Heart of Oklahoma Chamber Beat 11/25/2013

Justina Reaves

 Graduates from Chamber Management Institute (CMI)

CMI is a 4 month class where Chamber Executive's get together and learn about topics that Chamber's face on a daily basis. It was an incredible opportunity. YOUR Chamber of Commerce will benefit greatly from this opportunity.

WANT TO ADVOCATE FOR ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN?

BECOME A CASA VOLUNTEER!

What is a CASA volunteer?

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. CASA volunteers are assigned by judges to look after abused and neglected children in the foster care system. These advocates are often the only constant figure in a childhood filled with changing homes and faces. Since CASA's inception in 1977, its advocates have served more than 2 million children.

CASA volunteers work to make sure that children don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the only consistent presence during their time in state care.

Who are CASA volunteers?

CASA volunteers are everyday citizens who have undergone screening and training with their local CASA program.

What is the time commitment?

Volunteer advocates must complete 30 hours of pre-service training presented by skilled agency staff. After training and undergoing a background and reference check, a screening interview is done; then the CASA is appointed to a case. On average, CASA volunteers spend approximately 8-12 hours each month on their case.

What does it take to be a CASA?

An applicant must be at least 21 years of age, complete 30 hours of pre-service training, and go through a screening process. Volunteers must be able to commit at least a year to their case. At Cleveland County CASA, we also serve McClain and Garvin Counties. We welcome volunteers from all cultures and educational backgrounds.

We are looking for more volunteers in McClain and Garvin counties! 

A training session for new volunteers will be held starting- 1st Session: Monday December 9, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

2nd Session: Saturday December 14th, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

3rd Session: Tuesday December 17th, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

4th Session: Saturday December 21st, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Training will be held at the Purcell Public Library Community Room - 919 N 9th Ave #2

For additional information, please visit our website at www.clevelandcountycasa.org or call the office at (405) 360 - 5295.

Round #2 is up and going and we need your vote. CLICK HERE to vote on your favorite display. The picture with the most likes on Wednesday November 27th at noon will be the winner.

We are now excepting parade entries for this year's Christmas Parade. With it being the 25th Annual we are planning a lot of great things. Email the Chamber office if you are interested in participating chamberoffice@theheartofok.com.     

  Reposted with permission of the Chamber.