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CASA/CAJA News!

Nancy Bush, Executive Director, and David Doble,  Alabama CASA Network board member (below), joined hundreds of others attending Fiesta, an event celebrating Hispanic culture.  The event was held October 17, 2009 at Linn Park, Birmingham, Alabama.

Directors Retreat

August 14-16, 2009

Alabama CASA Network held it's annual Directors Retreat at Lake Guntersville State Park Lodge.  The event provides an opportunity for all county-based program directors to to share information about their programs, address issues common to all programs, discuss local and state priorities, and build relationships.

Cockwise: Javon Daniel (Cullman County CASA), Nancy Bush (Alabama CASA), Rene Williams (CASA of Jefferson County), Beth Chapman, (CASA of Shelby County), Carl Lowe (Marshall County CAJA), Mary Snyder (Blount County CASA), Darrue Fank (Autauga County CASA) and Karen Snead (Colbert County CASA).  Not shown: Shirley Ingram (Madison County CAJA), Andrea Holt (CASA of Florence/Lauderdale County), Elizabeth Walter (CASA of Mobile), Dot Burke (Marshall County CAJA).

Alabama CASA's 2009 state conference (November 5th) attracted over 130 volunteers, speakers, attorneys, social workers and staff.  Keynote speakers Pete Banks from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (upper left) and Allison Cornelius Black from BlackBoard (center) provided dynamic morning and afternoon sessions.  Breakout session speakers included John Crane, Birmingham Police Department; Lou Lacy, Director of CHIPS Center; Maribeth Thomas, Prescott House; Brandon Essig, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Dr. Debra Nelson-Gardell, Professor of Social Work, University of Alabama.  Exhibitors included members of Hand-in-Paw, Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP), and Alabama Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (AFAPA). 

Congratulations to Colbert County CASA for achieving full membership in the National CASA Association.