CASA of Santa Barbara County will host its annual Light of Hope community event, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 23 at Santa Maria Juvenile Court, 4285 California Blvd., Santa Maria.
“March is Social Worker Appreciation Month,” said Kim Colby Davis, CASA executive director. “This community event is the perfect opportunity to recognize all of the professionals who work with us to ensure the safety of children in our community.”
Awards will be presented by community leaders from law enforcement, the fire department, and court professionals to several CASA volunteers and county social workers for their outstanding service.
Awards include:
Lifetime Advocate Awards – Ernesto Paredes and Shelley Cole, both former executive directors of CASA who returned to serve as CASA volunteers.
Most number of children served – Susan Galluzzo, 32 children served
Longest continually serving CASA – Terryl Bunn, 229 months
CASA serving the same case for the longest time – Terri Deick, 3847 days
Outstanding Service as a Social Worker, Xochilt Ibarra and Lene Ferrari
Davis and her team will also lead the group in closing the event with a candlelight vigil, paying tribute to CASA supporters who have passed away, and focusing on hope for the safety of children everywhere.
The event also marks the unveiling of The CASA of Santa Barbara County HOPE art project.
“We planned The Hope Art project to enhance the courtroom aesthetic utilizing the talents of our vibrant artistic community in Santa Barbara County,” Davis said.
Each volunteer artist was issued a canvas and asked to create a work of art utilizing the word hope in whatever style or medium they preferred. They did it because the families they work with are often at a low point in their lives, Davis said.
“When we see them, we know they are scared and lost and appear to be hopeless,” Davis said. “We see abused children, neglected children, we see parents with drug addictions, many parents have unstable housing or no housing.
“Court can be an intimidating place to be. If for a moment we can give them an image to carry that reminds them that there is always hope, then we have accomplished our goal.”
Santa Barbara County Judge Arthur Garcia will present the panels of hope-themed artwork completed by local artists, volunteers and youth, which will hang on the walls at juvenile court.
The word hope is not often associated with juvenile court, Davis said. “But it will be now,” he said. “This project far exceeded my expectations; it is amazing how Santa Barbara County can huddle around a cause. My heartfelt thanks go out to each of you.”
In addition to in the courtroom, the art will be featured on CASA of Santa Barbara County’s Facebook page, along with the artists’ information.
Learn more about CASA of Santa Barbara County at www.sbcasa.org, and through Facebook at CASA of Santa Barbara County. For more, call 805-739-9102.