Volunteer of the Month

Kearney/Buffalo County CASA is proud to honor CASA Volunteer Kathie Merritt as Volunteer of the Month for her advocacy of abused and neglected children. Barbara Rios, Volunteer Supervisor, states, “Kathie has been a CASA volunteer for almost six years.  She has advocated for seven families, with a total of 12 children.  Kathie has donated 547 hours of her time advocating for the children.  Kathie helps bring awareness about CASA by participating in community outreach activities. Kathie is devoted to the children she advocates for and always strives to ensure their needs are met. We thank Kathie for all of she does for our office and the children she advocates for.”

When asked why she became a CASA volunteer, Kathie responded “I wanted to become a CASA volunteer to help children in foster care, but what I have experienced is much more than that.  I get to witness how strong and resilient children can be when they have someone who really cares about them and their future. I get to see how foster parents and foster siblings are opening up their hearts to complete strangers. I get to observe lawyers, DHHS, and judges trying to make the right decisions for our children. It is humbling to work for a team that has healthy children as the goal.”  Kathie has definitely made a difference in the children lives that she has advocated for.

To someone considering joining CASA, Kathie states “I would say that somedays my heart breaks wide open, and other days, I am beaming with pride.  To see a case end with the best possible outcome for the children is worth every minute of my time and energy that I have put into the case.”

“What I admire the most is the children,” Kathie states.  “They want to be loved; and feel safe and secure.”

Kearney/Buffalo County CASA is proud to honor CASA Volunteer, Linda Boucher, as Volunteer of the month for her advocacy of abused and neglected children. Barbara Rios, CASA Volunteer Supervisor, states, “Linda has been a CASA volunteer since February 2021.  She has advocated over 622 days for one family, with a total of four children.  Linda has been a consistent person for the children she has advocated for.  We thank Linda for all of her hard work and dedication.”

When asked why she became a CASA volunteer, Linda responded, “I volunteer because I am retired and have the time.  There are many volunteer opportunities, however, helping children to obtain the best life possible is very important to me, and CASA offers me that opportunity.”  Linda has definitely made a difference in the children’s lives that she has advocated for.

When asked what would you say to anyone thinking about becoming a volunteer, “I would say you need to be fully informed, educated, and committed.  You must have a passion for improving the lives of children.  There is gratification knowing that you are there for each child,” Linda stated.

Linda states that her mother has inspired her throughout the years, being an empathetic person, likely due to having lost her own mother at a young age.  “Both sets of foster parents in my case are incredible, as they have been patient with the process and supportive of the bio parents throughout.  They have opened their homes and families to these children, (which they are now adopting.)”  She states, “The case workers, teachers, and counselors of these children have gone above expectations to support and protect these children, and that’s inspirational to me.”

Kearney/Buffalo County CASA is proud to honor Susan Jutz of Kearney for her advocacy for abused and neglected children. Susan was looking for a volunteer opportunity, picked up a flyer during a community event, made the initial call, went through training and was sworn in as a CASA Volunteer in August of 2021. Since receiving her first case, Susan has put in over 150 hours and over 500 miles dedicated to advocate for her CASA kids. Susan is a go getter who loves reading, walking, gardening, hiking in hilly places and spending time with her friends and family! Susan is currently retired from working long hours as a former social worker and farmer. CASA Supervisor, Kristina Syring shares, “I knew from the first time I spoke with Susan that she was going to make an amazing CASA Volunteer. Susan has a social work background, the passion and drive that she brings to the table and isn’t afraid to share her thoughts. She really hit the ground running when she received her case and has been doing only great things since!”

Since receiving her first case, Susan has been able to reflect on all the aspects of CASA. When asked what the most rewarding part being a CASA is, Susan said “Having worked as a social worker in the past, I appreciate being in the position of a CASA to focus my attention on the needs of the children and be an advocate for them. It’s also been rewarding to work with the dedicated individuals who are actively engaged with the children on a daily basis.” One fun fact about Susan is when she owned and ran a farm, she was able to raise enough vegetables in Iowa to feed 250 families 5 months of the year! Here’s some advice from Susan to anyone who is thinking of becoming a CASA Volunteer, “Be prepared for the emotional highs and lows of advocating for your CASA kids.” We are truly thankful for all the hard work and dedication Susan has brought to CASA!

Kearney/Buffalo County CASA is proud to honor CASA Volunteer Lorissa Anderson as Volunteer of the month for her advocacy of abused and neglected children. Jodi Richards, Volunteer Supervisor states, “Lorissa has been a blessing to work with as a CASA volunteer. She thoroughly investigates the facts of the case to ensure the children’s best interest are being met.   Lorissa makes sure the children she is advocating for have all their needs met and their wishes are heard in Court. Lorissa was sworn in as a CASA Volunteer in September 2017 and has advocated for 21 children in 8 families. Lorissa advocates for the children she serves by attending court hearings, team meetings, and home visits to ensure she has all the information needs to ensure the children’s needs are being met.  We thank Lorissa for all of her hard work and dedication.”

Lorissa states, “I became a CASA because my kids were grown and over my lifetime I’ve been so blessed in so many ways that I want to help others. I love children. I have a heart for children who find themselves in scary situations. There are so many children that need a voice. CASA lets me help speak for a few of them.”

Kearney/Buffalo County CASA is proud to honor Jane Foutch of Kearney for her advocacy for abused and neglected children.  CASA Supervisor Jessica Knoell shares, “Jane completed her CASA training in January 2020. She is working on two cases with a total of three children. Jane is a compassionate advocate in her work.  She sees the hardships that are on the entire family and works hard to make a difference in their lives. I enjoy working with Jane on her cases.  She asks questions so that she may understand better how the process works and to make sure she writes informative reports. Jane is truly dedicated to the CASA children that she serves.”

Jane shares, “When reading the Kearney Hub one evening I remember seeing a church members name in an article for Volunteer of the Month for CASA.  After reading the article with a description of what CASA is, I cut it out and put it by my calendar to call the number listed when timing was right for me.  After a year or so passed, I continued to feel the description of a CASA volunteer described something I wanted to be trained to help with. Once I learned all children do not have a safe environment growing up in, I thought if ever I could help a child in a tough situation that would be a wonderful reward.”

Since Jane began her volunteer work, she has continued to make a difference in the children’s lives.  Jane stated, “Since becoming a volunteer a year ago, I have become more comfortable in my volunteer role and have grained new knowledge in working with children.  So probably at this time I would have to say I have benefited more than given. I want to continue to learn and have the opportunity to help, so someday I will feel I have made that huge difference in a childs life. For now, I’m grateful getting to know each of my CASA kids and supporting the wonderful foster families they live with.  I truly see how important a safe environment will make a difference for a child and being an advocate for them adds to that safety.”

Kearney/Buffalo County CASA is proud to honor CASA Volunteer Michael Meyer as Volunteer of the month of October for his advocacy of abused and neglected children. Jodi Richards, Volunteer Supervisor states, “Michael has a tender heart for the children he advocates for and he is determined to make sure all their mental, emotional and physical needs are being met.  Michael was sworn in as a CASA Volunteer in January 2020.  Since then, Michael has volunteered 134 hours and driven 812 miles to advocate for the children he serves.  He has been assigned to 5 cases involving 9 children.  Michael advocates for the children he serves by attending court hearings, team meetings, and home visits to ensure he has all the information he needs to ensure the children’s needs are being met.  Michael recruited his wife to become a CASA volunteer and they are working cases as a team.  We thank Michael for all of his hard work and dedication.”

When asked why he became a CASA volunteer, Mike responded “Because you truly haven’t lived until you’ve helped someone with zero capacity to pay you back.”

Kearney/Buffalo County CASA is proud to honor CASA Volunteer Chris Overman as Volunteer of the month of August for his advocacy of abused and neglected children. Jodi Richards, Volunteer Supervisor states, “Chris is a wonderful volunteer and due to his own life experiences, he is able to empathize with the children he serves.  Chris shows value to the family and all the professionals involved in the case and advocates for what is best for the children.”  Chris was sworn in as a CASA Volunteer in October 29^th 2020. He has been assigned to two different cases and has volunteered 77.5 hours since October 2020.

Chris advocates for the children he serves by attending court hearings, team meetings, and home visits to ensure he has all the information needs to ensure the children’s needs are being met.  Jodi Richards states “Chris has been able to engage the children he assigned to by spending quality time with them to get to know them and their needs.  We thank Chris for all of his hard work and dedication.”

Chris states, “I had some caring adults advocate for me when I needed it.  Knowing how powerful and influential that advocacy was for me, I wanted to do the same for others now.”

Make A Difference

Kearney/Buffalo County CASA is proud to honor Atricia “Trish” Kenagy of Elkhorn as October’s Volunteer of the month for her advocacy of abused and neglected children. Jodi Richards, CASA Volunteer Supervisor states, “Trish has been wonderful to work with and a blessing to us here at CASA as well as the families she has worked with. Trish has been a CASA Volunteer since March of 2015 and just celebrated 5 years with us. Even after moving from the area, Trish has continued to be an active volunteer for our office.  Trish has served 4 families and a total of 12 children.  Trish is dedicated to helping the children and the families she serves. It is important to stay organized and be prepared for meetings, court, child visits, etc. Trish excels at this part of her CASA Volunteer duties as well. As Trish’s supervisor, I appreciate her so much as she keeps me up to date with how her cases are going and is always so encouraging to everyone involved. We hope to keep Trish with us here at CASA for a very long time.”

Atricia states, “Having been committed to the social and emotional development of children as a career, being a CASA volunteer is an opportunity for me to continue advocating for families and children who need hope and consistent, positive support to develop their self-worth and a joyful, future.  I enjoy and value the relationships that I have with the children and families and the professionals involved with the cases I have been given. With our move to Elkhorn, NE recently, and the health and safety precautions due to the Covid pandemic, there has been a pause in some activities. I am fortunate, however, to continue advocating for the best interests of children placed in the care of the State of Nebraska. With the backing of the CASA staff, I have become involved with children whose cases are affiliated with the Kearney/Buffalo County CASA office but whose placements are outside the Kearney area.  Additionally, in support of children in foster care, I enjoy serving as a recently appointed member of a Douglas County Foster Care Review Board.”