News Archives - Page 5 of 7 - CASA of New Hampshire

CASA Cares Raises Record $410,000 for New Hampshire’s Children Experiencing Abuse and Neglect

CASA Cares: An Evening of Giving for New Hampshire’s Children, held on Friday, May 6, 2022, raised $410,000!

Presented by Novocure, the event was held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown. This year, CASA Cares featured a live auction, wine and spirits grab, jewelry raffle, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and dessert. There was also a virtual option for those who wished to view from home.

“The overwhelming support that was shown at this event simply reinforced for me that so many folks from across the state truly understand and are deeply committed to CASA’s life-changing work,” said Marcia Sink, President and CEO of CASA of New Hampshire.

The evening’s speakers included Sink, Amy Coveno, CASA of New Hampshire’s Board of Directors Co-Chair, and Mike Ambrogi, CASA of New Hampshire Board Member and Senior Technology Fellow at Novocure. Guests also heard from U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and Gov. Chris Sununu who both shared powerful remarks about the valuable impact CASA has on children and youth throughout the Granite State.

Auctioneer Mark Fodero entertained the crowd as they bid on live auction items including vacation packages, Red Sox tickets, and camping equipment from NEMO. There was also an opportunity to bid on a virtual Happy Half Hour with Seth Meyers and personalized signed copies of his new book, “I’m Not Scared, YOU’RE Scared.”

Audience members then viewed a video highlighting three stories including a reunification, an adoption, and a former CASA child’s lasting bond with her CASA volunteer advocate. One of the featured advocates in the video, Marty Cloran, attended the event and received a standing ovation as he took the stage with the two now-grown adults he advocated for years ago.

Thank you to all those who supported this wonderful event!

Click here to browse photos from the event
(password is Casa2022)

CASA with Community Celebrates North Country Volunteer Advocates

CASA of New Hampshire, a nonprofit that trains volunteers to advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect, hosted a fundraising event, CASA with Community: A Night of Support, Celebration and Recognition, on Thursday, May 19, at Rek’-lis Brewing Company in Bethlehem, N.H.

Over 500 people attended the event, which celebrated and raised awareness of the advocacy work of CASA’s North Country volunteers. The evening featured live music, speakers and raffles, raising over $1,000 for CASA of New Hampshire. Rek’-lis matched the first $500 in donations and provided Rek’-lis gift cards to all North Country CASA volunteers in appreciation of their dedication and volunteer advocacy.

“Huge thanks to Rek’-lis Brewing Company for partnering with CASA of New Hampshire and giving us the opportunity to share our important message with folks in the northern part of the state. We know child abuse knows no geographic boundaries and there is a tremendous need for CASA volunteers in the region. This event at Rek’-lis helped us spread the word about the important role ordinary citizens can fill to make a difference in the life of a child victim through their own powerful advocacy,” said Marcia Sink, President and CEO of CASA of New Hampshire.

“We are thrilled to support such a truly important organization that makes an impact on the communities that we live in. The CASA volunteers do the hard work, and we are here to support that in any way that we can. We are so happy to have CASA here with us, and look forward to continued collaborations with the organization,” added Marlaina Renton and Ian Dowling, owners of Rek’-lis.

CASA of New Hampshire Volunteers Recognized by Governor for Advocacy Work

For the third year in a row, Gov. Chris Sununu has declared April 22 as CASA Appreciation Day in New Hampshire.

On April 6, Marcia Sink, CASA of New Hampshire President and CEO, along with several advocates and staff members, visited the State House to be recognized by the governor. Gov. Sununu read the formal proclamation which honors and recognizes the work of over 600 volunteers who advocate on behalf of children experiencing abuse and neglect throughout New Hampshire.

“Whereas, there are over 600 CASA guardian ad litem volunteers in New Hampshire, who are ordinary citizens with a desire to help children grow up in safe and permanent homes; and whereas, they get to know the children they serve, and make unbiased recommendations about what they believe to be the best interests of the child’s future so that judges can make informed decisions; and whereas, CASA volunteers provide compassion and consistency to children, and use their time and resources to help children navigate through uncertain and difficult times,” declares the official proclamation. The full proclamation can be read here.

CASA Appreciation Day falls during Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Volunteer Week.

“Our advocates are truly deserving of this recognition and praise. Their dedication and commitment to our children and youth, and to the state, is phenomenal,” says Sink. “We are grateful for Gov. Sununu’s longstanding support of the work that our volunteer advocates and staff do to help New Hampshire’s children facing uncertain futures to feel settled in a safe, permanent home,” she adds.

CASA of New Hampshire Receives $76,163 Donation from Boston Billiard Club & Casino

CASA of New Hampshire, a nonprofit that trains volunteers to advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect, recently received a $76,163 donation from Boston Billiard Club & Casino, a gaming center which features casino style games and a billiard hall based in Nashua.

“We are so fortunate to have this wonderful relationship with Boston Billiard Club & Casino. Their commitment to our work at CASA and other child-focused non-profits is such gift to so many of New Hampshire’s children,” explains Marcia Sink, President and CEO of CASA of New Hampshire.

Each day, Boston Billiard Club & Casino donates 35% of all gaming proceeds to a New Hampshire-based 501(c)(3). Since launching their charitable gaming operation in November 2016, they have donated more than $12.5 million to local non-profits.

“CASA of NH has been a loyal charitable gaming partner of BBC&C for several years and it was our pleasure to present this check to them in the amount of $76,163. CASA does amazing work to protect and provide for children in our community and we are humbled to hear how charitable gaming donations have played a role in their advocacy work,” added Kurt Mathias, President and Owner of Boston Billiard Club & Casino.

Board Co-Chairs David Eby and Amy Coveno

John Zahr Memorial Golf Tournament Raised $105,000 for Endowment

On August 30, over 30 teams and sponsors gathered at the Manchester Country Club for the tenth and final John Zahr Memorial Golf Tournament. The 18-hole golf tournament benefitted CASA’s endowment fund in honor of John Zahr, President of Harvey Construction and longtime supporter of CASA.

In its final year, the tournament raised $105,000. Since its inception, it raised over $560,000, the net proceeds of which have been contributed to CASA’s endowment fund named in John’s memory. This year, the first, second, and third place winners, as well as the winner of the 50/50 raffle and the putting contest, donated their winnings back to the endowment fund, collectively donating $4,610 in prizes.

“My father was a committed supporter of CASA, and my family is so grateful for this tournament that has raised more than half a million dollars in his name over the last ten years,” his son, John Zahr, said in his remarks to tournament participants.

The tournament was created in 2011 in the year following John’s untimely death, when his friends and colleagues came together to establish this tournament as a way to give back to CASA, a charity John had supported for many years. Annually, a committee of his peers reached out to businesses and friends for sponsorships and players to hit the links in memory of their friend.

Thank you to all of our sponsors: Longchamps Electric, Miller Engineering & Testing Inc., Granite State Plumbing & Heating, Reliable Equipment, Redimix Companies, Academy Roofing, BK Systems, Charron LLC, Home of Lei LLC, JDS Flooring Associates, Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Harvey Construction Corp., Galaxy Glass & Aluminum Inc., Dividers Plus, Empire Sheet Metal, Pelcon Construction, St. Mary’s Bank, Stone River Architects, American Steel & Precast Erectors and Kevin & Debbie Duffy.

CASA Graduates 41 New Advocates

In April and June, CASA of NH held two more sessions of very successful virtual training. As it is in the in-person classroom, virtual training is interactive and collaborative. It requires large and small group participation, welcomes guest speakers, facilitates a virtual role play, includes drafting a sample court report, and provides all of the necessary preparation to start providing effective advocacy for children who’ve experienced abuse and neglect.

Virtual training is proving to be incredibly helpful in providing consistent training opportunities for interested volunteers throughout the state. While there are plans to resume in-person training in 2022, virtual training will remain in place as an effective tool for widespread outreach.

One of the training team’s favorite activities to do during in-person training was to have participants write an uplifting and positive message to their future CASA children. Now in virtual training, they have each participant go around the classroom one-by-one to say their messages. Check out the messages from the participants of our April training below.

Please help us welcome April graduates Jennifer, John, Suzanne, Robin, Sandy, Emily, Greg, Jennifer, Renee, Michelle, Maura, Meghan, Amy, Rachel, Christopher, Amber, Nan, Dolly, Amber, Beth, Erin, Jim and Crystal. We also had our summer intern from the legal department complete training.

The June class faced a weather-related challenge when they went to record their uplifting messages. A thunderstorm rolled through the state at that time, causing a few people experience some technical difficulties! While they were unable to record their messages, they did manage to get a group photo.

Please help us welcome Carol, Allison, Mandy, Diane, MaryLouise, Kali, Roberta, Sheila, Cheryl, Joy, David, Nancy, Cyndi, Kaleigh, Lillie, Sheila, Jennifer and Conrad. We also had three staff members complete training.

Training available this fall

CASA is accepting applicants for future virtual training sessions beginning Sept. 13 and Nov. 1. Interested volunteers can submit their applications today, or, join an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the role of the CASA volunteer advocate and get specific questions answered. Register for one here.

CASA of NH Program Manager Shiloh Remillard, left, and CASA of NH President Marty Sink present CASA Volunteer Advocate Mark Linehan with the 2021 Linda Egbert Outstanding Advocacy Award.

CASA-NH Celebrates 32 Years, Welcomes 5 Board Members in June

CASA of New Hampshire appointed five new board members and celebrated 32 years of advocacy on behalf of more than 10,000 during the month of June.

On June 17, CASA recognized and honored the work of hundreds of volunteer advocates over the past year, as well as the support it receives from a friends and community partners around the state.

During this year’s celebration, special recognition was given to 71 volunteers who reached milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20 and even 25 years of service that has made a significant impact on victimized children’s lives. Three awards were also given to an advocate and two community members who have been instrumental in supporting CASA and transforming the lives of children in New Hampshire.

Mark Linehan, of Glen, received the Linda Egbert Outstanding Advocacy Award. This honors the work of a CASA volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their advocacy work and made a tremendous impact in the lives of children. Linehan has advocated on behalf of 31 children from 12 families in his nine years as a CASA volunteer.

Lou Catano, of Strafford, received the John McDermott Champion of Children Award. This celebrates the work of one person whose tireless advocacy has influenced the lives of many. Catano served as the executive director of Webster House in Manchester for more than three decades.

Tom Boucher, of Bedford, received the Community Partner Award. This highlights CASA’s valuable community partners for their support, engagement and resources that they have contributed to furthering the mission of the organization. Boucher is the CEO-Owner of Great N.H. Restaurants, Inc. and a member of CASA’s Advisory Council.

Board comings and goings

At CASA’s June Board of Directors meeting, five new board members from around the state were appointed to their first terms. Those new members include: Michael Ambrogi, of North Hampton, senior technology fellow at Novocure Inc.; Karen Borgstrom, of Lyme, director of external affairs at Dartmouth-Hitchcock; Paul Chant, of Chocorua, a litigation attorney and director at Cooper Cargill Chant; Nancy Sampo, of Bow, president of Enviro-tote; and Tom Stevens of Manchester, who formerly served as a CASA volunteer.

Three additional board members, Judy Bergeron, Nick Giacoumakis and John Zahr, were recognized for their years of service as they stepped off of the board.

WATCH: CASA of NH’s 32nd Annual Celebration

We hope you were able to join us for last night’s live premiere of CASA of New Hampshire’s 32nd Annual Celebration. If you couldn’t join us, the replay of the video is available for viewing at your leisure.

Thank you to everyone who helped to recognize this year’s milestone-year advocates and our recipients of the Linda Egbert Outstanding Advocacy Award, the John McDermott Champion of Children Award and the Community Partner Award. The annual celebration also featured remarks from CASA CEO and President Marty Sink and Board co-chairs Amy Coveno and David Eby. It includes a tribute to the Hon. Bud Martin, a long-time family court judge who became a CASA for nearly 10 years in his retirement, and it closed with two amazing former CASA children who have overcome great obstacles in their youth, speaking about the importance of and the impact made by their CASA volunteers.

Gov. Sununu Proclaims April 22, 2021, CASA Appreciation Day in NH

For the second year, Gov. Chris Sununu has proclaimed April 22 as CASA Appreciation Day in New Hampshire.

In his proclamation, Sununu recognized the more than 600 current volunteer advocates working passionately to help ensure abused and neglected children in New Hampshire are safe, feel loved and have the opportunity to grow up in nurturing, permanent homes.

“Whereas CASA volunteers provide compassion and consistency to children, and use their time and resources to help children navigate through uncertain and difficult times; and whereas as it is Child Abuse Prevention Month and Volunteer Appreciation Week, it is fitting to recognize the advocacy efforts of CASA volunteers in protecting children across the Granite State,” the official proclamation from the Governor’s desk says.

Last year, CASA of New Hampshire’s volunteers advocated for more than 1,400 children who had suffered abuse or neglect by their parents or caregivers. CASA volunteers meet monthly with the children they are assigned to advocate for, they gather information from the child’s parents and other important adults in their lives and provide judges in New Hampshire’s family courts with recommendations for what they believe to be in the child’s best interests.

“This past year has presented extraordinary challenges, but the CASA advocates and the staff, they’ve stepped up and delivered for our kids time and time again,” Sununu said in a video message he prepared to share the proclamation with CASA volunteers and supporters. “No matter the situation, you’ve found ways to connect with Granite Staters and remain a constant presence in the lives of the children and the families that you serve.”

Gov. Sununu's CASA Appreciation Day Proclamation for 2021

Read the full proclamation.

When reported cases of child abuse and neglect plummeted at the beginning of the pandemic last year, CASA of New Hampshire quickly adapted its training and recruitment practices to continue to find new volunteers and prepare them to take cases in anticipation of a possible surge of cases. All information sessions, interviews and trainings were moved online and continue to be held that way today. Volunteers came up with creative ways to connect with their children virtually, or in distanced ways, and have remained flexible, adapting to changes and helping to ensure their children receive the support they need.

“We are constantly impressed by the flexibility and adaptability displayed by our volunteers, especially over the past 13 months,” CASA of NH CEO and President Marcia Sink said. “We are grateful to Gov. Sununu for continuing to recognize the important work CASA volunteers and staff do each day to help keep our children safe and give them the opportunity to thrive.”

Click here to browse photos from the event (password is Casa2022)

Board comings and goings

Click here to browse photos from the event
(password is Casa2022)