Advocate Spotlight: Rose Kelly

Meet Rose Kelly, the May Advocate Spotlight for 2025.

In every corner of Luzerne & Wyoming County, there are children facing uncertainty, transition, and trauma. For some, the foster care system is a revolving door of new faces and changing circumstances. But for the children assigned to Rose, there is one constant: her.

“I found that there are many children in the Hazleton area who really need someone they can count on,” Rose shares. That realization sparked her journey to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) a trusted adult who stands beside a child in foster care and ensures their voice is heard in court.

Rose doesn’t just attend hearings or write reports. She builds trust. She listens. And she shows up—over and over again.

“What I enjoy most about my CASA service is being that person—the one a child knows they can rely on, no matter what,” she says. “Someone who listens to them, speaks on their behalf, and makes sure their wishes are shared with the judge.”

It’s a role that goes far beyond paperwork. For Rose, it’s about human connection—and sometimes, the smallest moments reveal the deepest bonds.

“There was a time one of the kids I was working with was in crisis and ended up in the ER. She let me sit with her,” Rose recalls. “That might not seem like much, but in that moment, I knew she trusted me. One hundred percent. We had formed a bond, and she felt safe with me there.”

These quiet moments of trust are what CASA is all about.

Rose encourages others to take that first step toward advocacy, believing strongly in the impact of one person.

“If you want to change the world, change the life of a child,” she says. “You will REALLY make a difference by becoming their CASA.”

Through her dedication, compassion, and unwavering presence, Rose has become more than an advocate—she’s a lifeline. Her commitment not only changes lives, it transforms futures.

We are incredibly grateful for Rose and all she brings to the children and families she serves. If her story speaks to you, we invite you to learn more by joining us for an info session to learn more about advocacy and what it means to be a CASA.

CASA of Wyoming Valley is currently seeking volunteer advocates in Luzerne and Wyoming County. Please call 570-855-2247 for information on how you can involved.

Advocate Spotlight: Ann Way

Meet Ann Way, the March Advocate Spotlight for 2025. Ann's journey to becoming a CASA volunteer began years ago when she was working as a school counselor for grades 7-12. One day, a friend and local Children and Youth Caseworker approached her about the idea of becoming a CASA. Ann was intrigued, so she obtained the application and fully intended to train as a volunteer. However, life had other plans when she moved to Wyoming County for a new position that same year.

When Ann learned that Wyoming County was starting its own CASA program, she immediately felt a calling and said, “What do I need to do?” She was eager to get involved, especially because the friend who had originally encouraged her to join had sadly passed away. Fulfilling a promise she made years ago, Ann became the first CASA volunteer in Wyoming County being sworn in in August 2024.

With a background in education, especially as a school counselor, Ann found that many of the skills she’d developed over the years were helpful in her new role. But what she truly enjoys is the opportunity to work with people and agencies from a fresh perspective. Each day brings new learning experiences, and she loves that no two days are ever the same.

Ann’s message to others who might be considering becoming a CASA volunteer is clear: there’s a huge need, especially in Wyoming County. She encourages anyone who wants to make a difference in a young person’s life—especially those facing difficult situations—to take the leap and join the CASA program.

Some of Ann’s most memorable moments in her CASA journey include being sworn in by Wyoming County President Judge Russell Shurtleff, marking her place as the very first CASA in the county. She also treasures the moment she met her CASA child face-to-face for the first time, beginning their relationship. Most of all, Ann feels incredibly grateful for the support she’s received from her CASA Supervisor, Jade Levi, whose advice and guidance have been instrumental in her advocacy work.

Through her dedication and passion, Ann has made a lasting impact on the lives of children in her community, fulfilling not just a promise, but also a deep personal calling.

We are grateful to Ann for her commitment to her advocacy and commitment to her community. If you’d like to make a difference in the life of a child in the way Ann has, we invite you to join us for an info session to learn more about advocacy and what it means to be a CASA.