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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 8, 2017)
14 Wednesday, November 8, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon CASA volunteers make a difference in children’s lives By Sue Stafford Correspondent Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Central Oregon makes a big differ- ence in the lives of young people who have a tough road. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system. A gathering of crafters known as Heartwarmers met No-shave November for deputies Sheriff L. Shane Nelson announced last month that he had authorized members of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to forego shaving dur- ing the month of November in support of cancer awareness, prevention and research. Participation in this cause is voluntary and to participate they only needed to make a minimum $30 donation to a cancer-related organization of their choice. Staff can also show their support by wear- ing a small purple ribbon on their uniform. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Employees Association, or DCSEA, has also agreed to match the total dollar amount donated by Sheriff’s Office staff during No Shave November to a can- cer-related organization to be determined later this month. No Shave November is about growing awareness to cancer by embracing our hair, which many cancer patients lose. By donating the money you would typically spend on shaving and grooming, you will be helping fund educa- tion about cancer prevention, saving lives, and to aid those fighting their battle. If you see our staff unshaven during the month of November, know it’s for a good cause. Cancer affects countless lives each year, including members of the Sheriff’s Office, and we’re honored to participate by bringing awareness to cancer in this uniquely visible way. Sheriff Nelson said in his message to staff, “I am proud to be your Sheriff and to have your Sheriff’s Office partici- pate in the great cause.” For more information about the web-based non- profit organization No Shave November, you can visit https://no-shave.org. last week to make blankets for CASA (see related story, page 15). Right now, there are 338 children in foster care and CASA has 110 volunteer advocates, with another group of 20 being sworn in this month. Currently, 245 chil- dren have a CASA advocate and 93 children are waiting for an advocate. CASA staff and interns monitor those cases, but the goal is to pro- vide actual advocates for those children. Daytime training sessions are conducted two times a year, and CASA is hopeful they will be able to add a third training during evening hours, opening the program to more possible volunteers. Potential advocates complete a screen- ing interview, background and reference checks, and 40 hours of training and court- room observation. Prospective volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. Volunteers come from all walks of life. They all share a common desire to improve the lives of vulner- able children. After being sworn in by a judge, volunteers are appointed to a child or family of children and spend an aver- age of 10 to 15 hours a month advocating for their best inter- ests. CASA advocates become “the eyes and ears” for the judge, and help ensure that the child is getting all court- ordered services. Because an average child in foster care will experience multiple foster homes and several casework- ers, the CASA volunteer may be the only consistent adult in a child’s life during the time that child is in foster care. It has been shown through numerous quantitative and qualitative measurements – from school performance, to behavior, to mental health, to moving out of the foster system more quickly – that a child with a CASA advocate has a better chance of success and moving forward in their life. Anyone interested in learn- ing more about becoming a CASA volunteer can visit www.casaofcentraloregon.org or call 541-389-1618. Best advertising deal of the year! SHOPLOCAL! Studies show that for every dollar you spend locally, it “returns an average of three times more money to your community.” Reach the Sisters community and support the local economy with our winter and holiday advertising special... In Sisters Country 2017 Your full-color ad will appear in this special section alongside holiday features, events, and recipes for three consecutive weeks: Nov. 22, Nov. 29, Dec. 6 (same ad each week) A mini story and photo about what makes your business, s services, and products special will be included in one of the three issues. Just $295 for 3 weeks! The Nugget thanks you for being a part of our community by offering you a savings of 55% off our regular advertising rates. Delivered to every household in the Sisters School District and picked up by visitors to the Sisters area. Don’t miss out — space is limited! Call Karen at The Nugget 541-549-9941 to reserve your space!
