New directors signal transition time for CASA

Published Sunday, May 4, 2008

By Mandy Bourgeois

It's a time of change at CASA of Wise and Jack Counties.

In just over a month, the organization lost an executive director, hired a new executive director and then lost a program director/case manager.

Lori Reeves, president of the CASA board of directors, wants CASA volunteers to know that the board understands their confusion and worries.

"The board understands and empathizes with the volunteers," Reeves said. "This is a confusing time. The staff and board completely understand that and we want to support them in what they do."

The transitioning began with the resignation of Michelle Duncan, former executive director, whose last day was March 21. After interviewing candidates, the board selected Pat Reed as Duncan's replacement.

"Pat's qualifications were just phenomenal," Reeves said. "She has extensive experience in administration, with fundraising and as a supervisor. Those are key with an executive director."

Reed started April 21, and Kim Martinez, program director and case manager, submitted her resignation just days later on April 23.

"She resigned her position as a case manager with CASA on April 23 via an e-mail to Lori Reeves," Reed said. "We gave her administrative leave. She is very well respected by the volunteers in the community and she will be missed. Kim has done an excellent job and I think that it shows that she did a wonderful job by how the volunteers respect her."

Reeves hopes that the CASA volunteers continue to serve the organization.

"We're hoping volunteers will stay on, but we know that it is typical in this situation to lose volunteers," Reeves said.

CASA has about 20 active volunteers. Only one person has submitted notice of being unable to volunteer due to personal reasons prior to Reed's first day. Reeves said no volunteers have been dismissed.

"We want this to be a positive transition," Reeves said.

"We don't want to lose any volunteers. Without volunteers, our organization can't function," Reed said. "I think they'll put the children's best interest at heart and keep doing the great job they're doing."

Reeves and Reed hope that the board meeting scheduled for Monday will allow any staff, board members and volunteers to express their concerns, as well as clear up any rumors. A new case manager will also begin on Monday, which will relieve part-time case supervisor Barbara Haddox of her recently increased duties.

With Reed just two weeks into her position as executive director, she has worked on two grants and started organizing several fundraising events. CASA will also have the benefit of monthly visits by a psychotherapist beginning this month. Reed plans to have a psychiatrist also make monthly visits to the CASA office.

"Anything we can do to help the children - that's our goal," Reed said.

CASA of Wise and Jack Counties has 46 active cases, with only three of those cases in Jack County.

CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, is an organization of volunteers who provide court advocacy for Wise and Jack county children who have been removed from their homes by Child Protective Services. Volunteers provide factual information and recommendations to judges regarding the proper placement of the child.