CASA Youth Advocates Announces 16 New Volunteer Advocates

CASA Youth Advocates, a nonprofit that recruits, trains and supports volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Delaware and Chester counties, today announces its 16 newest volunteer advocates.

New Court Appointed Special Advocates include:

• Matthew Qiao of Media
• Christina Aguilar of Linwood
• Stacie Kennefick of West Chester
• Brenda Hackett of Audubon
• Mary Johnson of Springfield
• Nancy Ross of Drexel Hill
• Jackie Chakejian of Chester Springs
• Maria Courter of Media
• Kat Spence of Glenolden
• Joanne Gaines of Cochranville
• Mary Gentile of Chadds Ford
• Kelly Jensen of Marple Glen
• Benet Donnelly of Conshohocken
• Jenise Rhoades of Harleysville
• Bruce Rhoades of Harleysville
• Kathleen Kelly of Ardmore

After successfully completing 35 hours of training over the course of two months, each volunteer took an oath on April 30, 2018, administered by Delaware County Dependency Court Judge Nathaniel C. Nichols to become eligible to review and monitor the case of a child or youth experiencing abuse or neglect. Volunteers will have the responsibility of helping build trust with their child and investigating their child’s case by observing, analyzing, and developing a relationship to discern and champion their best interests.

Executive Director Leigh Anne McKelvey gives her praise to this season’s newly appointed advocates: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization and I feel confident that this group of individuals will excel in providing guidance in the lives of children in our foster care systems.”

Last year, CASA served 206 of approximately 1200 children in Delaware and Chester counties’ dependency court systems. With the acquisition and appointment of new volunteers, CASA strives to expand its services to support every child in foster care.

To learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate, sign up for a monthly info session. The next is on Thursday, May 24 at 8:30am. Visit delcocasa.org for more information.

About CASA Youth Advocates

Since 1992, CASA Youth Advocates has worked to ensure each child in Delaware County’s child welfare system a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. CASA recruits and trains volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates to advise the courts on the best interests of an abused or neglected child, with support and guidance from CASA’s professional staff of social workers and attorneys. In 2015 CASA expanded services to Chester County children.

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