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TOM wrote on Sep 2, 2008 8:51 AM:
TO ALL THE READERS: I am NOT trying or I am NOT implying that CASA isn't a great program. It is one of the best programs we have for the kids and all the volunteers do a fantastic job. But I AM saying that on the management side of the program, someone should look into all of the wasted time and money that is used or wasted by management. The County department called Commission on Children and Families is one of the main departments that should be looked into about wasted money and especially wasted time. And don't get me wrong, this department is a very good and esential department to have that is based on helping the children and their families in this County. The program is great, but I believe and know that the management part of this program should be looked into concernint waste. I wish that people would not have taken my last comment the wrong way, because that was not intended at all on my part. Thank you
amom wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:29 PM:
I had a child in foster care do to a boyfriend that hurt my infant. DHS wanted to make sure I could take care of a special needs child (do to the injury) During this time I felt like the CASA volunteer was the only one looking at the big picture. I am very grateful for CASA and DHS for all of the support. My child is now 3 1/2 and not special needs at this time. In fact he is advanced in his development thanks to the support.
CASA supporter wrote on Aug 29, 2008 2:05 PM:
Tom: It's obvious you are just trying to stir up trouble about a nonprofit that is doing a great job for our community.
CASA of Coos County was recently selected as a training program for all CASA programs located in southern Oregon by the state Commission on Children and Families, which only proves how exemplary this program is and how well it serves children in our state.
If you're looking for controversial nonprofit organizations with questionable staff decision-making your barking up the wrong tree. While other nonprofits in our region might get corrupted, CASA of Coos County is not one of them. Keep your vicious comments focused on the Lab Band or Pacific Cove if you're looking for dirt.
CASA is too good for you.
CASA of Coos County was recently selected as a training program for all CASA programs located in southern Oregon by the state Commission on Children and Families, which only proves how exemplary this program is and how well it serves children in our state.
If you're looking for controversial nonprofit organizations with questionable staff decision-making your barking up the wrong tree. While other nonprofits in our region might get corrupted, CASA of Coos County is not one of them. Keep your vicious comments focused on the Lab Band or Pacific Cove if you're looking for dirt.
CASA is too good for you.
Charlene wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:40 PM:
Tom, I'm confused...did you work for CASA a long, long time or a few months? Lloyd is correct in stating that CASA's are volunteers, that means we volunteer everything, time, money, and talents. There may be some small reimbursements for mileage, but not everyone ask for reimbursements. Since I've been a CASA we have had two Directors, and both of them are outstanding women, and give us much as possible to insure the success of the CASA program.
Susie wrote on Aug 28, 2008 4:53 PM:
When my grandchildren went into the foster care system, I became a CASA volunteer because I wanted my babies to have a voice. Since that time, when the kids lived with me, I couldn't serve as a volunteer but when the kids returned home (several times over many years) I served as a CASA. Every child deserves a voice. The CASA volunteers are the most compassionate caring people who want to do what is best for children. No one can argue that. For that reason, I now serve on the board and I will always advocate for the children - all children - and I know that CASA's truly make a difference!
TOM wrote on Aug 28, 2008 11:18 AM:
TO LLOYD: Again here we have a situation where someone that knows exactly ZERO about the subject making comments out of the top of his head. I was working for CASA for a long, long time. I was one of the first male citizens who was accepted into helping these kids. And yes County people ARE involved in this program more than you realize. I WAS there and I DO know what goes on behind closed doors with the management of the CASA program. That is why after a few months working for them, I got out of it. Someday, someone on the outside will find out the REAL TRUTH about the management of the CASA program. I for one did not want to be involved in a lawsuit so I got out. So Mr.LLOYD, know the facts BEFORE you open your big mouth.
Bridgette wrote on Aug 28, 2008 10:03 AM:
Anyone interested in knowing more about Coos County CASA is invited to attend our Open House Thursday 9/4/08 at 6pm - 8pm at Collette's on Broadway/Newmark.
If you are interested in joining our awesome group of CASA volunteers, call me. Bridgette 396-1074
If you are interested in joining our awesome group of CASA volunteers, call me. Bridgette 396-1074
Lloyd wrote on Aug 27, 2008 8:07 PM:
I second all the comments so far except Tom's. I know Danny and he is definitely not a "jerk". I chose to be a CASA volunteer when I was casting about the community, interested in volunteering. This is the organization where I found the most caring and dedicated volunteers. They use their own funds for transportation and donate their own time to improve the lot of children that are not being parented. The DHS state workers I have had contact with are equally as hardworking, dedicated and most often overloaded. Even more reason for CASAs to represent these kids within the complex bureaucracy.
Brook wrote on Aug 27, 2008 7:03 PM:
The focus of both CASA and the State is that every child have a safe and permanent home. Recent statistics seem to indicate that in cases where CASA's are assigned, children have a signficantly greater chance at keeping that. Since CASA's are unpaid volunteers, trained, but lacking certain requirements exacted of state employees, they have a nationwide history of exhibiting creative thinking and fearless speaking. As a CASA, maybe we are a little rough around the edges, that is what trainings and supervision is for. We also benefit our nation and its children in many many ways.
Charlene wrote on Aug 26, 2008 6:11 PM:
I have served the children of Coos County as a CASA volunteer for over 10 years. During that time I have seen what the children go through. The Department of Human Services, Child Protective Unit, has their job to do and they do it, but with the number of children caught up in the system it is impossible for them to give each child the attention they need and are entitled to, that is where the CASA comes in, we are there for the children, to hopefully get their needs met and to help them find a permanent, safe and loving home. Anyone interested in helping the Chidren of Coos County won't find a better organization to be associated with.
Twila wrote on Aug 26, 2008 5:58 PM:
You must be confusing the CASA program with another organization. CASA volunteers are the most dedicated, compassionate, and truly amazing people I have ever worked with. They give from their hearts to help children in our community. Their whole focus is to see these wonderful, deserving kids live out their childhoods in safe, permanent homes. The county does not have paid employees taking care of these children. As director of the CASA program, I work for a non-profit agency, have a Master's degree, and am paid less per hour than a teen-ager bucking hay for the summer. I do it, because I love the job and I love the work that CASA volunteers do.
A CASA Volunteer wrote on Aug 26, 2008 5:19 PM:
Tom....I think you need to read these comments again and think about what you are saying (or trying to say, since you can't spell very well). There is not a child on this earth that does NOT deserve a CASA!
Danny wrote on Aug 26, 2008 3:42 PM:
The County doesn't have employees paid for this, DHS is a state agency paid by the state. Yes, they are paid to intervene in child welfare cases, serve these families in vaarious capacities, and are backed up by the Department of Justice, but a CASA is an advocate for the child. Simply put: if DHS speaks for the state interests, each parent has an attorney and can speak to the courts, then who is speaking for the child? That is the role of the CASA - we are unpaid volunteers who are appointed by the judge to a case and provide an outside/unbiased viewpoint in the eyes (hopefully) of the child. It is a tremendous responsibility and is a role that is definitely needed. If every system and every individual were perfect, then there wouldn't be a need for CASAs. However, that is not the case and a CASA can be the best friend a child can have to ensure they remain safe and are able to have a permanant/safe home. It is the hardest volunteer position I've held but by far the most rewarding.
TOM wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:01 PM:
The County already have employees paid to take care of these kids. The kids need taken care of by just like everything else in the public eye, this is what we want to do so now I am begging for help and of corse a donation. We are already paying for this service to make the county employees do their job once in a while. The hear of the department only shows up for work on the average of three days a week so maybe she should be replaced with someone who is more interested in the welfare of these kids in need rather than worring about that overpriced paycheck that she gets every month.
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