Organization will serve children of abuse or neglect in Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge parishes
After nearly three years of planning, the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Louisiana CASA Association officially named its last affiliate in the state: CASA of the 18th Judicial District Court (JDC). CASA of the 18th JDC aims to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.
The vision for this expansion was conceived and nurtured by Kathleen Richey, the previous executive director of Louisiana CASA, who worked closely with the steering committee to make this program a reality. Steering committee members, made up of community leaders and volunteers, followed standards and guidance set by National CASA and Louisiana CASA to create the local organization, obtain 501(c)3 status and establish official membership by the national organization.
"Kathleen's foresight and collaboration have been invaluable in bringing this program to fruition," said Amanda Moody, the current executive director of Louisiana CASA.
The steering committee unanimously named West Baton Rouge native Kendall (Coye) Hebert as the organization's executive director. Hebert has more than 20 years of experience in public relations & communications and brings a wealth of knowledge of nonprofit leadership and community service to the organization. "I'm excited and honored to serve in this capacity to lead an organization that will make a profound impact on the lives of local children in need and their volunteer advocates," said Hebert. "I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity to rejoin the nonprofit sector where I feel I can make a difference in our community."
As the last district in the state to form a CASA organization, the 18th JDC joins 17 other programs within the state, now covering 100 percent of the state. Members of the local board of directors represent all three parishes and are as follows:
Officers:
Claudia Bourgeois, Board President; Iberville Parish -Professional School Counselor - Iberville Parish School Board
Bridget Rabalais Easley, Board Vice President; West Baton Rouge Parish - Small Business Owner
Melanie Clouatre, Treasurer; West Baton Rouge Parish - Accountant
Courtney Alvarez, MSW, LCSW-BACS, Secretary; Iberville Parish - School Social Worker - Iberville Parish School Board
Members:
Kylee Champagne - Iberville Parish - Medical professional, foster parent, former CASA volunteer
Sarah Giroir, MSW, LCSW-BACS - Iberville Parish - School-based Therapist - Capital Area Human Services - Port Allen High School
Dana Larpenteur - Iberville Parish - Attorney,former law enforcement
Brock Vosburg - Pointe Coupee Parish - Attorney, former law enforcement
Mark Ward - West Baton Rouge Parish - local parish government
"As a school counselor in the 18th JDC, I see first-hand the needs of children in the foster care system," said Board President Claudia Bourgeois. "Our efforts in establishing CASA will hopefully fill a void for children in our community and give them the support they deserve throughout their court case."
CASA volunteers will be needed in each of the three parishes. Volunteers receive training to be the unbiased voice for children in the foster care system. The organization is expected to begin training volunteers and serving children in early 2024. Details on training dates and time commitments will be available soon.
"For several years, committee members have been determined to see this program created," added Board Vice President Bridget Easley. "We have worked selflessly and collectively to get where we are, and we are all proud to begin serving our community."
Special thanks to the initial steering committee who worked tirelessly to make this organization come to fruition. Members included: Courtney Alvarez, Claudia Bourgeois, Kylee Champagne, Melanie Clouatre, Julie Distefano, Bridget Easley, Sarah Giroir, Glenda Kimball, Dana Larpenteur, Kathleen Richey, Reba Riddle, Brock Vosburg and Mark Ward.
For more information, visit casa18jdc.org.
About CASA of the 18th JDC:
Formed in 2023 and serving Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge parishes, CASA of the 18thJDC aims to support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.