Eight volunteers were recently sworn in by Judge Clay Tomlinson and Judge Jody Steedley to serve as official Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers for the Alapaha Judicial Circuit. After completing 30 hours of intensive classroom training and 10 hours of observation and research, these community volunteers will serve as court appointees to advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected or abandoned children in juvenile court proceedings. The CASA volunteers will gather information and research cases, attend court proceedings, and make recommendations to the judge to help guide the best decision for each child’s future.

The following volunteers, representing Cook and Berrien counties, were sworn in: Ken Block, Billy Exum, Evelyn Fox, Dane Heard, Matt Jansen, Lynn Mills, Garland Pendergraph, and Gina Sumler.

The ceremony and celebration dinner was hosted by Cook County Family Connection through their Hands On Georgia Challenge Grant which encourages and supports community service and volunteerism. Zoe Myers, director of Cook County Family Connection, presented opening comments and congratulated the volunteers for their commitment. State Rep. Penny Houston served as guest speaker for the event, emphasizing the importance of the role the volunteers will play in ensuring the well-being of abused and neglected children.

After being sworn in, the volunteers and their guests enjoyed a steak dinner prepared and served by the Family Connection staff and volunteers. Special thanks went to Jennifer Lovett, Family Connection program manager, for organizing and coordinating the dinner, and also to Piggly Wiggly of Adel for providing prime cuts of steak as a partial donation for the event.

Elaine Douglas, director of the Alapaha Circuit CASA Program, presented each volunteer with a Certificate of Achievement and provided closing comments.

The Alapaha Circuit CASA Program is designed to serve the counties of Atkinson, Berrien, Clinch, Cook and Lanier.

To learn more, contact Elaine Douglas at (229) 686-6576 or elaine.douglas@berrien.k12.ga.us.