Last night, we hosted the inaugural CASA University event for volunteers to network and learn more about the key components of their role. All in all, it was an overwhelming success! We are so proud of our volunteers and want to thank each of the advocates who were able to attend and help us kick off a new tradition. #CASAU
It’s a BIG day for Tulsa CASA! With all of the rain and flooding in the Tulsa area, our May swearing-in ceremony was delayed. Today, we swore-in both the May and June classes. AND we managed to fit everyone in for a group photo! In total, we have 19 new advocates, our summer intern, and our new advocate manager to congratulate. We’re so happy to officially welcome you all! 🎉
We are thrilled to officially announce our 2019 Recruitment Event: Movie in the Park with Tulsa CASA! Join us on July 11th for a fun evening at Guthrie Green. Captain Marvel is showing on the big-screen in the park and you can meet Tulsa CASA staff and volunteers, as well as receive more information about how you can become a Court Appointed Special Advocate for a child in foster care.
Invite your family and friends and come say hello! Get there early to find a good seat, have dinner and hangout. Food trucks will be available thanks to the Greater Tulsa Association of REALTORS and Tulsa CASA staff members will be handing out popcorn for the movie. Pre-party starts at 6:30!
Ashley Ailey became a Tulsa CASA volunteer in March 2018. After reading Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Courter and being moved by her story, Ashley decided that she wanted to help children in foster care and provide a voice for them; it just so happens that Ashley Rhodes-Courter was our CASA Casino guest speaker that same year!
Before CASA, Ashley Ailey volunteered with Girl Scouts and Reading Partners. Ashley enjoys being a CASA volunteer because she is able to work with the same child until their case closes, while gathering information from the caseworkers, foster parents, biological parents, and other service providers to determine the best interest of the child.
Ashley works as a family law paralegal, and was recently accepted into the Law program at the University of Tulsa. She and her husband have two daughters, as well as two Labradors.
When she is not working, attending classes, or visiting her CASA child, Ashley’s children keep her busy with their sports schedules—especially softball! She and her husband also love college football, and although they are both OSU alumni, he roots for OU while she loves OSU.
Ashley, thank you for everything that you do on behalf of Tulsa CASA. Your passion for helping children in foster care does not go unnoticed, and we are lucky to have you as an advocate for children in Tulsa County!
Ashley is a tremendously hardworking advocate who is wholeheartedly devoted to her CASA children. She has a very full schedule with work, being a wife and mother, and starting law school in July; yet she still makes time to focus on a teenager and three young children each month in order to be a voice for them as they experience the uncertainty of foster care.
As a new Advocate Manager with Tulsa CASA, it has been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated volunteer!
– Cheryl Wright
We had another group of lucky advocates this month! They are the first CASAs to be sworn-in by Judge Drieling. Judge Drieling is also new to the Juvenile Bureau, and we are so happy to have her presiding over some of our cases! Congratulations CASAs!
Happy National Volunteer Week! Last year, 204 Tulsa CASA volunteers advocated for 434 children on 226 different cases. To all of our CASA volunteers and board members, THANK YOU for the work that you do on behalf of our organization and children in Tulsa County! 💙
Debbie King has served on the Tulsa CASA Board of Directors for 4 years, previously as Treasurer and Vice President, and now as our current Board President! She truly goes above and beyond for CASA and is dedicated to our mission.
Debbie got involved with CASA after another board member and colleague “consistently talked about what a fantastic organization CASA was and described how much they helped children.” We couldn’t be more thankful to have her expertise on the board and in a leadership role!
Debbie describes her typical responsibilities for CASA as leading board meetings, communicating with other board members, and coordinating with CASA staff regarding financials, fundraising, and staffing.
Professionally, Debbie is the Vice President of Audit Services for ONEOK, Inc. and has been with the company for 17 years. She has lived in Tulsa for 28 years and has been involved in volunteerism with a variety of organizations, such as dog rescues, the Bixby Outreach Center, Komen-Race for the Cure, Child Abuse Network, and serving on the YMCA board.
Debbie and her husband Jeff have two children, Lauren and Ryan, and recently welcomed their first grandson, James! In addition, they have two furry family members—rescue dogs Jake and Haze.
In her spare time, Debbie enjoys running, camping, and attending any OSU event. It is an honor to work with Debbie and her service as Board President will have a lasting impact on our organization. Thank you for all that you do on behalf of CASA!
Over the last few months of working with Debbie I have come to recognize her giving spirit and rely on her thoughtful input. She is passionate about the mission and dedicated to growing CASA to serve more children to meet the need in the community.
Debbie is beloved by the CASA staff and has truly gone out of her way to demonstrate her support for them and all their work. She is an invaluable asset to Tulsa CASA and we are grateful to have her as our Board President. — Elizabeth Fisher
Child Abuse Prevention MonthApril is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Did you know that over 15,000 children in Oklahoma were victims of abuse and neglect in 2018? Tulsa CASA always needs caring, committed volunteers to advocate for children in foster care and ensure that their future is brighter than their past. Will you join us this month to change a child’s story? #iamforthechild#ENDchildabuse
These lucky advocates had the privilege of being the first group of CASA’s sworn-in by Judge Carter! Also pictured is our advocate manager, Cheryl Wright, who came to CASA with years of experience as a DHS caseworker. We are excited to welcome Judge Carter, Cheryl, and our newest volunteers!