Berkeley Springs, W.Va. – On June 8, 2023, four community members swore an oath to serve children and families in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle.
Judge Debra McLaughlin of West Virginia’s 23rd Judicial Circuit swore in the newest class of court-appointed special advocates (CASA) at the Morgan County Courthouse in Berkeley Springs.
Brianna Stock, of Great Cacapon, Jessica Dombrowski, of Harpers Ferry, Scott Daines, of Berkeley Springs, and LaDeana Bohrer, of Martinsburg, were the four West Virginians sworn in Thursday.
CASA-EP believes that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect deserves to have a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in the community. To accomplish this, CASA-EP trains, educates, and empowers diverse community volunteers who ensure that each child’s needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system. The newest class of CASA volunteers joins roughly 70 current advocates who provide a voice for children in Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson counties.
Stock said CASA-EP volunteer supervisors did an outstanding job of explaining the full process of a child welfare case. Stock said that the court process, as well as the emotional meetings with families, can make a prospective volunteer hesitant. However, Stock said the CASA-EP volunteer supervisors have been dependable every step of the way, and knows their support will continue to be there long after the ceremony.
“They’ve got your backs. They’ve been very responsive, very caring,” Stock said. “That makes me feel even more excited to be a part of this group and to volunteer knowing that I have that wonderful support system behind me.”
Stock said that good traits of volunteers include being a good listener and being understanding in all situations. It is also important to ensure you make enough time to commit to volunteering. Stock said volunteering in their home community was personally important.
“I really wanted an opportunity where I could volunteer in my county. So I love that, I’ll be able to help a child in the community that I live in,” Stock said.
Dave Mulvihill, volunteer supervisor for CASA-EP, said, “We’re always very grateful for our volunteers and the commitment they make to CASA, and the kids unfortunate enough to need them.”
Community members from all walks of life are encouraged to apply to be a court-appointed special advocate for children. No specific background or experience is required to volunteer. Recent classes have included retired attorneys, business professionals, nurses, former foster children, teachers, social workers, and many others.
CASA-EP believes that every child who’s been abused or neglected deserves to have a dedicated advocate speaking up for their best interest in court, at school, and in our community. To accomplish this, CASA-EP educates and empowers diverse community volunteers who ensure that each child’s needs remain a priority in an overburdened child welfare system. Apply, donate, or learn more at www.www.mycasaep.org, call 304-263-5100, or find CASA of the Eastern Panhandle on Facebook.
