Candy Pierce RUBY AWARD

Christie Speck said in her nomination letter for Pierce, “The children who have experienced horrible trauma have a safe haven because of Candy. Her vision for CASA of Solano County keeps the program going and doing what is best for those who need it the most. She is truly an inspiration to us all.”

Speck wrote that Pierce has many responsibilities within the program. She networks with local and state entities, handles grant writing, fundraising, secures donations, along with managing a volunteer staff of more than 150, recruiting volunteers, training the new volunteers, case management, and coordinating services for children through the foster care system. CASA of Solano County supports children from birth to age 21.

Pierce is also a Rotarian and has served as a past district governor. She also serves on a board that provides prosthetic hands to those in need around the world.

“I was pretty surprised and very touched by this nomination and selection,” Pierce said by telephone. “Getting recognition for the work we do and the program we serve is the best part of this award.”

Pierce was brought on by a fellow Rotarian to serve on the CASA board for what she thought would be a short time. There was a change in leadership, however, and Pierce quickly became the executive director. She has continued on and made an impact on the countless number of lives of youth throughout the county.

The Solano County Superior Court agreed in 2001 to support a new CASA program in the county. It also got approval from the Board of Supervisors that year to work under the Office of Family Violence Prevention umbrella. It took until the end of 2003 to have the first CASA appointments made.

Now the work continues 20 years later under the leadership of Pierce.

“I cannot think of a better woman to receive this year’s Ruby Award,” Speck said her nomination letter. “She works tirelessly to ensure that abused, neglected and abandoned children who have become dependents of Solano County will have the services they need for a stable future.”