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12 new CASA volunteers sworn in
Every day, 600 children live in foster care or other out-of-home care in El Paso County. These children have been victims of abuse or neglect and are involved in many systems, including the family justice system, the health care system and the school system.
Living in an unpredictable environment can be traumatic for children, and their circumstances often force them to change schools, which means going back to school can present additional challenges for them.
Pikes Peak Area CASA announced that 12 community members were sworn in before a judge on August 13 to become Court-Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA.
The volunteers who underwent 30 hours of training before taking the oath are Craig Calhoun, Kristen Combs, Ellen Crow, Ivy Engleman, Veronica Haley, Amy Hartman, Audrey Jimenez-Brown, Brent Leasure, Hayley Olson, Jarrod Stern, Ashely Varnum and Brian Volk.
Each will be appointed by a judge in an open addiction and neglect case so that they can defend an abused or neglected child and ensure that the best interests of the child remain at the forefront during legal proceedings.
Part of being a CASA volunteer is staying in frequent contact with teachers and school administrators to better understand a child’s unique strengths and challenges. These interactions with the child’s school, combined with the volunteer relationship with the child, allow CASA volunteers to advocate in court for what a child needs to thrive academically.
El Pomar pays tribute to former state representative Dennis Barcial Apuan
Since 2006, the El Pomar Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Development (ELD) program has recognized an ethnic minority leader in southern Colorado to celebrate his civic contributions through Rev. Milton E. Proby’s induction ceremony into cultural heritage.
This year, the honor went to former State Representative Dennis Barcial Apuan (1964-2020), a leader of the Filipino American community and long-time advocate for civil rights, equality and human rights. peace, died on May 23, 2020 of complications from diabetes.
Apuan was born in Manila, Philippines, before moving to the United States in 1984 and Colorado Springs in 1997. Throughout his time in the Pikes Peak area, he was a tireless civic leader and represented a constituency diverse in the 17th District of Southeast Colorado Springs. during his tenure at State House from 2009 to 2011.
Outside of his public service, Apuan has worked with the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission, the El Paso County Democratic Party, Colorado Unity, the UCCS Diversity Strategic Planning Committee, and the National Federation of the Association of American Filipinos.
On August 20, El Pomar hosted a hybrid ceremony to celebrate Apuan’s civic contributions at the Penrose House Conference Center in Colorado Springs with El Pomar staff and administrators, emerging leader development participants and the families of alumni. inductees present.
It was his sister Joy Santiago, who traveled from Florida for the occasion, who received the award on behalf of Apuan.
The event can be found on youtube.com/watch?v=iXC8OFAFRMM.
PPLD is looking for a new board member
The Pikes Peak Library District Board of Directors is seeking applications to fill a vacant position by January 1.
Cathy Grossman’s last term as a volunteer ends December 31.
PPLD board members are appointed by a joint committee of Colorado Springs City Council and the El Paso County Council of Commissioners. This is a board of directors as opposed to an advisory board.
Trustees serve without pay and must live in the library district service area. They are limited to two five-year terms.
Responsibilities include attending regular board and committee meetings, adhering to bylaws, serving as a community liaison, appointing and evaluating the performance of the chief librarian and CEO of the library, the institution policy, carrying out strategic planning tasks, reviewing and approving the annual budget, among other tasks.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on September 12 and must be completed and submitted online. For more information visit ppld.org/BOT.
All applicants are asked to attend the monthly public board meeting at 5:00 p.m. on September 22 at the Penrose Library. A reception will follow the meeting, where candidates can introduce themselves and learn more about the position.
Education Updates
Luke Porter (80906) received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama.
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