Local Nonprofit Receives Governor's Service Award

Yesterday in Annapolis Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County received the Governor’s Service Award for Nonprofit Program, presented by Maryland’s 1st Lady, Mrs. Yumi Hogan and Steve McAdams from the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. The Governor’s Service Awards recognize significant contributions and sustained commitment to meeting Maryland’s most pressing needs. CASA was nominated as a representative of outstanding volunteer service and was selected by a committee of community leaders, volunteers and State staff.

CASA’s Volunteer Program recruits ordinary citizens from the community and provides intensive training and supervision so that individuals can become advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care in Prince George’s County. Empowered with a Court Order, volunteers are able to not only provide information to the court to aid the court in making informed decisions that are in the best interest of the children but also become a positive, consistent person in the child’s life. In 2014, 142 children were served by 141 CASA volunteers in Prince George’s County. CASA works continuously to strengthen and grow its program to ensure the highest quality service to youth possible.

Executive Director Ann Marie Binsner, along with Board Chair Sheila Edmondson, Board Member William Bundy, volunteers Jerry Thigpen and Ellen White, Transitioning Youth Coordinator Cheryl Richards and Deputy Director Kara Bundy accepted the award on behalf of CASA. “We are honored to accept this award,” says Binsner “but the strength of our Volunteer Program is a direct result of the commitment and steadfast advocacy of our volunteers. This award is really for them.”

Due to the strength of the Volunteer Program and the needs of the community, CASA is recruiting more volunteers to be able to serve more children and youth in foster care. On Wednesday December 2nd from 6-7pm, an Information Session will be held at First United Methodist Church at 6201 Belcrest Road in Hyattsville, Maryland for people interested in learning more about becoming a CASA volunteer. The next training will start in January 2016. To RSVP for the Information Session or request more information, please email staff@pgcasa.org or call 301-209-0491.

About Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/Prince George’s County, Inc.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/ Prince George’s County, Inc. is a volunteer-based organization that partners with the juvenile court to improve the lives of abused and neglected children living in foster care. With a strong commitment to diversity, CASA trains and supervises volunteers from the community who advocate for the best interest of children, recognizing and respecting each child’s individual needs. By providing a voice to children in the foster care system, it is our goal to promote the timely placement of the children we serve in safe, permanent homes.

Photo credit: Photo provided by the Executive Office of the Governor

Media Contact: Ann Marie Binsner, Executive Director 301-209-0491