Issuu

IMPACT

REPORT Helping make a difference in a child’s life.

2022

Welcome Impact Report 2022 Every 45 seconds a child enters foster care. We know most children in foster care will have multiple foster homes, schools, social workers and teachers rotate through their life, even while dealing with the trauma of abuse or neglect. Research supports that having a CASA/GAL volunteer can help to improve the odds for these children and make a life-changing impact.    Consider donating and volunteering today. Your gift can make a difference in the life of a child. Get involved. Change a Child’s Story™. #ChangeaChildsStory For more information visit us at www.summitcasagal.org 2

2022 Impact Report

Contents.

04 Letter from the Board Chair 05 About CASA Board 06 Year in Numbers 07 Financial Report 08 Fundraising Recap 09 Key Supporters 11 Role of CASA/GAL

12 Volunteer Highlight 13 Volunteers 14 Staff Members 15 Meet Tator Tot 16 Board of Trustees 17 How YOU Can Help

Message from the

Board

Thank you for your support. Dear Friends of Summit County CASA, The past several years have been incredibly challenging for the children and their families in our region and beyond. Here in Summit County, we remain laser focused and committed to serving the children who find themselves forced into the judicial system through no fault of their own. The CASA Board Volunteer Association and the CASA/GAL Program of Summit County staff are continually faced with a rising level of new cases and a dwindling number of new volunteers. But thanks to your generosity, the Board continues to develop and execute volunteer recruitment and retention strategies to match the growing needs of the CASA/GAL Program of Summit County. In 2022 the CASA Board raised over $ 357,000 to assist volunteers as they carry out their mission to ensure every child has a voice in and out of the court room. These cases are lasting longer, and we are seeing more and more children in need of our help. The rise in cases throughout the pandemic has not dwindled. In fact, in 2022 the program served approximately 800 abused and neglected children. We could not support the CASA/GAL Program of Summit County, under the leadership of Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio, without the generosity of the community, donors, foundations, grantors and local companies who assist our cause. You can continue to help in several ways: become a CASA volunteer; assist with fundraisers, trainings, and/or special events; join our board; give a charitable donation; and invite us to speak at your organization. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support. Together, we can change a child’s story.

Jennifer Six

Amanda Carroll

2022 Past Chair

2022 Past Vice Chair and Current Present Chair

4 | IMPACTREPORT

About

CASA BOARD VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION In 1993, the CASA Board Volunteer Association, Inc. was established to further the mission and support the work of the CASA/GAL Program of Summit County. The Board partners with the Program by raising and administering funds for enhanced programming, personnel support, promoting public awareness of the CASA/GAL Program, and recognizing the efforts of heroic volunteers.

Our Vision is that the CASA/GAL Program of Summit County be a model for how very well the program works to protect the most vulnerable citizens of a community: children who have suffered abuse and neglect. The CASA Board Volunteer Association, Inc. is committed to ensuring that the local CASA program provides a thoroughly trained and well supported CASA/GAL volunteer to every child in Summit County who needs one. Through the work of these caring and dedicated volunteers, we will advocate for all children in need, until they receive safe, permanent and nurturing homes. In order to guarantee the on-going success of the program, we will continually generate awareness of the plight of abused and neglected children, and will cultivate strong partnerships with individuals and organizations committed to bettering children’s lives. We will do this with integrity, compassion and devotion to our children.

When a child welfare case begins, the courtroom is crowded with a judge, a representative from a children’s services agency, biological parents, family members, attorneys, other courtroom staff and, of course, the child. Even though the child should be the priority in the room, the judges, caseworkers and service providers who determine the child’s future simply do not have adequate time or resources to understand the specific needs of each and every child. By speaking for the child, a CASA/GAL volunteer is the voice of the child in the courtroom that ensures that the wishes and needs of the child are not overlooked by the many competing interests at play. IMPACTREPORT | 5

Ways CASA/GAL Volunteers

Served

6.5

1 in 7

On average, CASA/GAL

Average age of child served by

Nationally, of the 23,500

volunteers reported donating

a CASA/GAL volunteer.

runaways in 2018, 1 in 7 were

6.5 hours a month to help make

likely victims of child sex

a difference for a child who has

trafficking. The number of cases

experienced abuse and neglect.

increase each year.

156

738

Number of children reunified with a parent

CASA volunteers assigned to cases

New volunteers trained and sworn in.

Total number of children served

6 | IMPACTREPORT

Reported miles driven:

39,620

Reported hours spent:

6,498

Financial

Report CASA Board Volunteer Association provides financial support to the program to assist with recruitment, retention, recognition, and training of the CASA/GAL volunteers.

$357,254 Total Revenue

Revenue for 2022 comes from donations, fundraising, and miscellaneous, grants, and miscelleneous funds.

$364,701 Total Expenses

Expenses incurred in 2022 were from program costs, fundraising expenses, volunteer support and retention, training and general administration.

IMPACTREPORT | 7

Fundraising

Events Fundraising events provide an opportunity to support the mission of the CASA /GAL Program of Summit County while sharing examples of the positive impact the program makes on the community.

$72,858 Garden Gala Spring Fundraiser

$43,565 I Am for the Child Fundraiser Breakfast Fall Fundraiser During the 10th Annual “I Am For The Child” fundraising breakfast, we had the privilege of witnessing another group of CASA/GAL graduates sworn in by Judge Linda Teodosio, as well as learning more about the effects CASA/GAL volunteers have on the children they assist. More than 200 people gathered to hear Karen Schofield a former teacher, former CASA/GAL, former CASA board member, and Juvenile Court Citizen’s Review Board member, spake on the importance of children having a voice in court. 8

The Garden Gala, “Help a Child Bloom,” was an evening full of CASA/GAL volunteers, staff, board members, supporters, and community members with lots of great food, drinks, and local items to bid on in a fabulous local venue, The Trailhead at Cascade Lofts. All funds raised are used to support the CASA/ GAL Program of Summit County to continue reaching our goal of providing an advocate for every abused or neglected child in Summit County. Special thanks to the presenting sponsor Brennan Manna Diamond.

Thank you to our Key Supporters $1000+ Akron Bar Association Foundation

Junior Women’s Civic Club

Akron Children’s Hospital

Kenneth Calhoun

Akron Community Foundation

Kim Miller

Ann Amer Brennan Anthony & Karen Manna

Kimberly S. Denholm LLC YOU KEEP THECharities LIGHT Lehner Family Foundation

Baird Foundation, Inc.

Lucy & Emily Beasley Charitable Trust

Boggess Memorial Foundation

Madeline Presper

Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC

Mark & Katie Smucker Family Fund

CBRE

Maynard Family Foundation

Charles E. & Mabel M. Ritchie Memorial Foundation

Millennium Foundation

Cimino Box Company

Neil Waxman

David Kessler First American Title Gary & Rhonda Didado GPD Group Employees Foundation Inc.

Musson Charitable Foundation PCR Business Systems Peoples Bank Premier Bank Ritchie Memorial Foundation Shauna M. Sorrells Program Signet Love Inspires Foundation Sisler McFawn State & Federal Communications Synthomer Foundation The Bowers Family The Hillier Family Foundation TIcket to Dream Various Donors through United Way of Summit County Vincent Sullivan Wells Trecaso Financial Group Welty Foundation WITAN Women’s Endowment Fund IMPACTREPORT | 9

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Volunteer

If you feel passionate about advocating for the best interest of a child in need, consider becoming a CASA/GAL volunteer today. For more information visit us at www.summitcasagal.org.

To give a child a CASA is to give them a voice. To give them a voice is to give them hope. And to give them hope is to give them the world. -Pamela Butler, former foster child

10 | IMPACTREPORT

What does a CASA do?

Role of CASA/GAL

IMPACTREPORT | 11

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT

Aimee Hubbert

My husband and I began fostering in 2017. Our first placement was a set of medically fragile identical twin boys. Our boys almost left our home on three separate occasions – once to their first mom and then twice to their paternal grandmother. Overall, we had a lot of support from our home coordinator, the boys’ caseworker, and their CASA. It was a long, emotional road. We encouraged birth families and supported reunification until it was no longer a safe option. After adopting them, we have still maintained some familial contact. Before adopting our three boys, our twins were in foster care for 977 days and our youngest for 444 days. My husband and I attended every court hearing for our twins. Each hearing was different. Sometimes there were things that we thought would have been important to mention in court, and other things that were discussed seemed insignificant. Now that I am a CASA, I have the ability to make sure all of the important aspects of the case are discussed and put on record. Overall, I have had wonderful experiences in the courtroom, presenting information about the cases and the children under my purview. When our twins were still in foster care and were transitioning to live with a paternal grandparent, their CASA, Callie Channel, was doing a home visit. She was aware of all of their medical needs – their feeding needs in particular. While at her home visit, the paternal aunt gave the boys pizza. They were still in feeding therapy and were on a strict pureed food diet; Amani was also still getting thickener added to his liquids. Needless to say, Amani choked on the piece of pizza and the CASA had to dislodge the food from his throat. She saved his life! She saved both of their lives! We will never be able to thank her enough for her involvement in their lives and advocating for safe permanency. CASA Callie will forever hold a special place in our hearts! A lot of people say that fostering isn’t for them. That’s fair. I get it. It’s hard saying goodbye to a child you’ve made a part of your family. Love does very hard things. So does passion – a passion for child advocacy, safety, and permanency. If fostering still isn’t for you, another great way to be a voice for the voiceless (and often overlooked) children is to become a CASA! There are so many people in the courtroom discussing parental abilities and inabilities. Kids can easily be overlooked when they don’t have a dedicated voice in the courtroom – that’s where a CASA comes in! I am currently working two cases. My first case has had five caseworkers since October 2022. I am the only person that has been on that particular case from the start. The kinship family has put their trust in me to make sure their daughter (they’re in the adoption process) isn’t lost in the shuffle. One thing I would tell others is to take a chance. Go out of your comfort zone. After all, these kids were never asked to be put in the unfortunate position they’re in. If you wait for the “right time” to become either a foster parent or a CASA, that “right time” will never come. Chaos is all around us. The “right time” is now! Take a chance on making a difference in a child’s life. As a CASA, you may be the only consistent person in their life! It’s very common for a case to have multiple caseworkers. Prosecutors can change. Kids move school districts. Teachers change. Their friends come and go. Placements get disrupted. Recognize the importance of consistency in a child’s life and be that one constant for them.

Aimee Hubbert Summit County CASA 12 | IMPACTREPORT

CASA

Active 2022 Volunteers “All of us, at some time or other, need help. Whether we’re giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us as neighbors--in our own way, each one of us is a giver and a receiver.” - Mr. Rogers

20+ Years Renee Conlon Elizabeth Regan

15+ Years Cheryl Hoover Rhea Marcinko Jacqueline Stringer Brad Bowers

10+ Years

Janet Osborne Bill Breidling Judi Hill Stacey Letner Lynn Rossmeissl Jay Schmidt William Dammarell Tina Wagner Erica Thomas Angela Eckman Meaghan Quinn, Esq Theresa Tolson Sarah Rosenberger Susan Piper

5+ Years

Erica Jewell Bethany Lee Linda Fiatal Michele Tomer, Esq Paula Davis Pamela Hawkins, Esq Karen Manna

Francesca Cario Carolynn Coleman, Esq Jason Sonntag Sallie Moledor Lesli Paoletti Loucille Powers, Esq Bessie Durr Julie Miller David Whitehurst Simrath-Leeza Kahai Dempsey Meghan Curry Victoria Osivnike Amanda Woodyard Laura Quine Sharon Hasek Naomi Ganoe Karen Pateos Allyson Himmelright Jonathon Prochnow Michele Frola Cherianne Bender Lucinda Donze Jane Alexandra Hull, Esq Stephen Neumeyer, Esq Christopher Ryba Ronda Ambroziak Samantha Cameron Ashley Moore

1-5 Years

Todd Connell, Esq Meredith Hooker, Esq Heidi LaVoie Robert Fiatal

Pamela Jones Elizabeth Belvin Kevin Burkholder Steven Hendrix Eric Stiles Iris Weidd Michelle Garro Katelyn Greene Carla Johns Ryan Kinney, Esq Joanne Gibson Heather Hill Kellie Lockemer Erin Sheepwash Elizabeth Ludtke Victoria Kekel Tracy Vaughn Jill Cabe, Esq Megan Brugmann Alexandra Burt Amy Humbert Saphna Khemka Susan Mileski Barbara Petruccio Melanie Sparber Amanda Yurechko, Esq Serena DiMattia Cherie Farine-White Melanie Gardiner Lauren Woolum Samantha Dunlavey Jean Giunto Marcia Korane Elizabeth Benway Jill Boxler Eli Dorman Deborah Latharm Fatimah Satterwhite David Whitt

Melissa Wilkinson Mary Quinn Joanne Baron Kenneth Cheatham Jeanne Craig Monica Andress, Esq Hilary DeSaussure, Esq Brandon Ehlinger James Fike Janet Hackney Rebecca Nieciecki Candace Tucciarelli McKayla Bates John Guran, Esq Andrea Humes Paige Lantz Crystal Sabol Meredith Wemhoff Brianna CCzirr Jenna Gauntner Elizabeth Hilerman Karlek Jarvis, Esq Dana Kroffke Olivia Pence, Esq Christopher Buswell Sarah Copperman Diamond Gay Madalyn Parry DarShawna Powell Maggie Thom Hannah Brotherton Daniel Lavina, Esq Darcy Kennerly Maureen McFarland Chloe Stratton Krystie Harris Samantha Gacsy, Esq Sara House MaryLou Ballard

IMPACTREPORT | 13

Staff

BETH CARDINA

lora mycoskiE

Program Director

Administrative Assistant

KANDY MONROE

Tammy barnes

sarah harvan

Lead Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Training Coordinator

karen holmes

Chris kasper

lisa rotondo

Volunteer Coordinator

alan futo

david arman

AMY DATSKO

Lead Child Advocate

Child Advocate

GEOFF AUERBACH

Alice Duey

chad horstman

Child Advocate

allison marquis

Tonya may

cara wolfgram evans

Child Advocate

christina bollman

holly farah

joe kernan

CASA Staff Attorney

Members

Newest Staff Member

Tater Tot Juvenile Court Professional Service Dog

In February Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio welcomed Tater Tot, a professional service dog, to Summit County Juvenile Court. His role at the court is to provide comfort and support to children participating in court proceedings. Geoff and Tater Tott regularly visit Summit County Detention Center to encourage social interactions amonth the juveniles and staff. Tater Tot is a highly trained service animal who understands approximately 56 commands. Outside of court proceedings, the Border Collie mix works alongside his owner and handler, CASA staff member Geoff Auerbach. We are so very excited to welcome Tater Tot to the CASA/GAL team and we thank Geoff for taking the lead on this new and groundbreaking endeavor!

CASA Volunteer Association Board 2022 Board Executive Committee Jennifer Syx, Board Chair

The Board of Trustees is comprised of volunteers from the community. For the current 2023 Board Member list, visit www.summitcasagal.org

J 6 Advisors

Amanda Carroll, Board Vice-Chair PCR Business Systems

Brad Bowers, Board Treasurer Adrienne Borstahl, J.D., M.B.A., Secretary

2022 Board Members Premier Bank

Karen Manna, Fundraising Committee Chair, CASA Volunteer

Rebecca Ball, Board Member

Kim Miller, Board Member

First American Title Company

Baird

Meredith Davis, Board Member

Victoria Osivnik, Board Member

BHHS, Stouffer Realty

SAM Companies, LLC

Hilary DeSaussure, Board Member

Francesca Ritson, Volunteer Recognition Committee Chair

Michael Badzik, Board Member

Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC

Cimino Box and Pallet, LLC

Sarah Lance, PR & Marketing Committee Chair Brennan, Manna & Diamond, LLC

Amy Jo Sutterluety Ph.D., FACSM, Board Member Baldwin Wallace University

Susan Lines, Finance Committee Chair CBRE

16 | IMPACTREPORT

Pasqualina Griggs, Board Administrator

Volunteer

Planned Gifts

Employer Gift Match

Become a CASA/GAL volunteer and be the voice a child needs. people from all walks of life are able to fit CASA/GAL into their schedules, including professionals and stayat-home parents. By becoming a CASA/GAL Volunteer, you’ll be a trained community volunteer appointed by the Summit County Juvenile Court Judge to speak for the best interests of children.

Make CASA/GAL of Summit County’s life-changing work part of your legacy through a planned gift. Include CASA/GAL of Summit County in your will or trust or name it as a beneficiary of your retirement account or life insurance policy.

Multiply your donation by taking advantage of, or starting, your employer’s matching gift program. Check with your human resources department.

Stock Gift

Tributes & Memorials

Donate

Save on capital gains taxes by making a gift of stock. Instructions for making a stock donation are on the CASA website, or call the Development Department for assistance.

Honor special people and special occasions with tributes and memorial gifts. Your donation will be acknowledged with a CASA card sent to your honoree or their loved ones.

Make a gift today and change the life of an abused and neglected child. Find out how you can donate below.

WAYS TO DONATE

Donate online: www.summitcasagal.org Make checks to: CASA Volunteer Board Association, Inc. 650 Dan Street, Akron Ohio 44310

Scan to donate

IMPACTREPORT | 17

650 Dan Street Akron, Ohio 44310 www.summitcasagal.org