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CASA of Northeast Louisiana's March 2016 e-Newsletter
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From Victim to Victorious

From www.casaforchildren.org

Six years ago, Dashun Jackson was a boy in need of a voice. After years of abuse at the hands of his mother and her boyfriend, he had many physical and emotional scars, including what he describes as an inability to talk with men. 

Today, Dashun is not only confidently representing himself—as a junior in college and program manager at a youth service organization—he is also speaking up for the rights of foster children as an advocate in state and federal government settings.

Below, Dashun shares the story of his path from being an abused boy to co-author of the Nevada Foster Care Bill of Rights and a 2012 Congressional Coalition on Adoption congressional intern.



I often quote the title of a book to describe my journey in life: Eternal Victim/Eternal Victor. 

dashun in legislatureAs a boy, my three sisters and I suffered just about every form of abuse you can imagine—emotional and physical attacks by my mother, later sexual abuse by her and her boyfriend. When I was 13 years old, we were all removed from our home. After that, I bounced around, from a children’s emergency shelter to an aunt’s house, then back to the shelter. There was so much I did not know about the foster care system. Without knowledge or the power to speak up, I felt like a victim.

A year and a half later, I met my CASA volunteer, Robert. And everything changed. 

Robert taught me how to communicate, how to represent myself and my needs. He helped me understand what was happening in court and taught me how to stand up for myself. 

When I had something to say, Robert made sure my voice was heard. When I did not want to or could not speak, he spoke for me. 

At every school event, Robert was there. From ROTC ceremonies to my high school graduation, he was there. When I took hold of my diploma, I heard his cheers above the rest.

About that same time, I was placed into my final foster home, where I learned about service to others. My foster father did so much more than he had to do, for me and for those around him. From that moment on I decided that there was much that I need to give back.

I have basically dedicated my time to helping children whose life circumstances are similar to mine—from gathering gifts for children of abused women at the holidays to advocating for the rights of foster children on a state level. Today, I am working for a youth-serving organization. As a program manager, I am creating a new mentoring program for youth who have been raised by their grandparents or in single-family homes. 

This summer, I had the amazing experience of being an intern in Sen. Harry Reid’s office in Washington, DC. I had seen a lot of legislation in the state of Nevada, but the magnitude of change in DC amazed me. This summer I learned that if you have a voice, there is someone who is willing to listen to it and to try to make change.

After college my plan is to go back to Washington and hopefully get another internship. 

I’ve been given a powerful voice. I intend to use it as much as I can, for as long as I can.

New Volunteer In 5th JDC

Elizabeth Stephens with Judge David Doughty

We are excited to welcome Elizabeth as our newest Child Advocate in the 5th JDC..  
Thank you to Judge David Doughty for conducting the swearing in ceremony for Elizabeth. Congratulations and thank you for stepping up to be the voice of a child in need!

Core Values at Work


Brenda Oswalt, Advocate for 6th JDC
Core Values: Excellence, Service
Submitted by: Kathy Creech

The 6th JDC says farewell to one of our dedicated advocates this month.  Brenda Oswalt is relocating to Arkansas after purchasing a home near to her family. 
Brenda has served seven cases in her six and a half years as a CASA.  Brenda was always willing to accept the “difficult” cases – and did so with enthusiasm, hard work, and fierce compassion.  She has advocated during times of great personal stress – and done so without complaint.
While we here in the 6th rejoice with Brenda – who will be closer to her loved ones, we will sorely miss her smiling face and passionate service. 

Susan Eller and Terry Jones, Advocates for 4th JDC
Core Values: Excellence
Submitted by: Taron Scott

I would like to recognize two volunteers who recently turned in excellent court reports that were praised by Judge Marchman. She mentioned that Susan Eller’s report was one of the best CASA court reports that she has read. The judge also praised Terry Jones’ report for being very detailed. Judge Marchman noted concerns mentioned by Terry and ruled in favor of his recommendations. Thank you to Susan and Terry for your commitment to excellence in serving your CASA children.  
 

Jayden

DOB: 01/04/08

Jayden is an imaginative young boy with a playful spirit! He loves to play kitchen and serve up some delicious and invisible food to others. He also could sit and play with his legos all afternoon. When Jayden is outside, you will find him playing with animals. He dreams of having a puppy. Jayden enjoys school and his favorite part is making everyone in class laugh. When Jayden grows up he would love to be a police officer so he could keep everyone safe and protect his town. Jayden would love for a family to help make all of his dreams a reality!
If you would like information on adopting Jayden
please call (318) 362-3362.
These dedicated advocates helped to find safe, permanent homes for 5 children in February
 

 Anne Smith, Elizabeth Stephens, Glenda Stephens, and Kimberlee Bryant

Our thanks and congratulations go out to each of these advocates for their persistence. Thank you for believing in the mission of CASA and in the children you serve!

New Podcast Available Now

A new edition of the CASA of NELA podcast is available now on our website, www.casaofnela.org. On this episode with speak with former CASA volunteer and current foster parent Stacy Simmons about her experience in the foster care system. Listening to this podcast and any others on our site can count towards a volunteer’s required in-service hours. 

Click Here to listen
 
The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, in connection with the Portico Church, are proud to host the Empowered to Connect Simulcast.

The event will be held at The Portico Church/The Palace (220 Desiard, Monroe) on April 8 and 9th (9:00-5:00)
Seating is limited so register today if you would like to attend.

Click Here to register
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