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 2006
CASA Hero of the Quarter
CASA is an acronym for Court Appointed Special Advocate. CASAs are trained community volunteers who are appointed by a judge to speak for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the court system.
CASAs talk to the child and family and work alongside attorneys and DHS workers. CASAs do independent fact finding and research on the child’s situation, past and present, to determine what is needed to provide safety and permanency to that child as quickly as possible. Most important, CASAs keep kids from falling through the cracks of an over-burdened child welfare system by speaking on their behalf and making sure they
receive needed support and services. CASA is a powerful voice in a child’s life.
A powerful voice is just what CASA has in Jason Pogue. Jason Pogue was named CASA Hero of the 2nd Quarter. Sworn in as a newly trained CASA volunteer in April 2006 Jason instantly became a star. “Jason is really a natural at being a CASA,” said Carmen Miller, Program Director. In just seven months Jason has played an integral role in facilitating permanence for his CASA child. Often times in cases there are many different players such as the District Attorney’s office, the Department of Human Services, several attorneys, teachers, as well as other service providers. It’s often difficult for children and families to work with so many different professionals simultaneously. Jason made sure the professionals on his case were all on the same page to help move the case forward. Jason made sure communication was open and clear for all parties involved, including the family. “I believe Jason’s case would still be stuck where it was several months ago if it weren’t for Jason coordinating everyone’s input, making sure everyone’s questions were answered, and all the issues on the case were being addressed promptly,” said Miller, “He has made a tremendous difference in the life of his CASA child.” One of CASA’s paramount goals is to get the child out of the system as quickly as possible and into a safe and permanent home. It’s not just the coordinating and footwork that’s important. Jason does an excellent job of formulating the information he gathers into court reports that are submitted to the judge. Jason’s court reports clearly state the facts that he has discovered as well as his recommendations to the court on what he believes is in the best interest of the child(ren). Jason also turns in his volunteer hours and miles to the office on time each month which helps the program sustain needed grant funding.
Jason is also a stand out not only for his steadfast child advocacy but also for his overall program support. Jason hit the ground running by assisting CASA with calendar sales during April, Child Abuse Prevention Month, immediately after being sworn in, and won the program’s calendar sales contest. Jason is very active in the program by volunteering his time to assist in several other ways such as other fundraising functions, CASA volunteer training, and volunteering for anything needed, down to sticking labels on postcards! Jason is in attendance at all CASA activities, has recruited other volunteers for the program, and has even coordinated a working relationship with CASA and the Stillwater Children’s Museum. “We’re very fortunate to have someone as committed and outgoing as Jason volunteering for our program,” said Miller. Jason will receive a portrait courtesy of MK’s Photography LLC, the official photographer for Payne County CASA. Jason’s photo will also be hung on Payne County CASA’s Hall of Heroes and Jason was presented his CASA Hero Award by the CASA Board of Directors at the December meeting.
Since receiving this award Jason has already taken his CASA advocacy to a higher level. Recently, Jason agreed to take yet another CASA case. Shortly after taking the case the relative’s home where the two young children were placed burned to the ground. The family lost everything. Within 24 hours of hearing the news Jason had already rallied donations and support for the family. Jason has worked diligently over the last several weeks to acquire and deliver much needed necessities and support to the family. Jason has also agreed to volunteer, alongside his wife Valerie, at the CASA fundraiser, CASA Casino Royale, on February 10th. “Jason truly is deserving of the title, “Hero,” because that is exactly what he is to his CASA children and their families,” said Miller. To read more about Jason or learn more about CASA you can visit www.casaforkids.com or email info@casaforkids.com or call 405-624-2242.
