Alaska CASA 
Office of Public Advocacy
900 West Fifth Avenue
Suite 525 
Anchorage, AK 99501
  (907) 269-3500

Toll Free: 1-877-957-3500

 

 

 

News and Events

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ALASKA JUDGE HONORED AT

NATIONAL CASA CONFERENCE

Alaska CASA is pleased and proud to announce that Anchorage Children's Court Master William Hitchcock has been named 2009 Judge of the Year by the National CASA Association. The award salutes the commitment and impact of a judge, and was presented at the awards banquet on April 26th during the 28th Annual National CASA Association Conference in Denver.

Master Hitchcock was chosen for his commitment to the Alaska CASA program dating back to its origins in 1987. He has been its most ardent supporter within the Alaska judiciary ever since. He has supported expansion efforts over the years by talking about the benefits of the CASA program to his judicial colleagues statewide. Master Hitchcock has been a regular contributor to the Alaska CASA quarterly newsletter since its publication began in 1993, and he has been a frequent presenter at CASA conferences and in-service training sessions.

Master Hitchcock identifies necessary improvements in the child welfare system in a way that influences everyone to work together to build a better system. And he frequently takes a critical look at the processes used in his own court to ensure they exemplify best practices. In short, if it’s innovative and will improve the court system for children and youth, he’s involved – often leading the way.

Additionally, Master Hitchcock has presided over and sworn in virtually every new CASA volunteer in Anchorage over the past 21 years! Perhaps most important of all, Master Hitchcock is very respectful of CASA volunteers in court, listening carefully to their input and thanking them for their efforts.

Congratulations Master Hitchcock!

Pictured L-R: National CASA CEO Michael Piraino, William Hitchcock

Large Alaska Delegation Attends Conference

Congratulations to D Owens (Juneau), Cherry Galloway (Anchorage) and Robbie Stell (Juneau), the three lucky CASA volunteers who attended the l the 2009 National CASA Association Conference in Denver, CO. Cherry, D and Robbie joined FAC board members Starr Marsett and Laura Haywood, FAC staffer Ryan Zinn, CASA volunteer Sherri Williams, CASA program staffers Marion Hallum and Jamey Duhamel, and FFCA members Amanda Metivier, Kaylee Day, Candace Tucker, Michael Schweitert and Angel Adams. (FFCA members were presenters at the conference; see the FFCA page of this website for more) Former state director Brenda Dickison joined the Alaska group at the awards banquet to congratulate Bill Hitchcock on his achievement.

The National CASA Association conference brings together over 1500 child advocates. It is a wonderful opportunity to receive new information, meet other CASA volunteers, and learn about what's going on in child advocacy around the country. The 2010 conference will be held April 16-19th in Atlanta.

10th ANNUAL CHARITY WALK IN ANCHORAGE

Friends of Alaska CASA once again fielded a team to participate in the 10th Annual Alaska Visitor Industry Charity Walk on May 1st. Also known as the “5K graze to raise”, walkers traveled through downtown Anchorage stopping at different food stations along the way. Walkers finished at the grand finale ”WOW event” with dessert, live entertainment, a beer and wine garden, children’s activities and prize drawings at the Dena’ina Center.

Many thanks to FAC board member Pat Hackley and CASA volunteer Joanie Cleary for their work on this event.

FAC OFFERING CAMPERSHIPS FOR CHILDREN

Friends of Alaska CASA is once again offering financial assistance for children and youth in custody who would benefit from a camp experience.

Learn more and apply.

 

Meet the Winter 2009 Anchorage CASA Volunteer Class

Ten new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers were sworn in on Thursday, February 5th by Anchorage Children's Court Master William Hitchcock. Please welcome them!

(Left to right) Emily Waters, Tasha Hotch, Jeanne Ashcraft, Rachel Andeer,

Jake Carbaugh, Denise Berry and Alice Smith. Missing from picture: Emily Clarkson and Holly Rogers.

Meet the Winter 2009 Juneau CASA Volunteer Class

Seven new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers were sworn in on Wednesday, February 25th by Juneau Superior Court Judge Patricia Collins. Please welcome them!

[Left to Right] Andrea Doll, Patrick Horan, Rose Etl, Kris Weixelman, Jeff Bush, Marla Berg. Missing: Ann Marbourg.

Meet the Winter 2009 Valley CASA Volunteer Class

Eleven new Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers were sworn in on Thursday, February 19th by Juneau Superior Court Judge Vanessa White. Please welcome them!

[Left to Right] Front row: Mike Malone, Lynette Ortolano, Vickie Loggins, Mary Duhamel. Back row: Jennifer Lucas, Diana Reinart, Danielle Dodge, Danita Dodge, Sharon Dwyer, Melinda Dale, and Nancy Kirchoff.

 

13th Annual Quilt Auction Another Big Success!

Friends of Alaska CASA held its annual silent quilt auction on Saturday, November 22nd at the ConocoPhillips Atrium in Anchorage. Nearly $28,000 raffle quilt winner Gail Garber with her prizewas raised to support CASA programs statewide! Visit the Friends of Alaska CASA website to read all the details and view pictures.

Save the date: Next year's auction will be November 21, 2009.

 

Quilter Becky Rudisill (l) and auction organizer Debby Hudson (r) pose with lucky quilt raffle winner Gail Garber (center)

 

 

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