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Δ :: Janet Ketcham :: Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) Executive Director

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Children Abuse Advocacy

Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) helps abused and neglected children. When home is no longer safe for a child, and the child must enter the foster care system, a judge may appoint a committed volunteer called a CASA or court appointed special advocate™. The volunteer's focus is on that child, giving hope and help in guiding the child to a safe, permanent home.

Children come into state care not by their fault, but, by the acts and/or negligence of their parents or caregivers. We can not control where abused and neglected children come from, but we can help where they end up. The mission of CASA is to recruit, train, and supervise court appointed volunteers who provide constancy for abused and neglected children and youth while advocating for services and placement in safe, permanent homes.

For 25 years, CASA has successfully provided abused and neglected children in Bexar County a

unique service that no other agency provides. Last year, we served 1,325 abused and neglected children by mobilizing a record-breaking 322 volunteers. The children we serve face incredible challenges and are in times of personal and family crisis.

CASA helps children reclaim childhoods and instills hope for brighter futures by utilizing caring adult volunteers to advocate for their best interests. CASA staff and volunteers work to ensure children are placed in safe homes or facilities, address medical and mental health needs, assist in educational guidance, and provide stability in the chaotic child welfare system.

Janet first became involved with the Court Appointed Special Advocate program as a volunteer in Austin, Texas. The life changing experience as an advocate for abused and neglected children inspired her to change her career, using her business, advertising, and sales experience on behalf of children.

She started with CASA as a Supervisor of Volunteers and became Executive Director in January 2003. Since joining the organization, the program has tripled the number of children served and increased the number of volunteers serving children by 90 percent.

http://www.casa-satx.org

Posted in: Nominee - Child Advocacy Angel Award

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# Tiffany Denson

Friday, November 20, 2009 7:37 AM

There are some beliefs, concepts, drivers of life that have become imperative in my personal journey as a parent, professional leader for social change in child welfare, and expectations of myself as a woman of my community. I base my direction on goals that are important to me and exemplify my beliefs in living a positive productive life. I understand and live by the code that all children irrespective of family background have a natural born right to all opportunities to live, grow, and succeed in life as a means of following their dreams. I am banking on the understanding that children are the future problem solvers of every community and what I do today has a critical impact on what children do tomorrow. More then anything, I know children need to be heard. Rosa Parks said, “Each person must live their life as a model for others.” Janet Ketcham’s actions are in alignment and model how I want to live my life. I stand a better chance in reaching my goals as a strong woman of my community with Janet paving the way.

# Jennifer Yeagley

Friday, November 20, 2009 9:13 AM

Janet chose to become involved with CASA because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. She began her service as a volunteer advocate and later joined the staff. I had the opportunity to work under Janet's leadership at CASA from 2004 until 2007 and saw firsthand how every day, her decisions and choices reflected her deep commitment to the CASA mission. During that time, Janet grew the number of children served significantly by empowering more volunteers to serve as advocates. Because of her, and her capability to inspire the CASA team, more children at risk of slipping through the cracks in the system had the comfort, the benefit of a voice speaking out solely to ensure their safety and long-term well-being. While I no longer work with Janet, I continue to consider her a colleague in service, a mentor and a friend. She is well deserving of this honor.

# Yolanda Valenzuela

Sunday, November 22, 2009 6:00 PM

This community is truly blessed by having Janet at the forefront of an epidemic such as child abuse that is increasingly troubling. Janet has a passion for helping children. Even more so, helping children who have been abused and neglected and have no voice of their own to speak up. As Executive Director of CASA, Janet has grown the CASA program in numbers, character and reputation, all the while maintaining a strong sense of ethics and values in the work that she does. She has demonstrated her capabilities through her strong sense of leadership, guidance and management. As a current employee, I have known Janet for 7 years, I can truly say that she is an inspiration for all women. As the bible tells us in 1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.” Janet is truly using the gift that she was given to help those who cannot help themselves.

# Jay Lucas

Wednesday, December 02, 2009 12:37 PM

I am a local business owner in the recruiting industry and my job entails dealing with professional "talent" on a daily basis. As a 5 year board member of CASA I have seen the organization transformed from a typical non-profit into a thriving 'business' with a sincere and dedicated commitment to vision, mission, and values. There is no doubt that Janet's leadership, passion, and commitment has contributed directly to the success of serving the abused & neglected children in Bexar County who need a consistent voice. Our City and the Children served by CASA are fortunate for Janet's commitment and involvement in this cause.

# baccara online

Monday, April 26, 2010 5:30 AM

I completely agree with the above comment, the internet is with a doubt growing into the most important medium of communication across the globe and its due to sites like this that ideas are spreading so quickly.

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