News & Events

April, 2021

Denton – CASA of Caroline recognized April’s Child Abuse Prevention Month with activities to get the entire community involved. The month kicked-off with a Pinwheel Planting Ceremony in the Denton Community Garden on Saturday, April 3.  Elected officials, members of the community, and CASA volunteers, board members and staff “planted” pinwheels to raise awareness.  Throughout the month, students from CCPS colored 261 pinwheels to fill the CASA of Caroline windows.   Pinwheel displays were created around the county by groups including Community Club of Preston, Preston Historical Society, Caroline County Sheriff’s Department, Federalsburg and Denton Police Departments, Choptank Transport, and others who wanted to show their support for the happy, healthy childhoods all kids deserve! 

Pinwheels were available for folks to create their own displays thanks to our sponsors: Denton Rotary, Purple Peake CBD, and Caroline County State’s Attorney Joe Riley.  Special thanks to Greensboro Pharmacy, Ridgely Pharmacy, Patti’s Petals, The Foundry, Purple Peake, Joviality, Shore United Denton Branch, Federalsburg Family Restaurant and Katie Mae’s in Preston for making the pinwheels available for the public.  We were truly awed by the outpouring of support from the Caroline County community and thank everyone for their involvement and helping us create awareness of this very important issue!  

May 4, 2021

Denton – On May 3, we proudly welcomed 2 new volunteers who’ve made the commitment to advocate on a child’s behalf.  In a still closed courtroom, The Honorable Jonathan Newell administered the CASA oath to Ashley Cox of Denton and Stacy Frank of Ridgely.  Prior to the official swearing in, Judge Newell noted the important role of a CASA volunteer, saying “the presence of a steady CASA volunteer provides something that we otherwise can’t guarantee in our system”.  He acknowledged “it’s a very fulfilling job, although I’m sure at times frustrating and even heartbreaking, but it is very much appreciated”.  We are grateful for the commitment Ashley and Stacy have made on behalf of children and youth in the Caroline County foster care system and welcome them as our county’s newest Court-Appointed Special Advocates!

May 18, 2021

CASA volunteers are people from all walks of life who have been rigorously screened and trained.  Each volunteer receives 30 hours of pre-service training, with an additional 12 hours of continued education annually.  A CASA volunteer is a sworn officer of the court who provides the judge or magistrate with the information needed to make well-informed decisions and help ensure positive outcomes for children and youth in foster care.  These superheroes among us not only advocate for the children within the court, child welfare and school systems, but also form relationships with them that last for years. 

During the pandemic, we had 10 active volunteers who, in spite of court shut downs, social distancing and CDC guidelines, were able to volunteer over 330 hours and drive over 2,500 miles to serve and protect the best interests of children and youth in Caroline County foster care.  In honor of our volunteers’ hard work and dedication throughout the pandemic and in recognition of National CASA/GAL Appreciation Day, CASA of Caroline’s Board of Directors and staff held an appreciation luncheon at the Caroline Culinary Arts Center.  Shelly Kulp. Executive Director of CASA of Caroline, thanked each volunteer for the compassion and commitment they demonstrated throughout the challenging logistics of a global pandemic.  Bob Friday, President of the Board of Directors and one-time CASA volunteer advocate, also commended them for their efforts during such a challenging year.  Each volunteer was presented with a copy of “Three Little Words”, the memoir of a girl who spent 9 difficult years in the foster care system and eventually discovered her own voice. 

We are so grateful for these superheroes who volunteer their time and work tirelessly to “Change a Child’s Story”!