ART from the HEART

Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau

PRESS RELEASE: Artist call out for Inaugural Art from the Heart event

            There is something special about creating art from the heart, and that is just what the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau seeks.

The YSB is currently calling all artists, ages 15-19, to participate in the inaugural Art From The Heart event at creativeLAB, 117 E. Main St.  Artists are asked to create artwork with the theme “My Happy Place” in mind.  These works will be showcased at creativeLAB from May 7^th until May 17^th. During that time the community can place silent bids. On May 17^th there will be an artist reception and final auction.

Art from the Heart will help benefit the YSB’s Court Appointed Special Advocate Program (CASA). It will also help the community recognize the importance of community involvement to prevent child abuse and neglect.

“As a community we all need to be aware that not every child has a happy place. It is our duty to look out for ALL the children, not just our children and our grandchildren. This is a chance for children in Montgomery County to help other children in need. What better way than expressing themselves through art?” Volunteer Coordinator Sue Brassel said.

All artwork will be auctioned off on May 17^th during a reception hosted by creativeLAB and the YSB.  Artists will receive a portion of the proceeds raised from their work. The remainder of the proceeds will go to benefit the CASA program.

The CASA program trains and supervises CASA volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children (CHINS) in Montgomery County. These CASA volunteers are able to be supports to the child to make sure their basic needs are being met, and that they are in a stable and loving home as soon as possible.

creativeLab is a gallery showcasing work from established as well as budding artists. It is an oasis for creativity and offers a variety of classes, and basic supplies to encourage art in all of its basic forms to all ages. The LAB is located at 117 East Main St, right next to Milligan’s Flowers and across from the courthouse. “I would like the creativeLab to be a springboard for emerging artists.” said Anne Sipahimalani, owner of creativeLAB. Anne strongly supports the work the Montgomery County CASA Program provides for our community.

Artists, if interested, are asked to contact Sue Brassel at the YSB at 362-0694 ext. 20 or sbrassel@sbcglobal.net. You may also pick up a submission form at the creativeLAB.

The entry form is below. Email me at sbrassel@sbcglobal.net and I will email you a pdf version.

Child advocates rally at statehouse

(March 5, 2012)  Representatives of Montgomery County CASA volunteers and staff participated in the inaugural CASA Day at the Indiana State House on Monday, March 5th. Montgomery County joined representatives from 47 other counties from the State rallying for the CASA program volunteers.

            CASA volunteers advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who are involved in the child welfare system.  They are able to provide a voice in the court for the child, making sure the child’s best interests are presented to the court system.  They also strive to have the child in a permanent, safe and loving home as soon as possible.

            In the state of Indiana there are 3,200 CASA volunteers who advocate on behalf of more than 18,000 children.  Their volunteer efforts save the State $25 million dollars annually.  Almost 350 of those volunteers were at the State House today.

            Speakers included Indiana Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, who was honored for his support of the CASA program. Supreme Court Justice Steve David also spoke to the CASA volunteers and staff about the importance of their work.  Finally, a former foster child, now serving as a child advocate, talked about the importance of advocating for those who are suffering abuse and neglect.

            Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau’s CASA Director Jane Christophersen said “It was exhilarating to be with so many CASAs who made the trip to the State House to rally for abused and neglected children.  I also really appreciated Senator Boots taking the time to come talk to our group.”

The CASA program is now accepting volunteer applications so every Child in Need of Services (CHINS) can be helped by a trained adult CASA volunteer who will act as an advocate and voice for the child. There will be a training session for these volunteers starting the week of  April 16th. 

If you or someone you know would be interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, please contact Jane Christophersen at 362-0694 ext. 13. She will discuss how you can start meeting the needs of abused and neglected children in Montgomery County.

CASA is a program of the Montgomery County Youth Service Bureau.  The Youth Service Bureau, founded in 1971 by the Montgomery County League of Women Voters, helps children become productive citizens through delinquency prevention, referral services, community education and youth advocacy.

            CASA Day was sponsored by the Indiana Child Advocates Network and the State Office of GAL/CASA, of the Indiana Supreme Court, Division of State Court Administration.

          

Child advocates rally at statehouse: wishtv.com