Organizations that offer help to others need your help, too-CASA

Sunday, June 6, 2010
Organizations that offer help to others need your help, too
By JOHN BACHMAN

Angel skipped school more often as this year’s prom season approached. Her grades slid, threatening to reduce her already slim college hopes beyond her reach. She remembered the pain of 2009 when the school buzzed with anticipation of the prom and then the stories of after-prom parties and fun.
Angel did not participate last year because she could not afford a gown or even a decent dress. She was miserable and hated the thought of repeating the experience.
A senior year prom is an important event for a 17-year-old girl, and Angel was having a bad experience for lack of a gown. Then her mother spotted a news article.
“Look at this, Angel,” she said. “Maybe this will help.”
Angel read the report about the Cinderella Project of New Hampshire as her mother narrated: “They will give you a gown, no charge. Shoes and purses and even jewelry.”
Angel smiled for the first time in weeks. She smiled that big, beautiful smile that had disappeared under worry.
Her Mom called one of the Cinderella Project volunteers and made an appointment to visit the boutique in Allenstown. Soon Angel was the proud owner of a beautiful, like-new gown with matching shoes and appointments. She could not be happier and could not wait to get to school to talk prom talk with her friends.
Her grades improved, and she resolved to get into college. Her mother noticed how she dove into homework with a vengeance. A gown had changed her life.
I made this story up, but similar ones happen hundreds of times every year, peaking during prom season, but also occurring before weddings and other dressy events. The Cinderella Project of New Hampshire makes it all possible, at no cost to its clients. There can be no more local charity than this. It touches teens and restores their dreams.
The Cinderella Project has plenty of gowns, and is always willing to take more, but cash needed for rent, electricity, racks and incidental expenses is short. The volunteers not only give their time, they also occasionally pull out their checkbooks.
You can support this very worthy cause by sending a donation to The Cinderella Project of New Hampshire, 266 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, NH 03275, or visit www.thecinderella projectofnh.org.
* * *
Abused children live a very confusing and dangerous life and are often left without much reliable help. The cases can be horrendous: a 12-week-old baby with 32 broken bones, a 20-month-old girl who had been sexually molested. It takes a strong person to deal with such cases, but there are volunteers who do it and do it well.
When the state Division for Children, Youth and Families determines that a case requires action to protect the child, it petitions the court. The resulting hearings can be a confusing blur of lawyers, a judge and a very bewildered and besieged child.
The parents always have lawyers, often court appointed. The DCYF lawyers are there. Who represents the child? CASA is who.
CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates for children. When a judge sees that the child needs an advocate, he chooses from the available CASA volunteers. That volunteer has a tough job, one that can be emotionally draining.
CASA volunteers must learn how to represent a child in a room full of lawyers who are representing their clients. But they have an advantage – they spend hours in the courtroom without pay because it is their passion.
CASA volunteers cannot let their emotions divert them from the job they have to do. They do it extremely well, and the lawyers know that. They also know that the judge appointed the these volunteers and listens to them.
CASA of New Hampshire Executive Director Marcia Sink has been quoted as saying: “For many kids, these CASA volunteers are their lifeline.”
You can help support these angels of mercy with a generous donation at www.casanh.org/donate/personaldonation or call Kathy Vachon, director of development at 800-626-0622.
* * *
Adult and child victims of sexual and domestic violence often do not know where to turn. They can be constantly threatened, even their lives, and have no safe haven.
Such victims can get support, protection and advice from Bridges: Domestic & Sexual Violence Support. Bridges operates offices in Nashua and Milford, serving 15 communities across southern New Hampshire. Bridges operates a 24-hour hotline, conducts legal and hospital visits, and provides emergency housing in a safe, secret location.
Bridges also operates an active and wide-ranging school and community educational program designed to reduce the occurrence of the events that require its other services.
But Bridges, like all other charities, is feeling the pinch of the poor economy. You can support them at www.bridgesnh.org/donate.htm or contact Pamela at 603-889-0858.
* * *
Americans are the most charitable people on Earth. In times like these, charities are squeezed by increased need and decreased donations. Local charities are often overlooked.
Help your neighbors, your community and ultimately yourself by donating generously to these effective and worthwhile organizations. All donations are deductible on your federal income tax return.
I am familiar with these groups because my wife and daughter are volunteers in them all, and we cut them checks every year. Please join us.
John Bachman is an Amherst businessman and freelance columnist. His column appears on the first Sunday of the month. E-mail him at john@anatek.mv.com.

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unhappygrammy 3 hours ago
Letter from A former GAL/CASA worker to Maggie Bishop,NH DCYF-A MUST READ!

The Author of this letter has given permission to forward this letter far and wide. Please see attachment.


http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=47167b6cfa...
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unhappygrammy 3 hours ago
CASA would be a good program to support if they weren't being coerced by DCYF. When they don't follow DCYF orders, they are replaced by a CASA worker who will.
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unhappygrammy 20 hours ago
It's nice to donate to organization's that help children, but CASA only help's DCYF, not the children their supposed to be helping. If CASA did NOT work hand in hand with DCYF, they might be more worthwhile in helping children. CASA stand's by every one of DCYF's deceitful practice' s and so do the Judges. If CASA goes against DCYF, they are replaced with a CASA that will do as DCYF tells them. CASA is no better than many of the court-appointed Lawyer's that are supposed to be working for the parents, but don't. When the court-appointed Lawyer is asked why he didn't fight for the parent, his answer's include, "I have more important client's, the state doesn't pay me enough and the court is my boss." When a parent can't afford to hire their own Lawyer, this is what they get. A court-appointed puppet whose paid out of the DCYF fund. Very seldom is a parent afforded a Lawyer who will really fight. This is why parents and families in family court get railroaded. The parent is in a courtroom with NO support, fighting a losing battle!

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/opinion/perspectives/759899-263/organizations-that-offer-help-to-others-need.html