As I reflect on the past year, I am immensely proud of how far we've come and all that we have accomplished. There is still so much work to be done, but together with our board of directors, our donors, our volunteers and our community, we have already made a significant impact in the lives of those we serve - the most vulnerable children who need that one consistent person in their life.
I recently attended a conference with other non-profit executives and leadership where we were asked to participate in an exercise - write an "I Could Tell You" poem. I sat for a moment, thinking of what I would write, and this came to me:
I could tell you about my experience in nonprofits and the various roles I’ve served, but nothing could prepare me for this new opportunity.
I could tell you that I knew of CASA – the Court Appointed Special Advocates organization who serve on behalf of the children who don’t get to pick their situation. But I had no idea how much we needed CASA in our community, how much our own local children need a CASA program or how much our own CASAs would be personally impacted and make an impact in the lives of our most vulnerable children.
I could tell you about the steering committee who, over four years ago, answered the call to gather and help create this organization – forming our first board of directors, our bylaws, our articles of incorporation and all other necessary duties to create this organization. But I could not tell you that I knew each and every one of them or their passion for CASA until now. And even now, I’m still learning of their unique reasons for getting involved, for wanting to serve, for their tireless commitment to making CASA a success.
I could tell you about the community I grew up in – our Westside tri-parish service area and the people who live, work, pray and play here. But I could not tell you that I know each and every person here or their desire to truly help their dear neighbor – even those they do not personally know. I could tell you that I am eager to meet even more members of our community and engage with them to make our community an even better place.
I could tell you that I had hope and extreme excitement about taking on the role of executive director for this new organization, but I could not tell you how the organization would fulfill my desire to step back into nonprofit, to have meaning and purpose for my day-to-day life and career.
I could tell you about the judges who support this organization fully – who appoint this organization to the cases where a child or sibling group of children need a CASA. But I could not tell you that I would get to know them on a deeper level of their passion and commitment to serve our community.
I could tell you that our community would step up in a special and meaningful way but had no idea that our first signature event would be a record-breaking success and to show the commitment of our community to this organization.
I could tell you that we had initial financial support from our local legislators and several individual donors, but I could not tell you that the number of donors would grow to support this organization, even when some do not fully know or understand its mission but still believe in its purpose to give.
I wish I could tell you that we have enough CASA volunteers to serve our need – the 85-100 children on average each month who are in foster care due to abuse or neglect. But I cannot tell you that we have enough volunteers. I can tell you that most CASA programs across the country are in need of more CASAs. I can tell you that those serving are truly making a difference in the lives of these children. I can tell you that one CASA provided her CASA children with their first-ever birthday cake, that another CASA received colored pages from her CASA children that made her day, that another CASA advocated for daycare for her CASA child and that child in now in daycare with Early Steps as a resource. I can tell you that these CASAs each made a difference and continue to do so.
I can tell you that on Sept. 25, 2023, I took on a new title as executive director, and I’m beyond proud of what has been accomplished in this past year. I can tell you that our community has demonstrated their support and commitment to CASA of the 18th JDC. I can tell you that I’m beyond blessed to lead an organization that is doing good. I can tell you that I’m immensely proud of all that has been accomplished over this past year. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities to partner, to participate, to advocate, to make a difference in the future.
We sincerely thank all who have supported us along the way, especially the following:
- Our initial steering committee who initially began gathering to help form CASA of the 18th JDC in 2019.
- Our judges of the 18th JDC - Judge Alvin Batiste, Jr.; Judge Elizabeth Engolio; Judge Kevin Kimball; and Judge Tonya Lurry - who all support our organization and our CASAs in the courtroom and in the community.
- Our Board of Directors who have led us along this journey and celebrate with us today - Board President Claudia Bourgeois; Board Vice President Bridget Easley; Board Treasurer Melanie Clouatre; Board Secretary Courtney Alvarez; and members: Kylee Champagne; Sarah Giroir; Dana Larpenteur; Warren LeJeune, Jr.; Brock Vosburg; and Mark Ward. Thank you for your leadership.
- Our donors who have financially supported our program to serve children who did not pick their situation.
- Our CASA volunteers - Lydia Caillouet; Jessica Cicero; Dixie Daigle; Lisa Francise; Jim Guidry; Pam Keowen; Gina Martiny; Alayiah Mingo; and Chrystal Pourciau - these are the true heroes who are making a difference and helping #ChangeAChildsStory as advocates for these children. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to serving them.
- Our elected officials who have assisted in advocating for CASA of the 18th JDC and securing support to ensure our program is successful in serving children in Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge parishes.
- Our partner CASA programs, Louisiana CASA and National CASA / GAL Association for Children - for your guidance, training and support to ensure we adhere to the statewide and national standards to serve our children and community.
- Our community and those who showed your support through attendance, financial contribution, sponsorship, dress-down days, auction items, serving as an ambassador or on the committee or in any way supported the recent record-breaking success of Celebrity Waiter of the 18th JDC.
We are beyond grateful for the support of our community and each and every person who has helped us get here. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Happy 1-year Anniversary, CASA of the 18th JDC!
-Kendall C. Hebert, proud executive director