Summer 2011HeroesThe Newsletter of Court Appointed Special Advocates of St. Louis County

Providing abused and neglected children with high quality advocacy through trained community volunteers since 1980.

Shannon Marie Horstmann was first introduced to the CASA program by her parents who are CASA volunteers in Illinois. When she first met Keisha* in the spring of 2008, she was quiet and didn’t want much to do with Shannon. It took a few weeks (and several trips to Subway) before Keisha began to open up. Shannon discovered she was an outgoing and vibrant girl who was fun to be around, especially when she was singing, dancing or creating wild and crazy hairstyles. However, Keisha was on a placement roller coaster. Her pattern was going

to a new place, getting comfortable enough to get a few off-campus visits and then spiral out of control when things didn’t go her way.Keisha had a tumultuous relationship with her mother. Although her mom

told her she wanted to have nothing to do with her, Keisha always found a way to find or talk to her to try to seek her approval, which brought displaced anger into the mix. She was notorious for destroying property, physically hurting staff members, her peers and herself. She had nine placements and several hospitalizations due to suicide threats and attempts. She was running out of options.Keisha started to turn around when she was sent to Levering Hospital in

Hannibal. The main staff person assigned to her was a male, and his strong presence was a positive influence on her. He built a solid rapport with her based on trust. Keisha finally saw the truth in her mother and started accepting responsibility for her actions.

Story continued on page 3

From A roller CoAster oF PlACements, to HigH sCHool grAduAte

SmartypantS trivia night - a totally tubular trivia event

CASA’s annual Smartypants Trivia Night will be held the Edward Jones Atrium located at I-270 and Manchester. We’ll be celebrating the 80s at this “Totally Tubular” night. Six of the 10 rounds will be 80s related, so come prepared! John Pertzborn, of Fox 2 News in the Morning, will emcee the rounds of trivia. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the first round of questions will begin at 7 p.m. The event

committe, led by chair Corrinne Darvish, have planned an exciting evening of trivia, and some fantastic silent auction items. Seats have sold out in the past, so please register early. Tables are $250 for 10 players and

will include beer, wine, soda, snacks and bottled water. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and pizza is available with advance purchase through the CASA office. Sponsorship opportunities starting at $500 are also available. To reserve your spot or get more information, contact Robin Roup at (314) 615-4403 or rroup@casastlcounty.org.

sAturdAy, August 27tH At tHe edwArd Jones Atrium

welCome, AdvoCAtes!

Congratulations to the following volunteer advocates who have been sworn-in this year: Mary Amann, Jessica Bailey, Vanessa Bailey, Liz Bogosian, Christy Carter, Shar Clark, Janet Cochran, Nancee Compton, Blair Daub, Bill Ferry, Kate Frankel, Linda Frei, Mary Grebe-Bird, Maehellena Harlan, Maureen Hughes, Dorothy Jackson, Dianne Johnson, Mea Kundurovic, Mini McLaughlin, Debbie Nanney, Teri Owens, Kate Phillips, Katie Ricks, Nancy Rodriguez, Michael Ruzicka, Dessa Shuckerow, Susanne Smith, Lisa Strong, Julie Thomas, Brian Wandersee, Andrea Wotka, and Anna Zimmerman.

Elizabeth Vogl grew-up in St. Louis but left the area to attend college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and then spent a few years working in Chicago. When she moved back to the area she considered going to grad school and became a CASA volunteer to hopefully give her some direction. “When I began training, I could’ve never imagined the impact CASA would have on my career goals, interests and passions,” she said.

Elizabeth has been volunteering with children since her own childhood. In 5th grade she started using one recess a week to help with the school’s Special Education classroom. Eventually other students began participating, and it became an actual school program that is still active today.

In college, she majored in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Child Development, which offered her the ability to study a much wider scope of child, family and societal topics than her original education major. She worked in a preschool in Madison and then as a teacher at a Head Start program in Chicago after graduation.

With her background in the early childhood realm, Elizabeth had no intention of taking an older youth case when choosing her first case as a CASA volunteer. However after reading the case outline and contemplating her decision overnight, she decided to take the case of a teenager named Rachel*. She was a 12-year-old girl who had been in the system since she was 2, and Elizabeth was going to be her third CASA volunteer.

Elizabeth’s experience as a CASA volunteer helped her decide to pursue a masters degree in social work. This decision also led her to conduct further research into policy and economic issues about the foster care and child welfare systems.

This research really helped with her case on occasion too, especially for one of her biggest battles as a CASA volunteer. Last summer Rachel went through three unsuccessful foster

placements and was moved again shortly after school started. Transportation to her same school was initially provided, but after just one month it was no longer offered, and she was forced to go to the on-campus school at the residential facility where she was living at the time.

“She is a very intelligent young girl, and I felt strongly that this was not an appropriate setting for her and that someone needed to do something to rectify the situation,” Elizabeth explained. After several months and many meetings, Rachel was able to return to her previous school for the spring semester where she graduated from the 8th grade in June.

Elizabeth was finishing up her social work master’s program, when one of the case advocacy supervisor positions in the CASA office became available. She applied for the job in hopes of being able to continue the kind of work she had become so passionate about in her time as a CASA volunteer.

Elizabeth joined the staff in May and hopes that she can bring a useful perspective to the volunteers she will be supervising. “I think CASA volunteers play such a unique and pivotal role in the dynamics of the child welfare system, and I enjoy having the opportunity to provide guidance and assistance to our volunteers.”

Due to Elizabeth’s new position as a staff member, Rachel was assigned a new CASA volunteer. However, Elizabeth intends to remain in her life and be a visiting resource on her case.

*Name changed to protect child’s identity

CAsA stAFF welComes new member, A Former volunteer

“After two and a half years on the case, Rachel has become such an important part of my life...she and this experience have really changed me for good.”

-Elizabeth Vogl

When Shannon first met Keisha, the only extended family she was in touch with was her maternal grandmother. After some research, Shannon found her paternal grandfather, which led to her paternal grandmother and aunt. At their last court date, Shannon was proud to see the court room full with her family. Keisha went from 2-to-1 staff ratio, then moved to Williams

Residential, a less restrictive placement, and had no major altercations. She had tutoring sessions, spent time at the YMCA and got involved with a local church group. She earned several weekend trips back to St. Louis where she stayed with her family. Shannon and other members of Keisha’s team worked to give her guidance and direction and held her accountable when she made mistakes. On May 19th, Keisha graduated from the Hannibal School

District. Shannon had tears in her eyes when “her girl” grabbed her diploma and did a little dance on the football

field. Keisha went out to eat after the program with her family and Shannon. They were each amazed at how much Keisha had changed over the last few years. They discussed how she came to where she is today. They shared past stories, some of them about the times when none of her team knew where she was because she ran away. Keisha admitted that night, “I’m sick of running.” She is a changed woman, so mature and beautiful. Keisha plans to stay in Hannibal at Williams and go to beauty school.As for Shannon, her years as a CASA volunteer inspired her

to go back to school for a career change. “Keisha has no idea what an impact she has had on me, but she’s made my world a better place, as I currently work in one of the locked units she was kicked out of several years ago.”

*Name changed to protect child’s identity

roller CoAster (Continued From Front)

CASA’s New Holiday Card DesignsBelieve it or not, the holiday season is just a few months away and CASA has a

great way to transition into the holiday season. CASA holiday cards can be pre-ordered starting this month and will be available in October. Our new selection of card designs were drawn by children living in the St. Louis community, and there are many designs in which to choose. This spring a contest was held for new artwork, and the winning designs came from students enrolled at Ridgewood and Fox Middle Schools. This annual fundraiser elevates community awareness for CASA and generates proceeds that will help boys and girls find safe and loving homes. To see the card designs in full-color, please visit www.casastlcounty.org.

This past February, in the heart of our unusually cold winter, a great local volunteer group donated blankets for our CASA kids to keep warm. They were donated by the St. Louis local chapter of “Warm Up America”, a group of local employees from the St. Louis Public Libraries. They make beautiful afghans, blankets, scarves, hats and even stuffed horses. The group donates these items to local agencies, and this year CASA of St. Louis County was chosen to be a recipient. CASA volunteers were so excited to get these blankets to their children, that the bulk of the donations were gone in less than a week!

loCAl grouP mAkes blAnkets to keeP CAsA kids wArm in tHe winter

Allen Roofing and Siding has been a builder since the first CASAs for Kids in 2008. Every year they out do themselves with their new creation. This year’s playhouse featured a working light and doorbell, as well as furniture and decorations inside.

This was Deck Buster, LLC, owner and proprietor Gary Schneider’s third year building the Barn Playhouse. He uses all recycled materials to build a playhouse to last. To add to the charm of the Barn, Pilar Speltz of MURALS by PILAR, painted farm animals on the inside.

Lindbergh High School, a second year builder, built a steam train that can also be used as a bed frame. While building the playhouse, Mr. Blackwood takes the whole semester to teach his students about the CASA program.

North County Firefighters, Local 2665 was a new-comer to the event. They built a fireman-themed house complete with a hose trim inside, fire station pole, and other decorations made from old equipment. As an added bonus, a local foster family won this playhouse.

The PURINA Beneful Brand Team joined the event this year with a huge hit – “The Dog House!” The construction and decoration of this house was centered around a dog theme and included a toys and furniture for both children and pets.

The BIBY Family were volunteers for last year’s CASAs for Kids Playhouse Event and this year, Craig Biby stepped it up to a level. As one raffle ticket purchaser described, “all that house needed was a door and a window unit air conditioner and you could live in it!”

CABELA’s dontated a one-person tent to the event, an item that drew in scouts getting ready to spend much of their summer outdoors.

CAsAs For kids PlAyHouse drAwing The 4th annual CASAs for Kids Playhouse event, presented by ARCO

Construction and the Deaconess Foundation, showcased six unique playhouses and a tent. The playhouses that are raffled represent CASA’s mission to help find the foster children of St. Louis County safe and permanent homes. It was a record breaking year for raffle ticket sales, and thanks to sponsors and supporters the event raised $18,000.Our gracious host, St. Louis Mills has already agreed to host the event next

year from May 18th through June 3rd, 2012. Mark your calendars now!

Thank You to Our 2011 SponsorsKids Kingdom Level: ARCO Construction and Deaconess FoundationKids Corner Level: Edward Jones, Carrollton Bank and Wright ConstructionMedia Partner: Suzie Osterloh and St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles Magazine Playhouse Delivery: HWP Rigging and Budrovich Contracting

Honorary Chair Tim Ezell and Angie Mock of the Fox 2 News in the Morning team kicked off the event.

meet tHe 2011 PlAyHouse builders:

The Biby Family

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above list. If there is an error, please call (314) 615-4456.

Hero sAlute

1-800-Board-UpAdams, Alan & Jan Adams, Peggy AirTran AirwaysAllen P. & Josephine B. Green FoundationAllen Roofing & SidingAndreasen, Leslie Anheuseur Busch-InBevAon CorporationArbeiter, John & Christine Arco National Construction Co.Ardrey, Alana Arend, Debra Bailey, Aimee Ball, Inga Jean Ball, Roger & Joan Barklage, Aaron & Amy Baugher, Rebecca Baxter Gardens of ChesterfieldBentley StudiosBiby, Craig & ChrisBiehle, Alan & Jane Biggie’s RestaurantBlaney, George & Sue Bolton, Mark Boyer, Jamie & Tim Brunswick Zone LakesideBudrovich Crane RentalBusch Entertainment GroupCabela’sCabrera, Rosemary Campbell, Trisha Cardenas, Isidra Munoz Carrollton BankCash, Barbara Cassidy TurleyChase Park Plaza CinemasCheckered CottageCheckMark CommunicationsChiropractic Accident & Wellness Center of FentonCiccolella, Salvatore The Club at ChesterfieldCoffee CartelCrawford, NovaCurran, Connie & Connie Deaconess FoundationDeck Buster, LLCDeVita, Timothy & Cheryl DNTDrury Hotels, LLCDUO Pension Services, Karen MartinEdward JonesEmployees Community Fund of Boeing St. LouisEschmann, Gary & Paula Eubanks, Connie Finnegan, Kevin & Milva First Community Credit UnionFitness TogetherFitzgerald, Brittyne

Fondell, Michael & Pamela Fowler, Rhonda FuddruckersGarwood, Jason Kayser & Sarah The GE FoundationGelb, Lawrence & Nancy Ginger Bay Salon & SpaGoedeker’sGoldberg, Ken & Pam Greening, Lisa Guido’s Pizzaria & TapasGursahani, Kamal Hampshire, Theresa Hampton Inn Gateway ArchHedgecock, Stephanie Hegger, James & Kathryn Henderson, Rebecca Hernandez, Melissa Hettinger, Seth & Amanda Hoelting, Roger Hoock, Aaron Hull, Charles & Dawn Huntleigh Securities, Bill ChamberlinHusch Blackwell LLPHuskey, Timothy & Thy HWP RiggingJamieson, Maureen Johnson, CraigJP Morgan Chase FoundationJust DancingKappa Alpha Theta, St. Louis Alumnae ChapterKeller, Diana Kennelwood Pet ResortsKeough, Joanne Kiernan, Mary Beth & John Kingston, Jennifer Kinsella, Laurence & Pamela Kistler, Patty Kliethermes, Judy Knight, Krista Koelling, Norman & Donna Kolberg, Julie Krull, Gerald & Patricia LaBarge, Robert & Emily Larson, Scott & Michelle Liley, Garret & Jamie Lindbergh High SchoolLohagen, Lindsay Loveless, Debra Luithle, Brian & Amy Lytle, Barbara MaCagy, Caitlin Machain, Bernardo Maggiano’s Little Italy RestaurantThe Magic HouseManne, Mary Mark Lemp FootwearMarshall, Tom Marteen, Lissa Ann Mason, Gregory & Sheryl

Mastercard Matching Gift ProgramMatter, Matt & Lorie May, Annie McBrearty, Kathy McDonald, Jr., James McGuire, Chris & Wendy McKenzie, Bruce McNeil, Ashley McQuire, Jonnette & John Medley, Ronald & Susan Melanie’sMeredith, Michael & Susan Meyers, Allan & Nancy Miller, Bob & Julie Miller, Gloria Missouri Botanical GardensMonsanto FundMoore, Keith Morgenthaler’sMorrissey, J. Brian & Mary AnnMurals by Pilar Murphy, Michael & Susan Neithamer, Chateau Nestle Purina, The Beneful Brand TeamNeuhoff, Veronica Neuwirth, Matt Nolbert, Richard & Chris Nordmann PhotographyNorman J. Stupp FoundationNorris, Edward & Amy North County Firefighters, Local 2665O’Brien, Kristin O’Connor Group InsuranceO’Neal, Shereyl & Ashley Oliva, Carlos & Michelle Parker, James The Pasta HousePerko, Ken & Carol Petersen, Michael & Dina Phillips, Elizabeth Pilates & Yoga StudioPomme RestaurantThe Herman T. & Phenie R. Pott FoundationPovalitis, Amanda Preston SalonPRP Wines International/Wines for HumanityRiley, Bruce & Megan Riley, Jason Roedemeier, Ashley Ronzio, Martin & Christine Ross, Valisa Rothman FurnitureRyan, Lisa Papillon, Salon Santanello, MaryScheitlin, Angela ScottradeSeely, Kip & Barbara

Seidel, Patty & Don Seitrich, Kathy Siteman, Ruth Smith, Robert Soft SurroundingsSouthwest AirlinesSpeidel, Christopher & ChristineState of Missouri Steines, Christopher Stellwag, Jeremy St. Louis County Children’s Services FundSt. Louis Homes & LifestylesSt. Louis Mills MallStolz, Bob & Kristin Stringer, James & Heidi Studio Branca Salon & SpaSuburban Journals - Old NewsboysSullivan, Daniel & Julie Taylor, Jamie Ted Drewes Frozen CustardTLC GroomingTucker, Michael Tyberend, Dennis United Way of Greater St. LouisUnitedHealth Group Employee Giving CampaignUpper Limits Rock ClimbingWalMart Store - FentonWalMart Store - Telegraph RdWalt Disney WorldWaterway Gas & WashWhole Foods MarketWhyte, Dan & Sonya Williams, Kirk & Jennifer Williams, Nikki Wilson, Kris Wohldmann, Missy Wood, Jennifer Woodard Cleaning & RestorationWright Construction ServicesYancy, Valerie Zawadzki, Andrew & Elizabeth

TributesIn honor of Brian Ashworth

Mueller, Joel & Nancy

In honor of Adam KreidlerGeeting, David & JulieSwanson, Joshua & Roberta

In honor of Cheri LenacLenac, Norma

In memory of Connor Mulholland

Belza, Edwen & Lori Blaine, James & Sharon Blasingame, Amy Bode, Lila Brawley, Ronald Brown, William & Nancy Clifford, David & Judy Concannon, Jr., Robert Cowher, Caton DeMoulin Brothers & Co.Douglas, Mark & Christine Dunavant, Mary Florent, William & Susan Fritz, Curt & Judy Gabriel, Diane Garrison, Amy Griffin, Timothy & Susan Inventory Sales CompanyKlinge, Matt & Amy Lawton, Christopher Leuthauser, Jan Ludeman, Daniel & Susan Magre, Jean & Linda Mertz, Christopher Mucklow, Gary & Barbara Mulchek, Charles & Donna Ochs, Brian & Patricia Ray, Allie & Tom Reynolds, Mark & Kathleen St. Louis Wells Fargo - HR Recruiting TeamStoll, Samuel & Sylvia The Daniel & Henry Co.Trelford , L. Paul & LauraUnderwood, Thomas & Brigitte Waugh, Melissa Youngblood, Maureen

In honor of Allie Chang RayRay, David A. & Gennell Chin

In honor of Ann RotheryGuerrero, Scott & Judy

In honor of Betty VersemanMay, Barbara

In honor of Elizabeth VoglVogl, Jane

CASA of St. Louis County gratefully acknowledges the following generous individuals, groups, foundations and businesses that supported the organization’s efforts through financial or in-kind donations between January 1st, 2011 and July 20th, 2011.

2011 event sPonsors:Deck Buster, LLC Al & Nancy Meyers

Non ProfitU.S. Postage

PaidSt. Louis, MO

Permit No. 0128

CASA of St. Louis County, Inc.121 S. Meramec Ave., 2nd Fl.St. Louis, MO 63105

ContACt CAsA

(314) 615-2908www.casastlcounty.orginformation@casastlcounty.org

President Scott Larson, Carrollton Bank

Vice President Ron Johnson, The Boeing Company

Secretary Jamie Boyer, J.D., Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP

Treasurer Roger Ball, CFO Services

Brian Ashworth, Edward Jones Rachel Burse, Save-A-Lot Mike Fondell, EHRpathway Maralin Fredericks, Community Volunteer Sarah Garwood, M.D., St. Louis Children’s Hospital Phillice Gregory, Cassidy Turley John Haigler, Wells Fargo Advisors Greg Rebman, The O’Connor Group Brian Ungles, Cassidy Turley Kirk Williams, Wells Fargo Advisors Sherry Williams, Wells Fargo Advisors Allie Chang Ray, Executive Director, Ex-officio

Chris Biby, Development & Communications/Program AssistantClaudine Chastain, Manager of Advocacy ServicesJada Coleman, Case Advocacy SupervisorShamele Hill, Case Advocacy SupervisorEmily Johnson, Case Advocacy SupervisorCheri Lenac, Manager of Development & CommunicationsJodi Luetkemeyer, Administrative CoordinatorTammie Mullen, Case Advocacy SupervisorVeronica Neuhoff, Case Advocacy SupervisorRobin Roup, Development & Communications AssistantElizabeth Vogl, Case Advocacy Supervisor

boArd oF direCtors

stAFF

missouri CiC tAx CreditsMissouri State Children in Crisis (CIC) tax credits apply to donations and

sponsorships of $100 or more. Qualified donors may receive up to 50% of their contribution back in MO State tax credits. Donor’s out-of-pocket cost could be less than half of the original donation amount! Please call CASA

for more details at (314) 615-2908. CASA of St. Louis County is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

Federal Tax ID available upon request.

mark your Calendar...August 19, 7am

August 27, 6pm

September 6 - October 31

October

November

Late November throughDecember

May 18 - June 3, 2012

CASA Golf TournamentEagle Spring Golf Course

Smartypants Trivia Nightat Edward Jones Atrium

United Way Campaign

Holiday cards go on sale

National Adoption Month

11th Annual Giving Tree at area Whole Food Markets

CASAs for Kids Playhouse Eventat the St. Louis Mills Mall