CASA-EP closes out the commemorative week with a Volunteer Appreciation Brunch to honor the remarkable efforts of its volunteer advocates
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – On Saturday, April 27, at The Sycamore restaurant in Martinsburg, Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) held its 2024 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch to recognize the outstanding work and dedication of its volunteer advocates and the impact they have on the children and families within the local foster care system.
The brunch, held annually during National Volunteer Week, honored volunteer advocates and included remarks by CASA-EP Executive Director Michelle Sudduth, who kicked off the event by sharing, “Each of you put your heart and soul into this work, and you don’t get thanked enough. Today, we want to thank you for your partnership, dedication, and all you do on behalf of CASA-EP.”
Judge Debra McLaughlin and Judge Bridget Cohee, both of the 23rd Judicial Circuit, were also on hand to acknowledge how the work of CASA-EP volunteers is a welcome relief to the local court system. “Your work is important because you bring the voice of the child back to us, and we use that information to make informed decisions that will ultimately help these children break recent or generational cycles of abuse,” said Judge Cohee, who serves in Jefferson and Berkeley counties. “Thank you is not enough.”
The event was also an opportunity to highlight exciting future developments, including the opening of CASA-EP’s Charles Town office at 201 North George Street. This office will provide new and much needed space to better serve Jefferson County’s most vulnerable children and families, including a parent/child visitation room, a Fostering Futures youth activity space, and convenient meeting space for staff and volunteer advocates working to support children before the courts due to abuse or neglect. A ribbon cutting and open house is scheduled for May 6 at 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be available.
CASA-EP volunteers come from all walks of life, and while no special education, experience, or background is needed, each are committed to improving a child’s life, have a willingness to learn, and are open-minded toward life experiences different from their own.
“Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, embodying compassion and resilience in their tireless efforts for children in need. Their commitment provides crucial support and stability to children navigating the foster care system, and we are honored to recognize them at today’s event,” said Sarah Pauletti, Director of Volunteer & Case Management.
The organization currently has over 70 active volunteers serving more than 400 children throughout the Eastern Panhandle. However, there are approximately 375 children who remain without an advocate. To learn more about how to become a CASA-EP volunteer, visit https://www.mycasaep.org/volunteer/.
About CASA-EP
Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) recruits, trains, and supports dedicated volunteers to be the constant in a child’s life – a person they can count on for compassion, guidance, advocacy, and information.
This unique relationship helps expand the child’s worldview through enriching experiences and trauma-responsive support. CASA-EP’s volunteers and professional staff fuel the resiliency and hope every child needs to thrive in adulthood.
To learn more about becoming a CASA-EP volunteer or benefactor, visit www.mycasaep.org.
