Board Of Directors

To be invited to this justice work in a leadership role is a great honor and privilege. Every board member is asked to observe a court hearing where our CASA volunteers do their work. One case stands out in particular (and forgive me for my purposeful generalities). A young teenager had been in a group home for some years. Because of the traumatic physical and sexual abuse they had incurred, they were left with severe behavioral scars. They had been placed in many homes in different parts of the state. The only consistent voice in their life was an advocate who refused to abandon them in the process. No one was writing a story on that advocate. It was difficult and unglamorous work. But, it was essential and critical in the life of that young abused teenager if they are to find any hope for a better future. Navigating the court system can be a challenging endeavor, especially for a child who may feel forgotten or abandoned. On that day in court, the impact of a consistent advocate and friend was tangible. In the last two years, nearly 400 children in LaPorte County were removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect and entered into the court system. This figure represents a substantial increase in neglect cases in LaPorte County. While each situation of removal is often unique, there is a profound connection between the LaPorte County’s drug crisis, education priorities, and community health priorities. The solution to fixing abuse in a community is undoubtedly costly and complicated. However, ignoring the issue of neglect will be even more costly for our communities in the future.

My advice to all my friends and neighbors: Be empathetic to others. You never know what someone else is going through or what they have gone through to get to that point. The empathy and concern you show can be the catalyst for change someone needs. And, never lose hope that transformation can happen.