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 - Third Quarter 2007
CASA Hero of the Quarter
CASA Honors Volunteer Sarah Wheatley
What is a CASA volunteer? CASA volunteers are ordinary people that make an extraordinary difference in the life of abused and neglected children. After training, volunteers do independent fact finding on cases and based on that information make recommendations to the judge on what they believe is in the best interest of the children.
CASA volunteers visit with everyone involved including social workers, parents, and attorneys but most importantly, CASA’s visit with the kids and check in on their situation frequently.
Do these everyday heroes really change lives? YES! Our CASA Hero of the Third Quarter, Sarah Wheatley, has changed lives and continues to do so each day she volunteers for the CASA program. Sarah will receive this award for her diligence, thoroughness and persistence in advocating for the best interest of abused and neglected children. CASA Heroes are chosen for exemplifying a high level of ethics, high level of commitment, and overall respect for their role as a child’s advocate.
Sarah started volunteering with CASA two years ago after she retired from 30 years of teaching. Sarah believed in CASA so much that she transferred to Payne County CASA from Okmulgee County where she volunteered before moving to Stillwater. Sarah and her husband Ray have one daughter, Stephanie who is a doctorial student at Baylor University.
Sarah said she had the time so she agreed to take two cases. Typically volunteers are assigned one case or one family. Since 2005 Sarah has driven over 2,000 miles and given over 200 hours of her time. Because of Sarah’s dedication to the cause and her focus on the children both of her cases will likely close as success stories. Sarah has since started a full time job yet continues to keep on top of her cases without skipping a beat.
Sarah utilized her educational background to ensure the children on her cases had their educational needs met. Sarah facilitated meetings with schools and daycare providers to make sure the children were given every opportunity to succeed. Because of Sarah’s persistence the children have made significant strides in all areas of their development. Sarah always remained in close contact with employers, probation officers, Drug Court, counselors, parenting educators, DHS, the foster parents and the children in order to stay on top of changes in the case. Sarah then reported her findings to the judge and made recommendations to the court on behalf of the children. Sarah did this by working with her Case Supervisor to draft court reports. Sarah always provided complete and accurate information in her court reports which became a permanent part of the child’s court file.
The children on both of Sarah’s cases were placed outside of Payne County. Sarah facilitated many visits that allowed the parents to see their children. These visitations likely would not have occurred otherwise. Sarah was a mentor at times for the young mothers on her cases and because of Sarah’s support they were able to focus on their families and be reunified with their children. Sarah always remained objective during her case work and always afforded the parents the chance to turn their lives around. Sarah is a viable resource for the court. “Reunification is most often the goal of our cases,” said Case Supervisor Trisha Rush. “During the child’s initial reunification with the parents Sarah offered to visit the home every day for a two week period to monitor the family and make sure everything was going well and the parents had the support they needed.” “Without the faith that Sarah had in these parents they may not have been so successful,” said Rush. “Sarah is a go getter and will get any information needed. She is very organized and precise. Sarah attends every staffing, court hearing and is a very dependable volunteer,” said Rush.
Sarah is such a valuable asset to the CASA program Payne County Assistant District Attorney, Michael Kulling, is also appreciative of Sarah’s work as a volunteer. “Ms. Wheatley has proven to be everything we would hope for in a CASA volunteer. It has been my impression that she is deeply concerned for the welfare of every child when she is appointed and she is always very well prepared and provides valuable information relating to the care and well being of the children. Ms. Wheatley has been of great assistance in protecting abused and neglected children and in putting families back together when that is appropriate. I would like to personally thank her for all her hard work,” said Kulling.
When Sarah was asked why she wanted to become a CASA volunteer she replied, “You can’t pay back the people who helped you when you were a child, you can only pay forward. It is now my turn.” Sarah is a believer in the CASA program. “Children are often ignored until they are old enough to vote, pay taxes, etc, then people tend to listen to them but often this is too late for many. They need someone to speak for then NOW, this is the goal of CASA, to be that voice so adults in their world will listen,” said Wheatley.
Sarah was awarded Most Dedicated CASA Volunteer for 2005 and that still rings true today. “Payne County CASA can always count on Sarah and that means that abused and neglected children in Payne County have a voice,” said Carmen Miller, Program Director. “We’re fortunate to have Sarah on our team.” When asked what Sarah would say to others who are considering becoming a CASA volunteer, “It is the most rewarding activity you can ever do to know that you made a difference in the life of a child,” said Wheatley. Sarah will receive a portrait courtesy of MK’s Photography, the official photographer for Payne County CASA. Sarah’s photo will also be hung on Payne County CASA’s Hall of Heroes and Sarah will be presented her CASA Hero Award by the CASA Board of Directors at the April meeting.
If you would like to join Sarah in her work to advocate for abused and neglected children in Payne County call about CASA training. Classes will be April 19 and 20. Contact the CASA office for more information at info@casaforkids.com, 405-624-2242 or visit www.casaforkids.com to download an application and read more about the training process.
