee Swearing-In – May 9, 2023
From left to right: Bobbi Jo Mashlan, Julie Larsen, Judge Dan Hass, Gary McMahon, Susan Pulkowski, Ariana Williams
Marinette Swearing- In – May 2, 2023
From left to right: Gary McMahon, Ariana Williams, Renata Colograssi, Nikki Sotka, Judge James Morrison, Susan Pulkowsi, Kirsten Holstrom, Bobbi Jo Mashlan
“This training is especially exciting because it’s the first we’ve had since merging the two county programs together,” says Faith Sandahl, CASA Executive Director. “These volunteers are our first to become officers of the court in both Marinette and Menominee counties, which means more flexibility in case assignments, and more consistency for the kids we serve should they move across the river.”
Sandahl also noted that CASA of Menominee/Marinette is one of only three CASA programs in the county to operate across state lines.
“We are so thankful for the support of our community to be able to do this. Many CASA programs are constricted by state specific funding and are not able to assign volunteers across jurisdictions. Because of the success of our fundraising and our local grants, we can have more flexibility, which means better outcomes for our kids.”
For more information, to apply to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or to support CASA, please contact Faith Sandahl, Executive Director at (715) 923-7250 or faith@casaofmenomineemarinette.com. You can also find CASA online at http://www.casamenominee.com or follow us on Facebook.