Activity 1.1 Introductions

[Casa Volunteer Coordinator]

Part 1: Click on the "reply " button below and take a few minutes to post the following information about yourself so that your fellow volunteers-in-training can get to know a little more about you:

o    Your name

o    Town/city where you grew up

o    A sentence or two about why you chose to become a CASA/GAL volunteer

o    One or two expectations you have as you head in to this training

o    One thing you’d like your fellow volunteers-in-training to know about you

 

Part 2: During this training, it will be important for you not only to post your thoughts and responses to certain topics and questions, but also to engage your fellow volunteers-in-training in discussion online. To grow more comfortable in this process, read through the introductory postings of your classmates. Ask a question (perhaps you want to know more about that person’s hometown) or make a comment (perhaps you are from the same hometown as a classmate) on at least two other classmates’ postings.

[victoriadelphine]

Hello! My name is Victoria Kruse. I grew up in Columbia, MO and moved to Rolla a couple of years ago because of my husband's work. I lived abroad (in Europe and Asia) for several years, and I have visited more than 40 countries. I am intrigued by how people define family, and I believe that everyone deserves to be and to feel safe and loved. I expect to have my heart broken by the CASA experience, but I hope that I can make a positive impact on people's lives as well. I look forward to getting to know you all, as I am sure we can learn from each others' perspectives.

[rhonda.finch3]

Hello everyone, my name is Rhonda Finch.  I grew up between Missouri and Texas and I love both states.  It would be great to combine the warmth of Texas with the beauty of Missouri to make one perfect place to live.  I decided to become a CASA volunteer because I have always had a life-long desire to help children live happy lives.  I believe that CASA is a worthwhile organization that has and will continue to do great work with children in need.  I was hoping that my training with CASA and my final couple of weeks completing my masters degree would not conflict but alas that was not to be so I go into training with the expectations of hard work, little sleep and high hopes of learning as much as possible.  The one thing that I would like those with whom I will be training with to know is that I am always here to lend a hand if at all possible and that I hope everyone succeeds in this training to become one of the best volunteers possible.  Best wishes, Rhonda

[rhonda.finch3]

Hi Victoria,

 

    Sounds like you have lived a very exciting life.  I think that having lived in other countries as well as, visiting several more is going to be a great asset for you.  I look forward to training with you and getting to know you.  Best wishes on the class and if there is ever anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

Rhonda

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 4:59:41 PM UTC-5, Victoria wrote:

[smcfarland.casa]

Hi, my name is Shea McFarland. I grew up in many small towns in Texas, and ended up in Greenwood, Arkansas for the last two years of high school.

I have wanted to be a CASA volunteer since the very first time I heard about it, many years ago. I have always been passionate about the rights of anyone who is unable to speak for themselves. 

Heading into this training I expect the learn a lot! I want to learn as much as possible so I am able to be the best advocate possible.

I guess something that I would want everyone to know is that I appreciate feedback. If you have a suggestion or advice please give it, I want to hear it. I do believe that everyone has a right to whatever opinion they may have, even if it goes against something I believe! I am always happy to help with whatever is needed and consider it an honor to be able to make life easier for others, so..... please find me if you need help with something or need an ear to listen!!

Shea

[smcfarland.casa]

Hey Rhonda!

I haven't been back to Texas in many years, I sure do miss it! Where did you live? I lived in West Texas... Midland/Odessa area. I should say that I miss the people, I don't miss the wind, sand and 100 degree days!! 

It sounds like you have hands full with school and this training. Do you have children? Are you having to study for finals at school?

If there is anything I can do to help lighten your load please let me know. 

Shea

[ljjuve1]

Hello everyone!!  My name is Lisa Juve. I have been planning to attend training for almost a year but because of my current job, the US Army and other commitments I had to wait on starting the training.  I have always been interested on helping and assisting children on abuse and neglect since I was younger.  Part of my decision to volunteer with CASA, was one of my instructors, who instructs CAPIT (Child Abuse Prevention Training) on post through USAMPS, his pation as a Forensic Interviewer and helping kids in bad situations helped me decide on helping kids more.  I grew up in Bismarck, ND although the capital it still had a more rural feeling to it.  I had a good home with two loving parents that showed me everything morally that I needed to be successful in life.

 

The past year I decided to raise a 12 year old boy, who at the time was with me anyways since the time he was 6.  He had a rough young upbringing with little established rules or stabliity in his life.  I currently have legal guardianship and I am going to try to get his adoption granted from the court. He needed a chance at life and that is what I am trying to provide for him. 

 

I feel very honored to assist and protect children of the system, but also I know that I won't be able to help all of them but I will try my best to do it.  I look forward to meeting you all soon. 

 

 

 

 On Sunday, April 28, 2013 11:47:03 AM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[ljjuve1]

Hello Rhonda,

 

I love Texas and Missouri too and I agree with having the weather of Texas.  I think your right that all kids need a chance and need to be loved and have someone who cares about them as much as possible.  Have a good class!! 

 

Lisa

[Leigh Ann]

Hi everyone!  My names is Leigh Ann Sigman.  I live in Cabool, MO. I grew up not too far away in a small community.  I graduated from Houston High School.  I became interested in CASA when I first read one of their brochures and saw the desire they have to help children.    I believe that the breakdown of the family is the start to the breakdown of our society.  I like that CASA wants to keep families together and help to stabilize children's lives that are far too often unstable.  I hope to gain a good knowledge base to build on about the child welfare laws and system within our state during this training.  I am a good listener and honest.  The employees I currently supervise say that I am tough, but fair.  I hope that I can be helpful to my fellow trainees and to the children/families that I come in contact with.

[bzeanldy]

Hello,

My name is Rosemarie Bailey-Knox.  I was born in Belize City, Belize in Central America.  I am currently living in Missouri and like several of you have lived in quite a few places.  I chose to become a CASA volunteer because I would like to help families in crisis, especially the children, find ways to work through this tough time in their lives.  My expectations is to learn about the different agencies and what they provide to families in need.  I would also like to learn more about family law as it pertain to our clients.  One thing I would like the other volunteers to know about me is that I am quiet but approachable.

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 11:47:03 AM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[bzeanldy]

Hello rhonda,

Where in Texas did you live?  I spent five years in Texas.  Loved it!

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 11:47:03 AM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Anita Kennedy]

My name is Anita Kennedy from Houston Missouri.  I guess the reason I have the need to volunteer with CASA is because my husband Mark and I  were foster parents for many years in another county.  I got to deal with CASA volunteers then and saw them as such a valuable asset to the situation and solution.

I expect to become more informed as to the requirements of a CASA volunteer

I would like for you to know that I have two grown children and just became grandparents for the first time.  Hunter Kennedy was born Dec. 16th.  

    
On Sunday, April 28, 2013 11:47:03 AM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Carter LeFon]

I am Carter Lefon and I am from Richmond, Virginia.I chose to become a volunteer to continue to counsel/help at-rick children. I have worked at various counseling agencies and school working with neglected children. I hope to gain an understanding of the requirements of the CASA program and the court system in Missouri. My family of orgin was dysfunctional due to alcoholism and domestic violence. I achieved success due to role models in schools and universities.

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 11:47:03 AM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[Shea McFarland]

Hello Anita!

I am so glad that you have decided to become a CASA. I think you have insight that is invaluable because of your past as a foster parent. Congrats on becoming a grandparent!! Oh my goodness, what a joy! Does Hunter live around here?

Shea

[Victoria]

Rhonda, you mentioned that you are completing your masters degree. I hope that you find the time to do it all! This seems be a busy time for many of us - when isn't, really?! I am impressed that there are so many of us participating in this CASA training! Thank you for making it a priority now because the kids need people who care! :) 

[Victoria]

Lisa, you mentioned that you have been caring for a boy for many years and are now trying to adopt him. Have you dealt with CASA/GAL volunteers throughout that process? If so, what has it been like? I'll bet you can offer an interesting perspective, from "the other side."

[Victoria]

Anita, as I was just commenting to Lisa, I'm interested in hearing about your experience "from the other side" - as a foster parent who has experienced the court system and interacted with the CASA/GAL volunteers. I'm glad you had a positive impression, and I'm sure you'll be a great advocate! :) 

[rethaleenightingale]

Hello, I am Lee Nightingale.  My husband Bill and I moved to Rolla recently and intend to live out our days here.  I retired 2 years ago after 35 years with the Forest Service.  Bill and I have been married for 31 years, have lived in many beautiful places - all near your National Forests, and have two adult children.  I was raised in Lawrence, Kansas, during the social turmoil of the 60's and 70's.  Lawrence was a diverse community.  My family home was one block from Haskell Indian Nations University.  As Bill and I transferred every few years during our careers, I worked with many Indian tribes (Sioux, Crow, Haida, Tlingit, Ojibwe, and others).  I also lived and worked at a Job Corps center in Nemo, South Dakota for about 4 years and learned so much about the needs of disadvantaged youth-the challenges of urban minorities as well as those who were raised on Indian reservations.  I want to serve our Lord Christ in my retirement and one way to do that is to be an advocate for children with little hope for the future.  I look forward to working with and knowing each of you.  

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 11:47:03 AM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[debweb54]

Hi my name is Deborah McGill Webster and I was born in PA but moved to California. I was raised in San Diego but have lived in Missouri for the last 20 years. 

I have been a Casa volunteer in Pulaski County and I am looking forward to being a CASA volunteer in Phelps County....so excited...My expectations in training to to meet great people and learn as much as I can to help children in the court system.One thing I would love for my fellow volunteers to know about me is that I am a kind honest person who cares. ....keep smiling deb   

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 11:47:03 AM UTC-5, Casa Volunteer Coordinator wrote:

[debweb54]

Carter I  wanted to thank you for sharing your info of your family of origin.

As a licensed therapist in Missouri and a PhD in Marriage and Family therapy, it is always so nice to see children from domestic violence (like you and myself) grow up to help other abused children....how awesome is that?.

So pleased to meet you....deb

I used to live in Norfolk Virginia as a small child but love the west coast.     

[debweb54]

Congrats Grandma and Grandpa.............Hunter is an angel from heaven............enjoy...deb

[debweb54]

sending smiles Lee.............from deb

[debweb54]

hi Shea from deb

[debweb54]

Hi Lisa, Anita and Victoria from deb ....smiles

[debweb54]

Hi lee from deb..............smiles....

On Thursday, May 2, 2013 8:00:31 AM UTC-5, rethaleenightingale wrote:

[debweb54]

Hi Leigh Ann.....wanted to give you a hello with a smile....deb

[debweb54]

Hi Rhonda pleased to meet you.............deb

On Monday, April 29, 2013 4:48:39 AM UTC-5, rhonda.finch3 wrote: