VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
 JOANN WINGERT

When she got involved with CASA, Joann Wingert had been looking for a volunteer role that served children. She began her CASA training about two years ago and had an active case for over one year.

Even though going through intensive training, which “was very interesting and at the same time heartbreaking”, Joann felt rather intimidated beginning her role as a CASA. Having had no previous experience in the foster care world, she wasn’t sure she was prepared for the challenge. Joann said, “With the help of my amazing CASA coach and extremely supportive CASA Coordinator, I jumped in with both feet. I did things that were definitely ‘out of my box’.” She gained more confidence, making sure that each step she took helped to ensure the safety and well-being of the two young foster children.  

The oldest of the children (in Kindergarten) had some educational deficits that Joann felt needed to be addressed. Though it was, at times, uncomfortable to tactfully challenge the status quo of the foster boy’s academic situation, it seemed crucial to his future success. She made appointments with the classroom teacher, Principal, At-Risk Coordinator, Trauma Specialist and Reading Specialist. She visited the classroom to observe him in his educational environment and attended his parent-teacher conference. A joint plan was made to address his academic needs. She then visited his summer school program after the school year ended, and then followed up with his teacher, principal and reading support staff the following school year to ensure his educational needs were being met.

The children Joann advocated for had lived in five foster homes over the course of three years. The last foster home became their forever home as the children were happily adopted after one year of being placed with them. Joann became very fond of the boys and enjoyed her relationship with them. She feels her role as a CASA Advocate was impactful, working hand in hand with the DHS caseworker, foster family, and children. Joann said, “The boys’ happiness and security, and the knowledge that they are living in a loving family home, is more reward than I can express.”

As a CASA, Joann expressed that the challenge is to accept the sad situations our foster children have experienced and the abuse that has often occurred in their pasts. She stated, “The best way to counteract this challenge is to work hard on their behalf to give them a chance at a better and safer life. We can’t change their pasts, but hopefully we can change their futures. Being a CASA has opened my eyes and my heart to children everywhere in whatever manner in which they struggle. I hope that spreading a little kindness and understanding to kids in need will help them in some small way. Every child needs someone in their corner looking out for their best interests. It is an adult-oriented world and these children need that CASA voice speaking on their behalf with their best interests at heart.”

ICAB Coordinator Meg Campbell said, “JoAnn is a terrific advocate for the children and families she serves! She worked persistently to keep in touch with a parent who was detained in an ICE hold when others did not know where to begin trying to contact this person. She provided excellent educational advocacy throughout the case as well. She developed good relationships with the other professionals in the case and became an integral part of the team. As a result of her efforts, two siblings who had previously been in and out of their home for over two years now have a forever family where they are safe, loved, and thriving.” Thank you Joann for making such a huge difference in the lives of your CASA children!

AmazonSmile is a way to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop with Amazon.

Shoppers who start at smile.amazon.com will find the same Amazon they know and love, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the price of eligible purchases to the charity of your choice.

Signing up is easy!

Here's how to shop AmazonSmile:

1. Visit smile.amazon.com
2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials
3. Choose or search for Friends of Iowa CASA and ICFCRB as your charity to receive donations
4. Start shopping!
5. Add a bookmark for smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile

Thank you for supporting the Iowa CASA and FCRB programs!

In honor of Women’s History month we celebrate the life of Etta Wheeler.  If her name doesn’t spark a sense of familiarity, perhaps the name Mary Ellen Wilson will stand out.  Mary Ellen’s abuse at the hands of her caregivers in the 1870’s led to what social workers in the child abuse field consider the landmark case for recognzing that children deserved to be treated at least as well as animals and that the community and the courts needed to stand up against cruelty to children.  

Their story was one of mercy, justice, and of an objective person being the voice advocating for a child’s needs and protection.  Etta worked tirelessly for months to find help for Mary Ellen and then she found Henry Bergh, the founder of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  Etta attended every one of Mary Ellen’s court hearings and testified during the trial, supporting Mary Ellen.  Etta Wheeler exemplifies how one caring, committed person can make a difference in a child’s life and how one person can impact the world.  Etta Wheeler and her efforts to intervene on one child’s behalf led to the founding of the first child protective agency, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Their advocacy for legislation on child protection foundational concepts remain today.  

Let us honor Etta Wheeler by continuing to advocate for children’s well-being, safety and permanency!!

For CASA Advocates:  In-Service Training 

National CASA Program Standards and Iowa CASA Program Policy outline that Advocates and Coaches will annually participate in trainings that focus on recognizing abuse and neglect. This policy underlines the importance of being aware of warning signs and risks of abuse and neglect to further protect the children we are appointed to serve.  Classes available to Advocates and Coaches include: