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 - Fourth Quarter 2007-2008
CASA Hero of the Quarter
CASA Honors Veteran Volunteer Patti Ahrberg
Payne County CASA named Patti Ahrberg as CASA Hero of the 4th Quarter. Payne County CASA’s newest CASA Hero is not new to CASA though. Patti was one of five volunteers that helped start the local program in 1991. When the program started volunteers did their own training, typed their own reports, and their only support was each other. Since that time the program has evolved and is now one of the strongest programs in Oklahoma. This would not have been possible without the initial desire to help children that existed in Patti 17 years ago. “My grandchildren come from loving, two parent homes. Most of these neglected and abused children have nothing. I wanted to make life better for them,” said Ahrberg.
Patti is a retired first grade teacher with three grown children, 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Her love for kids is apparent and no doubt she stays busy. Still yet she continues to volunteer for CASA. “Most people find time to do what they want to do. I like doing this,” said Ahrberg. Patti has advocated for the best interest of 19 children on ten cases during her tenure with CASA. “Each child in all my cases has made a difference in my life. I hope I have in theirs,” said Ahrberg.
“Patti is just an incredible lady. The fact that she has 16 of her own grandchildren and great grandchildren and she still finds time for less fortunate children sends a strong message to those of us who don’t think we have time to volunteer. She is truly invested in these children. She knows everything about them, what they like from sports to favorite foods. She knows their personalities, ambitions- their concerns and issues. There is no doubt that the individual attention she gives them makes a difference in their lives,” said Carmen Miller, program director. “Just think back to your childhood. Most often the person who paid us the most attention made the biggest difference in our lives,” said Miller. “I think your time is the most important thing you can give a child or another person… In a child’s life there is no quality time, there’s just time. I try to never talk on my cell phone when I’m with them (my CASA kids). They have all my attention,” said Ahrberg.
Giving her CASA kids individual attention is just the tip of the iceberg of what Patti does for these children. As a CASA Patti reads the case file on the child(ren), does an independent investigation on the child(ren)’s situation, and reports her findings to a case supervisor in the CASA office. Patti also visits the child(ren), parents, family members, friends, service providers, teachers, foster parents, and anyone else that may have pertinent information about the child. Patti’s findings are then compiled into a fact based court report with the assistance of CASA staff. At the bottom of each report Patti is allowed to make recommendations to the court on what she believes is in the best interest of the child(ren). This report is submitted to the judge and district attorney, as well as all other parties involved in the child’s case. Patti also attends court hearings for the child(ren) as a support and familiar face. Patti can also update the judge if necessary or assist the court by providing additional information during the hearing. “Volunteers like Patti make a huge difference because they know the child and their situation better than most anyone and they bring a dose of common sense to these complex cases and situations. CASA volunteers are every day heroes to these children,” said Miller. “Patty was with CASA when no one knew what it was. Her relentless commitment to the health, safety, well being and permanency of children is unsurpassed. She truly has made a difference in the lives of so many children and to the institution of CASA. I do not know where we would be without her,” said Bob Murphy, former Associate District Judge.
Patti has experienced several different outcomes for the children on her cases. She has seen children get adopted, placed with family members and reunified with their parents.
Patti says the most rewarding part of being a CASA volunteer is, “Watching the children move on to better lives whether through adoption or improved home situations.” Volunteers like Patti do what they do so abused and neglected children can experience positive outcomes. CASA volunteers work for the best interest of the children and strive to move the case towards permanency as quickly as possible. “Being a CASA is the most frustrating, humbling, exciting, rewarding, and expensive volunteer work you’ll ever do. It will teach you a lot about yourself and other people,” said Ahrberg. Patti attributes some of her longevity with the program to her husband, Bill Ahrberg. “He is the retired owner of Ahrberg Milling Company in Cushing. He has been supportive emotionally when things are not going well in a case,” said Ahrberg.
“Patti has accepted some of the most difficult cases we have and she does an excellent job working with all ages of children. Despite the fact that she has had some very challenging and lengthy cases she is always upbeat and she never gives up. That’s what these children need, they need someone who won’t give up on them, someone who is focused solely on their well being. Patti is just a pleasure to work with and I admire and respect her for her dedication to these children,” said Miller. “Patti has been a CASA volunteer for 17 years and I have personally been the Assistant District Attorney assigned to those cases during the last 8 years. Patti has had some of the most difficult cases in our County and has always gone above and beyond to help the children involved in those cases be as comfortable as possible. In one case in particular, Patty has organized birthday parties for a boy who has been in DHS custody the majority of his life. She always visits children she is working with even if it means traveling long distances. It is truly amazing and refreshing to see a volunteer who is so devoted to the best interests of these children who have already been failed by their parents and those closest to them. Patti Ahrberg has most certainly improved the outcome of child abuse/neglect cases in which she has served as CASA volunteer,” said Michael Kulling, Assistant District Attorney.
Patti was named CASA Hero in 1999. In 2003 she was named, Most Dedicated CASA Volunteer. In 2006 she received an honorable mention for driving the second highest amount of miles for the program in doing her volunteer work. Patti has also received numerous service awards for her commitment to the CASA program. Patti has been with the program longer than any other volunteer. “I enjoy all the people involved with CASA. We have a common interest. And I like the children,” said Ahrberg
CASA is currently recruiting for a special summer training session. Core volunteer training will be held Friday, July 25. Children are waiting for volunteers. For more information contact the CASA office at info@casaforkids.com or call 405-624-2242.
