About CASA Heroes
Selecting CASA Heroes is always a difficult task. Every CASA volunteer is a hero to an abused and neglected child. All Payne County CASA volunteers do so much just by opening their hearts and donating their time to advocate for children in Payne County.CASA Heroes - Second Quarter 2008
CASA Fundraising to Recruit More Volunteers Moore
CASA Hero of the 2nd Quarter
You may have heard the name JT Moore in conjunction with CASA before. Mr. Moore has been recognized time and again for his dedication to the children he services through the CASA program. However, his steadfast determination to make a difference in the lives of children is just as strong today and because of his continued commitment Moore has been selected as CASA Hero of the 2nd Quarter.
JT Moore has been an invaluable volunteer for Payne County CASA since June of 2003. During his tenure with CASA Moore has helped 18 children. JT has donated 1,000 hours of his time and driven over 12,500 miles for these children! Moore has received numerous awards for his volunteer work including CASA Volunteer of the Year and Most Miles Driven in 2005, Most Miles Driven and Most Time Given as well as the CASA Leadership Award in 2006. In 2006 Moore was also recognized on a state level and received the Oklahoma CASA Association Child Advocate of the Year award. In 2007 Moore yet again received an award for the Most Miles Driven and the Helping Hands award. Moore is very deserving of all these honors. When there is a difficult case that takes a special volunteer CASA staff knows JT can be called on and he will step up to the plate. JT has been specially requested for cases by attorneys, the Assistant District Attorney or DHS workers. They have all observed JT's diligence and thoroughness. JT has had as many as three cases at once and recently had the privilege of witnessing a CASA child he worked with for three years be adopted by a relative. This happy ending would not have been possible without JT’s help. “JT came to the office one day and told me that his CASA child said the only reason he would miss living in Oklahoma (and being a part of the system) was because he would miss him (JT). Having an 11 year old tell you that you’ve helped them, they’re thankful and will miss you is something I know JT will always treasure. JT is extremely modest but I know he was proud and touched to get this feedback from his CASA child. CASA volunteers like JT change lives,” said Carmen Miller, CASA Director.
Moore is one of the many volunteers that deserve the title of CASA Hero daily because his efforts are consistent and he puts the same heart and time into each family he works with. JT provides transportation for children and family members in order for visits to take place. The majority of the time visits take place out of county. JT is typically in the top four CASA volunteers each month for the most miles driven and the most time spent. During the time he spends on the road he learns valuable information from the child or the parents that give him insight on family dynamics and relationships which help him assess the case situation and determine what he believes is in the best interest of the child(ren). JT then reports this information to the court. JT knows more about the children on his cases than any other party and JT is typically called upon for guidance, answers or support from the parents, social workers, and at times even attorneys. JT treats everyone fairly and equally and he is able to build trust and have invaluable relationships with everyone he works with.
“I have had the privilege of working with JT the past couple of months while his supervisor was on leave. I always knew he did a great job but after working closer with him and getting to hear the stories and see the devotion he puts into his cases I knew he was deserving of this honor,” said Trisha Rush, CASA Case Supervisor.
Moore also volunteers to help children and families by serving on the Post Adjudication Review Board and Systems of Care. Moore is also an Ombudsman at Westhaven Nursing Home and is on the Library Board amongst his many other volunteer activities.
JT is only one of many volunteers who give their time to help abused and neglected children in the juvenile deprived court system. Payne County CASA is a non profit organization that recruits, screens, trains and supports these outstanding individuals who change lives, one child at a time. In order to maintain the program each year CASA must raise funds. CASA’s 8th annual Hearts Go Out for Children gala will be held Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center at 6:30 pm. Reservations are required and tickets are $125 each for open seating. Corporate tables may be reserved for $1500. This year’s theme is CASA Casino Royale II. Vegas style gaming, live and silent auctions, games of chance, dinner and dancing and stick horse races are all part of the formal event. Cherokee Ballard of Channel 4 is the host for the evening. Corporate sponsors thus far are Stillwater National Bank, MerCruiser, Stillwater Medical Center, BancFirst/Stillwater Vision Clinic, McDonald’s of Stillwater and Perry, and Scott Leming State Farm Insurance. Prizes and auction items include:
OSU football, basketball & baseball packages, jewelry from Mitchener Farrand Jewelers, Dessert of the Month, hot tub from Pleasant Pools, smoker/beef/horseback riding/statue/ rodeo tickets, "Queen for a Day" from Hair Cottage, OSU archive picture, Florida getaway/private condo on beach, 16x20 framed OSU artwork from MK's Photography, Stillwater Building Center package, Mr. Ooley's Clothing, ladies orange leather jacket from Wooden Nickel, Chris' University Spirit $50 gift card, train tickets for two, Flock of Flamingos Prank, Uptown Girl’s Birthday Party Downtown for 8, passes to Marland Mansion & Grand Home/Ponca, centennial bench by David Bradley, photo art prints by former CASA child Rachael Farsaci-Burton, and much more!
Seating is limited to 275. Reservations are now accepted online at www.casaforkids.com. Select the “Fundraising & Donation” tab. For more information call 405-624-2242 or email info@casaforkids.com
