Volunteers recognized: 40 years of combined service
November 4, 2021
Pictured from left to right: Volunteer Coordinator Abby Gabet, 5-year volunteer Diane Bair, 20-year volunteer Liz Gilbert, 10-year volunteer Cathy Aldrich, and Executive Director Brooke Griggs. Not pictured, 5-year volunteer Brayton Pickard. Click here to see more photos from this event.
AUBURN – At an annual banquet, CASA volunteers were applauded for their efforts in 2020 and 2021.
CASA provides a voice for powerless children involved in judicial proceedings and advocates for their best interests while striving to improve their circumstances and quality of life. Northeastern Indiana CASA serves in five counties – Dekalb, Lagrange, Noble, Steuben and Whitley.
With 15 new volunteers joining the nonprofit in 2020 and 2021, the organization now has 39 total volunteers and a zero waitlist.
“We couldn’t do what we do without each of you,” said Volunteer Coordinator Abby Gabet. “It is because of each of you, our program has been able to maintain a zero waitlist. This means that of all the counties we serve, there are zero children waiting for someone to give them a voice. I am so proud to be part of this CASA family.”
At the banquet, four volunteers were celebrated for milestone years of service. Diane Bair, celebrating five years of service, joined in 2016 and has overseen 10 CHINS cases and advocated for 13 children.
Brayton Pickard also hitting the five-year milestone, serves DeKalb County and has overseen 10 CHINS cases and advocated for 13 children.
With 10 years of volunteer service, Cathy Aldrich was recognized and serves Steuben County. Since 2011 she has overseen 24 CHINS cases, one guardianship case, four divorce cases and advocated for 42 children.
Special recognition was paid to long-time volunteer Liz Gilbert. She will mark 20 years of volunteer work in January of 2022. Gilbert was presented with a trophy and a vote of appreciation for all she has done for the nonprofit. Of which Gabet said, “We are so thankful for you and your commitment to our program and advocating for these kiddos. You have such a huge heart, and we are so lucky to have you.”
In 2020, amidst the pandemic, Northeastern Indiana CASA served 464 children. The year also brought about 30 adoptions and 400 children were reunified with their biological families. During this trying year, volunteers were forced to move into virtual visits with children, virtual team meetings, and even virtual court hearings. This year, Northeastern Indiana CASA has served 446 children.
“Your selflessness, hard work, time, dedication, passion and genuine love and support that you give to the kids we serve does not go unnoticed,” said Gabet. “What is more amazing about each of you is that you don’t [volunteer] for the glory, fame or recognition, but rather the quiet satisfaction of helping others. By doing what you do, helping these children, you make a difference in their lives. You give them hope, hope for a better future. You empower them to find their voice and rise above their circumstances. You remind them they matter. That is what makes it all worth it.”