Advocate Spotlight: Shannon Joyce

Shannon Joyce is a familiar face to those who know CASA and the impact it has had on the community here in Luzerne County.

Not only did Shannon help change the program for the better as an advocate coordinator, she has made her mark as an advocate as well.

When the opportunity to step into the role of an advocate came up, Shannon didn’t hesitate to take on the added responsibility of a difficult case.

“I felt pulled to advocate after seeing the impact that my volunteer advocates were having on the lives of the children they were working with,” Shannon said.

As an advocate, Shannon had an amazing impact as well. Because of her care and concern, Shannon was able to help reunite a family and change a child’s story for the better.

“My most memorable moment as an advocate was seeing my child reunited with her mother,” Shannon said. “They had been apart for years and seeing the joy on both of their faces when the judge ruled that she could return home was amazing!”

Not only that, Shannon was able to show this young girl that there are people who care and are willing to be there when times get tough.

“Every child comes with a unique story and sometimes people may perceive a child one way without knowing that whole story,” Shannon said. “As an advocate, you may be the first person that the child can trust and the first person who is willing to listen.”

After leaving CASA for an opportunity to work with The Sisters of Mercy in their Mid-Atlantic Office, Shannon stayed committed to her case and saw it through to completion.

“This organization truly works to change the lives of the children we advocate for,” she said. “I have seen first-hand what one caring adult can do to change the course of a child’s future.”

If, like Shannon, you’d like to step up and make a lasting impact for a child in our community, we invite you to join us at one of our upcoming info sessions to learn more about what it means to be a CASA and how you can use your gifts to make a difference.

Shannon lives in Larksville with her husband, Jim, and their dog Todd. 

In Memoriam: Peggy O'Connor Kosior

There are some people who, when you meet them, you know they’re going to be influential. For those of us who were lucky enough to know Peggy O’Connor Kosior, that was definitely the case.

Peggy, who passed away on March 21, 2019, dedicated her life to children. Between raising her own, working for 30 years as a caseworker at Luzerne County Children and Youth, and as a volunteer advocate with CASA of Luzerne County, Peggy inherently knew the importance of treating all children with kindness and compassion.

In honor of who she was and the good she brought to the world, we’d like to honor Peggy in this month’s Advocate Spotlight.

“’Dedication to children – the most vulnerable children.’ That was Peggy,” said Annie Ellis, CASA of Luzerne County Program Director. “From the first night of her training, to literally the very end, she was committed, compassionate, and caring. She was, for her unfortunately short duration here, the embodiment of a voice for the children.”

Advocate Coordinator Shannon Joyce supervised Peggy during her time with CASA, and noted that there are so many good things to say about Peggy and the impact she had.

“She had an energetic spirit and a spunk that many people lose after years working in a difficult career field,” Shannon said. “Rather than leave the child protection field after retiring, she instead decided to dedicate her free time to continue helping children in Luzerne County. Peggy was one who always saw the good in every situation and was excited to have an impact on the lives of others.”

Not only did Peggy bring a wealth of knowledge and compassion to these situations, she continually approached them with an open mind and willingness to learn.

“When I think about Peggy’s many attributes, one that stands out for me was her humility,” said John Aciukewicz, CASA of Luzerne County Executive Director. “Peggy came to CASA with a wealth of experience and knowledge from her many years of distinguished service at Children and Youth, yet she was always receptive to learn as much as she could about her new role as a CASA volunteer. Peggy also possessed a calm but confident presence, guided by her desire to once again make a difference in a child’s life. It was an honor for us to have Peggy engaged in our program, though for much too short of a time.”

The impact Peggy had in the lives of children in Luzerne County has been noticed by all who knew her. We are grateful that, after a full life of service, she decided to volunteer her time here with us. And, even though her tenure as a court appointed special advocate was short, she made an difference here, too.