Rockwall, TX (May 31, 2024) – Lone Star CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on Sunday, April 28th, at the Parrish House prior to the launch of National Foster Care Month. This event served to celebrate and honor the dedication of CASA’s Volunteer Advocates who make a resounding difference in the lives of children facing abuse and neglect in our community as they navigate foster care and the legal system.
The banquet was a heartwarming evening filled with recognition of Lone Star CASA’s active volunteers and their efforts in the previous year. Advocates shared stories with one another offering guidance and support as they dined. Before the awards presentation, it was time to reflect on the positive impact CASA Volunteers have on the children they advocate for and the community as a whole. Inspiring speeches from Honorable Judge Hall, Board President Sandra Ownby, Advocate Karen Wydra, and Program Manager Elizabeth Mosman, filled the beautiful space with profound reminders of how and why this challenging work really matters. Notably, Lone Star CASA celebrated volunteers who reached important milestones in their service and announced its Board Member and Volunteer Advocate of the Year.
Volunteer Advocate of the Year was awarded to Pam LeTourneau. Beginning her service with Lone Star CASA in 2019, she has advocated on five cases. In 2023, her level of commitment to children who were stricken with physical and emotional tragedy cannot be understated. The children needed someone who could manage their own grief and focus on supporting them in their healing journey. “Pam advocated on these kids’ behalf for almost two years, and out of heartbreak came something good for these two children. Now in the care of a loving adoptive family, they will always know their CASA was there and stood by them through the most challenging time,” said Mosman.
Board Member of the Year was awarded to Zahnd Schlensker. Now Vice President, Zahnd joined the Board of Directors in 2022. CASA is grateful for Zahnd’s contributions serving on the Development Committee, Clays for CASA and Cheers for CASA. “As a Forney City Council Member and supporter of the Forney Education Foundation, her involvement in the community has raised awareness for our organization throughout the city of Forney and beyond,” said Sandra Ownby, President of Lone Star CASA Board of Directors.
Lone Star CASA welcomes you to get involved in their mission of elevating the voices of children experiencing abuse and neglect in your community. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please sign up for an information session. You can also join their giving program, the Foster of Hope Circle, by contributing on a recurring basis. When you join the Foster of Hope Circle, you ensure that vulnerable children, like those served by Pam, receive consistent advocacy and support as they heal from unspeakable trauma. Please visit lonestarcasa.org to learn more.
Submitted by Lauren Rowe, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. Courtesy photos.
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