Welcome new advocates!

On Monday, June 11, we welcomed 14 new advocates to CASA of Luzerne County: Amy Anstett, Pam Coburn, Heather Critchosin, Anita Frank, Shannon Hurley, Tish McCarthy Last, Jen Leung, Amy Martin, Karen Mazzaccaro, Phyllis Mundy, Donna Nelson, Tracey Selingo, Juliane von Schmeling, and Carol Wills. 

This group of people participated in weeks of training, observed hearings, completed homework, and practiced filling out court reports as part of their impassioned commitment to "be the voice" for abused and neglected children in Luzerne County's foster care system. 

The number of children currently in that system is ever-growing. These are kids who have experienced trauma some of us could never imagine. Add to that the sadness from being removed from their homes, the fear of a new place and new people, the confusion of a system that even adults can have a hard time navigating ... it's overwhelming for them to say the least. 

But that's where a CASA comes in. Someone who has made the choice to be there because they want to be -- to help guide the case through the courts, to make recommendations about what is truly best for that child so they can find a safe, permanent, loving place to grow up. To be a constant amid the chaos. 

Our 14 new advocates bring our total number of CASAs up to 35. Those are 35 people who are generously giving their time and resources to make a difference in the life of a child and a family. Those are 35 people who are literally changing the world. 

If you know any of our 14 new advocates, please join us in welcoming them to the team. And if you know any of our 21 advocates who have been with the program, please let them know how thankful you are for the work they're electing to do. 

Our next training class is scheduled to begin in October. If you want to join the ranks of these exceptional volunteers, please reach out to us. We'd love to talk to you about the difference we know you can make. We have two info sessions in July, which means two opportunities to connect with you about your next step. Choose your date and click the link to register: July 9 or July 23.

Advocate Spotlight: Beth Distasio

As an advocate, Beth Distasio realizes the potential in every child – provided they have what they need. And at the top of that list is a safe, loving home environment and a support system in their lives.

Unfortunately, we see day in and day out the alarming number of children who don’t experience that stability or support. There are too many children who are subject to abuse and/or neglect and, because of those circumstances, then find themselves in the middle of a confusing and overwhelming system.

That’s where a CASA comes in.

“I was looking for a way to give back to the community and, when I learned about the CASA organization, it seemed like a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact on a child’s life,” Beth said. “Although, as advocates, we cannot change the circumstances which necessitate our becoming involved in a child’s life, we can be a constant positive in their lives.”

Something she realizes so many children in our community are lacking.  

“We can be the person they know will be there for them in any capacity they need, and as a volunteer we do that because we care, not because it is our job. I think this makes a huge impact and is the first step in building a relationship with a child in need.”

Beth was sworn-in as a CASA in May 2017, and currently advocates for a four-year-old little girl.

“I look forward to seeing her each time I visit and am continually amazed at how resilient she is despite what she has been through,” Beth said.

There are currently 460 children in the Luzerne County foster care system because of abuse and neglect. A number that has only grown in recent months.

“There is a huge need for advocates as we have so many children in the child welfare system,” Beth said. “Becoming an advocate may seem like a daunting task when you are in training, but it truly is manageable. Moreover, once you meet a child and become involved, it is a profoundly rewarding experience.”

Beth knows that the hard work that goes into this volunteer work is worth it to the children involved.

“Being able to positively affect a child’s life in some small way and providing that child with an adult who becomes involved in their life simply because they care and want the best for them (is the most important thing about advocating),” she said.

Beth is a paralegal by day and lives with her husband, Dan, and their dog Max. We are so thankful for her hard work and dedication.

If, like Beth, you’re ready to step up for a local child in need, talk to us about becoming a CASA volunteer. If volunteering isn’t right for you, you can recommend someone you know to become a volunteer or make a donation to our program.