The volunteer appreciation event this year celebrated the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of our volunteers in CASA and Childcare programs. On May 1, we had a great time enjoying the backyard barbeque, outdoor games and sharing stories of hope and compassion with our volunteers, their families and friends and the community.

Throughout the year, our CASA volunteers have been spending countless hours ensuring that our community's most vulnerable are heard. They act as legal advocates for abused and neglected children, speaking up for their best interests in court and in the community. Meanwhile, our Childcare volunteers have been providing care for children in foster care while their foster parents are in continuing education classes. They have helped to surround children with strong, adult role models.

Being a volunteer is not an easy task. Preparations are filled with loads of information. They share the sorrow and joy with the kids and listen to their deepest concerns. They feel happy and blessed when seeing kids end up in safe homes, but might also experience frustration and anxiety when the best place available is not where they ideally desire. But after going through all the process, it is always rewarding to see a positive difference being made in children’s lives.

Now it is time for us to celebrate and to express the deepest gratitude. Thank you to all our volunteers for your dedication, your love for children, and the positive impact you have made in children’s lives.

Children First is now recruiting community volunteers interested in being legal advocates for abused and neglected children in our community.  We will be holding our Fall 2010 CASA Training Session during the month of September.  As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), you speak for a child who's been neglected, abused, ignored, and has now entered the child welfare system.

You'll be trained.  You'll have a cause.  With a first and last name.

CASA volunteers are community members just like you.  Ordinary people doing the extraordinary.  To find out more, click here.

Thank you to everyone that came to our Volunteer Appreciation BBQ on Saturday!  We had a great time, in spite of the rain.  It was wonderful to have staff, board members, and community supporters all come together and celebrate the achievements fo Children First Volunteers!

 

Children First Inc is now on Facebook. Become a fan and receive all the latest information and view photos from Children First programs and events!


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Children-First-Inc-Formerly-Athens-Oconee-CASA/313541203665?ref=ts

On Tuesday, February 23rd, JUSTGeorigia and the CASA Network will "come together to highlight their commitment to Georgia's children." The event will take place from 9:40am-12noon in The Blue Room of the Freight Depot on 65 Martin Luther King Jr, Dr. in Atlanta, Georgia.

This will be an event you do not want to miss, so please RSVP by February 19th by clicking here. 

February training for Athens-Oconee CASA volunteers begins today. We have a talented and diverse group of 14 individuals for this session, including lawyers, students, parents, grandparents, and teachers. Athens-Oconee CASA is really excited to be working with these trainees. They will attend sessions throughout the month of February and be sworn in as officers of the Juvenile Court in March.  These trainees are on the path to become powerful advocates for abused and neglected children in our community.

 

The Athens-Oconee CASA program will be holding a Volunteer Orientation for all those interested in becoming a powerful voice in the life of a child.  The Orientation will cover the role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate, the CASA training, and answer any questions that new volunteers may have.

CASA Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, January 19th
6-7:30pm
@ the Children First office - 220 College Avenue Suite 517 in downtown Athens.

Please join us!

for more information, contact the Children First office at 706-613-1922 or info@athensoconeecasa.org.

Thank you to everyone that came out to help Children First provide gifts for children in foster care this holiday season.  A special thank you to the UGA Geography Graduate students and the American Medical Student Association for their assistance with this event.  A great time was had by all wrapping the gifts and getting them ready for the Foster Parent Association Holiday Dinner. The Holiday Dinner went on without a hitch thanks to all the volunteers and especially Mrs. Clause, who handed out a gift to every child.

Thank you all again for all your hard work!