The Lindy Harrell Fund
The establishment of the "Lindy Harrell" Special Request fund enables CASAs to apply for monies to help their child attend a camp, special therapy, get a prom dress, etc. This is to not only help the children but enable each CASA to feel more empowered to assist when there is a type of need that DFCS is unable to cover.
Lindy Harrell Initiatives
These programs are provided to help us better serve our CASA volunteers by a generous donation from the late Lindy Harrell.
Extra Mile Program
250-500 miles traveled = $25 gift card
501-750 miles traveled = $50 in gift cards
751-1000 miles traveled = $75 in gift cards
1001+ miles traveled = $100 in gift cards
Gift cards will first be given quarterly based on mileage logged into CPRS.
Enhanced Trauma Training Program
There will be several steps to getting this program started and providing it on a regular basis to all CASAs. The first step is to have staff from the Montgomery, TX CASA program visit our program and provide some TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) training to our program staff. We hope to accomplish this sometime this fall. The next step will be to have the Montgomery TX CASA program provide virtual training to all our CASAs (schedule for this to be determined, but the intent is to start early 2024).
Counselor Support Program
Kristy Snedden, LCSW, will be providing quarterly group in-person sessions (alternating between the CASA office and a location (TBD) in Lavonia) and virtual group sessions each month when an in-person session is not held. Email reminders will be sent out prior to each session.
Peer-to-Peer Support Group Program
We will have 4 "Peer to Peer" groups based on geography. Each CASA will be assigned to a group and it will be your option to participate regularly, sometimes or not at all (or switch to a different group if you prefer). Each group will connect at least quarterly to socialize and support each other. These will be different from our current "lunch-n-learn/CASA connection" meetings as they will not be at a restaurant. They might be at someone's home, a park, or even at a bowling alley or other activity location. This is to enable more interaction and easy conversation. Also, staff will not be present as the groups will be coordinated by a CASA(s).