Martinsburg, WV – CASA of the Eastern Panhandle (CASA-EP) proudly welcomed a new class of volunteer advocates during a swearing-in ceremony held at the Berkeley County Courthouse. The Honorable Judge Delligatti administered the oath, marking the beginning of each advocate’s journey to speak up for children involved in the abuse and neglect court system.
Newly sworn-in advocates include:
- Judith Thurman – Berkeley County
- Alexander Krosse – Berkeley County
- Barbara Krosse – Berkeley County
- Jennifer Hess – Berkeley County
- Jai Birch – Morgan County
- Brittany Alley – Berkeley County
- Destinee Myers – Jefferson County
- Kimberly Fortney – Jefferson County
- Diamond Daye – Morgan County
Additionally, CASA-EP welcomed Haleigh Wiley, the organization’s newest staff member based in Berkeley County, who was also sworn in during the ceremony.
Following the event, advocates, staff, and supporters gathered for a celebratory luncheon at The Sycamore Restaurant at Stonebridge in Martinsburg.
CASA-EP recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties who meet regularly with their assigned child(ren) and engage with teachers, doctors, foster parents, and counselors to ensure each child’s unique needs are understood and met. Advocates report back to the judge to share updates, concerns, and recommendations to help ensure children’s safety, stability, and overall well-being.
Volunteer advocates not only provide crucial support to an overburdened child welfare system, but they also significantly improve outcomes for children in foster care. With a CASA volunteer, these children are more likely to succeed in school, find a safe and permanent home, and are half as likely to re-enter foster care.
With the addition of this new class, CASA-EP now has over 85 volunteer advocates serving children across the Eastern Panhandle—continuing the organization’s mission to ensure every child who has experienced abuse or neglect has a dedicated advocate by their side.
As the need for volunteer advocates continues to grow, CASA-EP invites community members to join this life-changing work. The next four-week Advocate Training session is tentatively scheduled to begin in mid to late January 2026. Those interested in learning more or registering can visit www.mycasaep.org/volunteer.
