Page 66 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

GIVING BACK bettering little lives
HELPING NEGLECTED AND ABUSED CHILDREN story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of CASA
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Harrison County was formed in 2008 to help and support children who are in the Child Protection Services system. These volunteer advocates
must complete 30 hours of pre-service training, extensive background
checks, work references and personal references.
Executive Director Jeannie Herrin says, “Harrison County has consistently been number one in the state for neglect and abuse. This was true when I was hired as the first executive director in 2010 and it is still true today. There are up to 900 children at any given time in CPS custody in Harrison County. With this number, it is quite evident why we need more CASA Advocates.”
Since taking their first case in 2011 to the end of 2016, CASA has advocated for 1,444 children. CASA advocates have logged 20,121 hours, and traveled 191,628 miles to visit homes, schools, and medical and mental health professionals; contacted and
CASA members at Awards night and Superheroes fundraising event
coordinated with agencies for resources; communicated with foster parents, biological parents, and other family members; advocated for each child during court hearings; and simply been there for each child as a trusted and stabilizing force.
Herrin says the public can help advocate for a child by training to be a CASA advocate and by making a monetary donation to ‘Fund a CASA Advocate.’
“These are two ways individuals can make a difference in a child’s life. Our Goal is to have 100 CASA advocates by the end of 2018,” she added.
“Our program is funded exclusively through charitable giving. A monetary investment will help to ensure that CASA of Harrison County remains
a vital and active program within Harrison County, therefore, giving these children a voice and a chance for a better life. Take a stand with us to enhance the quality of life of children and families within our community.”
CASA of Harrison County
47 Maples Dr., Gulfport | 228.865.7078 www.casaharrisoncounty.org
IS PROUD TO SPONSOR CASA
1.888.733.3626 | www.reddpest.com
66 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2017
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