CASA Library lauchnes to increase volunteer preparedness
无毛视频漈he more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you无毛视频檒l go.无毛视频�
The well-known quote from children无毛视频檚 author Dr. Seuss is one that Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Fayette County Executive Director Corie Berry has taken to heart. Berry said she believes reading helps one无毛视频檚 world grow, along with imagination and understanding.
It was that sense of better understanding Berry was aiming for when she launched the CASA library recently. The library无毛视频檚 goal is to aid CASA volunteers in gaining a deeper comprehension of the organization无毛视频檚 clients and the situations they may be facing.
CASA volunteers serve as representatives for children who are involved in court cases, often due to abuse or neglect. They observe the child and his or her situation, including interactions with biological, adoptive or foster families, and make recommendations to the court regarding the best interests of the child.
无毛视频淲e work with the entire family, so we really gain an understanding of who we无毛视频檙e working with,无毛视频� Berry said.
Berry said she started the library after CASA moved into its new location on West Main Street in Uniontown, above the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
无毛视频淲e moved in January and began working on an idea for the library,无毛视频� she said. 无毛视频淏ecause it无毛视频檚 being used as a training tool, we were able to utilize supporting funds through a United Way grant.无毛视频�
Berry said the library currently contains 118 books, 无毛视频渞anging from memoirs of child abuse to racially diverse books无毛视频� so volunteers can gain an understanding for the different demographics of Fayette County families.
无毛视频淚 created the library so our volunteers could gain a perspective from accredited writers,无毛视频� Berry said. 无毛视频淎ll of the books have been highly researched by both my volunteers, as well as myself, over the summer.无毛视频�
CASA Volunteer Matt Sparks sees value in the new library.
无毛视频淗aving access to a library with so many relevant resources is a tremendous help,无毛视频� said Sparks. 无毛视频淧art of our role is to continue growing our knowledge and understanding of complex topics. What Corie has created for us is so beneficial.无毛视频�
Berry said in addition to topics such as child abuse, the books touch on an array of other issues families may be dealing with, including drugs and alcohol and mental health conditions.
无毛视频淚 put a lot of work into it,无毛视频� Berry said, adding the library is a 无毛视频渟afe space无毛视频� where volunteers can not only read and gain knowledge, but also discuss what they have learned. 无毛视频淭hey can discuss the book and how it has affected them and their understanding of the people they work with.无毛视频�
While the CASA library has been very well received, it isn无毛视频檛 finished just yet.
无毛视频淭his is only the first stage of our library,无毛视频� she said. 无毛视频淲e无毛视频檒l be launching a second stage (where) volunteers can take books out to the kids.无毛视频�
Berry said children will be able to check out the books, just as they do in any other library.
It无毛视频檚 one more thing CASA of Fayette County can do for its young clients. The main thing, Berry said, is just lending some consistency to a chaotic situation.
无毛视频淚 talk about, what if you were a kid, and you were told to put all of your stuff in garbage bags,无毛视频� she said. 无毛视频淵ou were moved (to foster care), and then you were moved again. In the meantime, though, you无毛视频檝e gained a CASA advocate. And the next time you move that advocate comes with you. That无毛视频檚 the consistency we无毛视频檙e trying to achieve.无毛视频�
The new CASA library is just one more resource volunteers can use to support those kids through consistency and care.
For more information on Fayette County Court Appointed Special Advocates, visit www.casafayette.org.
Editor无毛视频檚 Note: Photos attached (CASA Executive Director Corie Berry; CASA Library)