Salem Resident Recognized for Dedication to Volunteerism

Pat Castricone, a Salem resident and long time volunteer for CASA of New Hampshire, was recently recognized by Citizen’s Bank and Volunteer NH for her significant contributions to the Salem community.

Castricone was named one of this year’s “Good Citizens” -- an award given to those who “demonstrate an exceptional commitment to volunteerism and, through their efforts, strengthen the communities where they live and work.”

As part of the award, a $250 donation has been made to CASA of New Hampshire on her behalf.

“Patricia is a true asset to the Salem community,” said Connee Desaro, Citizens Bank Salem branch manager, in a recent press release. “She embodies the spirit of volunteerism with her positive attitude and willingness to help whenever needed. We are proud to work with Volunteer NH to showcase people like Patricia and the tremendous work they do in our New Hampshire communities.”

Castricone has been a volunteer with CASA for 10 years. Her responsibilities are to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children who have entered the NH court system through no fault of their own.

As part of her responsibilities as a CASA, Castricone visits with the child or children in her cases every month and connects with the family, school, caregivers, and other important adults in the child’s life to learn as much as she can about her charge. She writes detailed and objective reports about her observations and recommendations to turn over to the judge on the case. The judge uses these reports and Castricone’s remarks in court hearings as a factor in his or her rulings.

Over the last 10 years, Castricone has advocated on behalf of an incredible 37 children, contributing more than 1,740 volunteer hours and driving 122,905 miles on these children’s behalf. She has remained on each case until the child was safe in a permanent home.

Additionally, she has been a valued member of the committee responsible for executing the annual Spring Fashion Show and Auction, CASA’s top grossing fundraising event each year, and she recently became a volunteer mentor to new advocates through CASA’s new Peer Coordinator program

“We are pleased to recognize Patricia for her steady dedicated service,” said Gretchen Berger-Wabuti, executive director at Volunteer NH. “It’s clear that her commitment to volunteerism is making a positive impact on the lives of many community members.”

CASA of NH is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a central office in Manchester and satellite offices in Berlin, Colebrook, Dover, Keene, and Plymouth. Celebrating it’s 25th year in New Hampshire, CASA strives to protect every abused child’s right to live, learn and grow in the embrace of a loving family. To learn more about CASA, to apply to volunteer or to donate, visit www.casanh.org or call 800-626-0622.

From Citizens Bank and Volunteer NH:

Volunteer NH, a nonprofit organization that promotes volunteerism and service in New Hampshire, sponsors and supports national service initiatives such as AmeriCorps. It also provides training, a volunteer matching service and volunteer-recognition programs.

The Good Citizen Award is part of Citizens Helping Citizens Strengthen Communities, the bank’s program designed to contribute to the economic vitality of the communities it serves. The awards will be presented on a monthly basis through November 2014, when all of this year’s Good Citizens will be honored at the Spirit of New Hampshire Awards ceremony.

Good Citizen Award nominations can be made online at www.volunteernh.org. Nominations are evaluated based on the long-term impact of the nominee’s service and how they have inspired others to get involved or contributed to a culture of volunteerism. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Questions may be directed to Charles Caldwell, administrative outreach officer, Volunteer NH, at 603.271.7200 or by sending an email to recognition@volunteernh.org.