Honoree Amy Frazier (center) with
Judges Clarence Henderson and Kathryn Nelson
|
On Friday, June 3, the Pierce County Child Advocate program Kid Connect held its first in-person recognition ceremony since 2019, after two years of being hindered by COVID. It was truly appreciated by all who ventured out in the rain. The event was held at the Totem Yacht Club (thanks Jenny) and offered food, drink, fellowship and - yes, recognition
Judge Clarence Henderson gave remarks, thanking Advocates for their service. He noted how much judges read and reread our reports, valuing our perspective. He encouraged us to remember the definitions of the word ADVOCATE, and be the voice for the families we represent to the court system. And he reminded us that we each carry our own hidden biases, which we must constantly monitor and address.
Retired Judge Kathryn Nelson told us of her late husband's love of his work as an Advocate, working diligently on his reports, writing and rewriting. This led to her deep appreciation of the roles we play in the system, when she became a judge. She presented the award for the Ken Nelson Advocate of the Year to Amy Frazier. Also recognized were the Advocates of the years for 2019 (Cindy McClelland) and April Pluviose who had not received their awards in person.
|
Advocates, Coordinators, Administrative staff were present and supportive. Those who attended were happy to be able to socialize in person. The food was catered by Thyme well Spent catering. Clarissa Fletcher coordinated four lavish gift baskets that were raffled as door prizes. Christal Davis took photos and John Bartley entertained as the strolling violinist.
It was relaxing and also energizing just to be together. We are looking forward to next year's event, even as we look back on 2022's special occasion.
|
|
'Nelson Advocate of the Year' Awards during Pandemic years
2021 Amy Frazier (Photo in event gallery above)
Amy has been a volunteer Child Advocate since September 2017. In 2021, Amy was on a break, after completing a second case, when the relative caregiver from a prior case reached out to her. She was out of the country, but heard her grandchildren would be coming back into care and she wanted to be a resource for them. Amy requested to be assigned to the case and attended a court hearing prior to her appointment to provide historical case information to the Court. She was articulate and knew the children, their family dynamics and was able to provide information to the Judge about the best interests of the children. Through her Advocacy, the Court allowed the children to be placed with the relative and it was her testimony that was the deciding factor.
To date, Amy continues to provide excellent advocacy for the children on her caseload. She writes excellent reports and is very knowledgeable about her role as an Advocate.
Awardees of previous years who could not receive their awards in person:
2020 April Pluviose
2019 Cindy McClelland
* * *
|
CAA Training Grads of Jan.2020 and Earlier
Service and advocacy dedicated to the most vulnerable among us is a rewarding experience.
|
|
|
|
May 4, 2019: CAAs Honored in Brunch
Brunch Honors CAAs
(May 4th, Totem Yacht Club, Ruston)
(photos: Christal Davis)
On a warm sunny day in Tacoma, about eighty CAAs and guests attended a brunch organized by CASAs Kids Pierce to thank CAAs for their valuable work, and to recognize those CASAs who have given outstanding service in the past year.
CASA of the Year
Emily Hall received the Ken Nelson Memorial Award for Outstanding Pierce County CASA of the Year
Since becoming a CASA in Jan. 2013, Emily has served 20 children. She has been involved in recruitment strategies, helped with CASA events, and supported the program behind the scenes. She has had several CASA Coordinators and continues to work with CASA, during a very challenging time of high turnover!
|
Emily Hall (right) with Advocate Supervisor Kris Freeman
|
|
Attendees listen as speakers emphasize the human value of C.A.P work as well as the need for resource commitment and increased recruitment efforts.
|
|
CASA Kids Secretary Jenny Kenyon Gentry was active in publicity and management of the brunch. She is pictured here with another Kid Connect board member, Mike McCowan, also an invaluable asset to the organization.
|
|
|
