Ice cream social supports local CASA program

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) successfully hosted its 7th annual ice cream social at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Thursday evening. CASA of Lake and Sanders counties is part of a state and nationwide program consisting of volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children while ensuring they are protected and served fairly in the court system.

Close to 70 people attended the event which included free ice cream, a silent auction and musical entertainment from Tanner Laws. "We raised about $3,100 at the event," said Colleen McCarthy, who organizes the yearly event. "That's a lot for this community and we are very happy with it."

The ice cream social is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the all-volunteer organization. Funds raised go toward the 30-hour training and transportation volunteers need in order to become CASA advocates.

Youth Connections is a new initiative that is being brought to Sanders County this year. It's a program CASA designed in order to attempt to intervene with families before an official intervention takes place. "We try not to be reactive but proactive," McCarthy said. "We work with families to offer parenting classes and supervised visits. We cater to private cases and those who are in protective services."

While CASA does not have a permanent home in Sanders County, McCarthy says it is a need in this area. "Recent legislation favors parental rights over the safety of the child," she said. "The state of Alaska is trying to work more with families on these cases and we are trying to do the same."

For the time being, McCarty says Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Thompson Falls and Alliance Church in Plains have graciously opened their doors to host family meetings. Families get the gym to themselves at Alliance Church when they meet there. "It's so generous and awesome of the churches to let us use their space," McCarthy said. "It's a lot more fun for families to have activities to do. We are happy with the process so far. It's proactive but you also see the prevention aspect as well."

Individuals and businesses from around the county donated a number of items for the silent auction, including a night stay at Quinn's Hot Springs and Resort that auctioned off for more than $200. "I think the event went really well and it was a nice evening," McCarthy said. "Tanner Laws is always a delight to work with. He's responsive and always does a really nice job."

McCarthy says those who were manning the main booth spoke to several people who were interested in volunteer opportunities and she also spoke with a woman from Plains who was interested in becoming an advocate, but volunteers are always needed. For more information, call McCarthy at (406) 273-8791.