newsletter

Family & Youth E-Newsletter, Lake Charles, LA Jan. 2010

Employees from Local Industries Donate Christmas Gifts to Children in CASA Program

Charles Alfred and Joe Andrepont, both with Westlake Chemical, delivered donated toys to Judy Broussard and Erica Lewis of Court Appointed Special Advocates.

Christine Dutridge with WR Grace and company and Loretta Gallien with Sasol delivered donated toys to Erica Lewis and Judy Broussard with CASA.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a program of Family & Youth recently accepted over 200 gifts from employees of WR Grace and company, Westlake Chemical, and Sasol to give to children who are served by the CASA program. In 2009, the CASA program more served than 200 children.

Christine Dutridge, with WR Grace and company, is a CASA volunteer. She organized the toy drive to provide age-appropriate toys to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. Christine was recognized for her dedication to the CASA program with a 2009 Light of Hope Award.

CASA, a program of Family & Youth, recruits and trains volunteers who advocate in court for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers serve as the eyes and ears of the court, gathering information on each child’s situation. They also serve as the voice of the child, presenting their information, along with fact based recommendations, to the Family & Juvenile Court Judge, ensuring that the child’s best interests are considered in every decision. There is no special background required to be a CASA – potential volunteers must be able to pass a criminal background check, have a love of children and a desire to help.

Family & Youth web page is designed for educational and informational use only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical and/or mental health attention or treatment. You may contact us at 337-436-9533 for further information.

Family & Youth, 220 Louie Street, Lake Charles, LA 70611, 337-436-9533, www.fyca.org