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CASA says farewell to two long-time volunteers
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Prairie Plains CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, is saying goodbye to two volunteers after more than a decade of service. Betty Allen and Luanne Haller have retired after 11 and 15 years respectfully of service to the McCook children's advocacy group.
Luanne Haller was a part of the first group of advocates sworn in by now retired County Court Judge Cloyd Clark.
"There has always been a need for child advocacy in the court systems," said Clark, who attended Allen and Haller's retirement party at Sehnert's Bakery and Bieroc Cafe on Wednesday.
Allen began her involvement in CASA after hearing a presentation by Janeale Corder during a Shrine meeting. Her interest was piqued after her many years of volunteering in other programs. She was especially interested in helping after her career as a home economics instructor.
"I felt prepared to be there for those who had no voice," Allen said. "It wasn't always easy. My first case (like many of her cases) the parents were a little unhappy, but as soon as they realized I was there to benefit the children they changed their attitudes."
Both Haller and Allen felt one of the hardest parts of their duties was how easy it was to get attached to the children and it could be hard for them (Allen and Haller) to go to the next case.
Haller said, "sometimes it was hard to watch a case not turn out how you had hoped or wanted, but I always liked working with the children."
Allen and Haller's beginnings in CASA were because of Judge Clark and his willingness to support the CASA program. CASA is located in areas where a judge will support and appoint advocates for the children. According to www.casaforchildren.org, the CASA official website, CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don't get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. They stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence--the one adult who cares only for them.
"It was (Wanda Hayek) and Luanne's persistence that really got (CASA) started." Clark said.
Prairie Plains CASA serves Red Willow, Furnas, and Hitchcock counties and has helped more than 100 children since it began in the mid-90s.
"CASA really has brought more awareness about child abuse and neglect to our neck of the woods," said Clark.
Haller summed up her experience when she said, "It gives you a warm happy feeling when one of the children you've helped sees you in public and comes up to say, 'hello' to you. That's how you know you made a difference."