There is always something happening behind the scenes of child advocacy. From welcoming newly sworn CASA volunteers to celebrating partnerships and sharing important milestones, our community continues to show up for children in Hall and Dawson Counties.
Explore the latest announcements and updates from Hall-Dawson CASA, and see how local people and organizations are helping make this work possible.
2024 Volunteer of the Year
2024 Volunteer of the Year Nomination
“Kim Everhart has been a long-valued asset to the Hall-Dawson CASA program. In handling cases in Hall and Dawson Counties over the last five years, she has been able to step in wherever we need her.” Juvenile Court Chief Judge Alison Toller. Kim was sworn in with Hall-Dawson CASA in May of 2019 and her impact on our program has grown each year. She has had seven cases with a total of 14 children. Reunification was achieved in four of the five cases she has so far helped bring to a close. Child attorney Elizabeth Wheeler states that Kim “understands and seeks to be sensitive to the complexities of a case that involves the rights of both children and parents, as well as the needs of the caregivers. I am truly thankful to have the confidence that I can call the children’s CASA and know that she not only visited the children, but that she has pursued multiple trails of the investigative process in between visits.”
The circumstances surrounding the outcome of one of her first cases would cause many to leave CASA both disappointed and disillusioned in the system and the process. Kim picked up this difficult case after two other advocates had retired from the program. It had already been open for over a year. There had been multiple placement disruptions and stays in crisis stabilization hospitals, but Kim was determined to see the case through. Even though she fought for more services to be provided to this special-needs child, the case was closed. Unfortunately, the family was poorly prepared for the reunification it achieved. Rather than give up in frustration, Kim continued to fight for the services and the family far beyond the end of the case. This persistence in setting our families up for success has carried through all her work. When Kim takes a case, she will engage in her advocacy with focus and determination regardless of the obstacles.
In addition to advocating in the courtroom for our kids, Kim advocates in our community for CASA. In her many, varied activities, she is always raising CASA’s profile and gathering funds and other donations from holiday gifts to school supplies! “Kim is one of those amazing volunteers who goes ALL IN with her support!” notes Development Specialist Joy Green. “She gives generously of her financial resources and encourages others to do so who are able. It’s a special gift when someone who gives so graciously of their time to our work also chooses to support us through donations.”
It is generally agreed that word of mouth is a most powerful recruitment tool and Kim excels at this, too. We have lost count of the number of new volunteer advocates who have come to us through Kim over the years. She is very intentional in who she refers to our program. Kim understands the commitment and the importance of becoming a consistent adult in the lives of children experiencing foster care.
“[CASA] has been one of the most rewarding volunteer programs I have ever been involved with. I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives and those families who live in my community. It has changed my life and I hope those that I have served along the way. Being a child advocate allows me to be a caring, loving light to children who are going through the toughest days of their young lives.” – Kim Everhart, Volunteer Spotlight 2022
Kim is a thoughtful and passionate advocate. She is unflinching in her desire to understand the processes of the work that we do and to pass that knowledge on. She is a true partner to the parents who are working to repair their lives and emerge stronger for those who rely on them. Our Volunteer Recruitment and Training Coordinator, Tracy Verrigni puts it best: “Kim Everhart is a CASA volunteer who relentlessly advocates for the best interest of abused or neglected children while simultaneously sharing our CASA story in the community. I’ve had the honor of speaking with several community members who, as a result of crossing paths with Kim, decided to join our CASA family. It is hard to describe her other than to say she is one of the kindest, most selfless and humble volunteers in our program.”
