1. THANK YOU
A polo shirt will be donated to the advocate
of the month by:
“Three Stitches Embroidery & Gifts”
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Ms. Sheridene Lenton!! Sheridene was a part of CASA of Lafourche’s 26th training class. She
was sworn in on July 13, 2015 and accepted her first case on the 28th of July. She also began
an internship with CASA of Lafourche in August which gave her hands on experience daily
learning the many layers of the CASA program’s goal and mission. The first thing anyone would
notice about Sheridene is that she has so much passion and concern for children! Sheridene’s
passion, education, time and willingness made her an ideal candidate to be a child’s Court
Appointed Special Advocate….so we presented her a case with 5 children to advocate for who
are placed in 4 homes in different cities and who are in foster care for the 2nd
time!!! And, of
course she accepted it! Being an advocate for five children is not an easy task. It requires a
minimum of five face to face monthly visits. If the children are not placed together, that is five
sets of foster parents. A CASA will need to gather information from different school teachers each
school year. Speak to all of their doctors, counselors, read different reports. Then, of course, we
throw in the usual contact with the biological parents, and foster care worker, writing court
reports, attending FTC meetings, testifying in court, and monthly progress reports!! This challenge
requires a person with extremely great organizational skills, patience, time, and most importantly a
HUGE heart combined with the desire to help these children have all of their needs met during
their stay in foster care! Not only has she done an awesome job on her first case she was
willing to accept another case that involved a drug-exposed new born in August. Who knew
CASA of Lafourche would be lucky enough to have someone like this volunteer and complete an
internship with us!!
It has been a wonderful experience working with Sheridene the last few months! She is always
eager to talk about her case and to figure out the next step she can work on for the children’s
well-being. She has committed herself to the goal of advocating for these two families by staying
in contact with the parents, caregiver’s, schools, and foster care worker and writing a fact-based
court report. She is not afraid to investigate, gather information, ask tough questions or express
her views to the foster care worker. Sheridene is a shining example of a CASA volunteer and it’s
been a joy and such a journey to work daily advocating for children with her.
2015 Board Members
Aimee Lemmon, Executive Director Doug Robichaux, President
Timothy Butler, Vice President / Treasurer Gary Palmer, Secretary
Michael Gauthier Renee Milek Margaret Sollars
Carla Landry Dawn Terracina Ashley Barrios
Blair Broussard Randy Parro