When you give to CASA, it’s hard for us to put into words what a difference you’re making. It’s hard because you often cannot see. Tonight, a child who is no longer in the care of DHR sent this poem she wrote to her CASA worker as a Christmas gift. When you give to CASA of your time or monetary gifts, you give a child something and someone who will forever be irreplaceable in a child’s life- and it all starts with you. Merry Christmas to everyone who afforded this opportunity to CASA and who gave this child a lot of what she needed: love and consistency.
Unbreakable Bonds
In the sterile halls of a mental hospital,
I met my shadow,
the older sister I never asked for,
with eyes that carried stories
of struggles and strength.
At thirteen, I was a storm,
the fury of a child lost in the chaos
of broken homes and whispered promises.
I told her I hated her,
my words sharp as knives,
cutting through the silence of my fears,
for I knew only abandonment,
only the ache of goodbyes.
But she stood there,
unflinching like a lighthouse,
her hand reaching into my darkness,
her laughter a balm
over wounds I didn’t understand.
She was my court-appointed advocate,
my ride or die,
my unexpected ally.
Through five years of shifting tides,
she remained—the anchor
that kept me from drifting away,
a steadfast companion,
her voice an echo of bravery
when I could find none in myself.
We danced through the chaos of courtrooms,
the weight of unfathomable choices,
but she never wavered,
always fighting, always believing,
showing me the meaning of loyalty,
the beauty of friendship forged
in the fires of adversity.
Now at nineteen,
the world is vast and unfamiliar,
but I carry her with me,
her wisdom woven into my bones,
a map drawn with trust and love,
reminding me that I am more
than the shadows of my past.
Still, I whisper her name
like a sacred promise,
for in her, I find my strength,
and though the foster care chapters have closed,
our story is still unfolding—
an unbreakable bond,
a sisterhood illuminated
by the light of resilience.
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Brown Roofing showed up yet another year for our MOST valuable asset- our volunteers! Not only does he show up for this sweet night recognizing volunteers, he’s meeting needs at our office frequently so we can focus on our mission. Thank you, Mr. Brown!
We were so thrilled to have board members and volunteers with us to celebrate some fantastic volunteers! Our advocates are the driving force behind all that we do, and we are so thankful for all of their time they put into a difficult role in children’s lives.
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It is DONE! The love that went into the preparation, setup, and execution of this magical event by a room full of people who volunteered their time on a dreary Sunday to make kids feel special was spectacular. From our judges to our volunteers to family and friends, there was no need that was a burden that they didn’t do gladly.
We are exhausted, fullfilled, and grateful to say that your support today will go a long way to ensuring children have their voice heard not only on Christmas but year round.
Thanks to our Title Sponsors, Mike and Tonya Sargent, for their dedication to children through this event and year round as steadfast CASA advocates.
Warren Averett, Covenant Life Ministries, Robinson Law Firm, and Ike and Carrie Brown were all Buddy the Elf sponsors that brought the entire room to its feet dozens and dozens of times!
A final thank you goes to the Kress, Pamela B Photography, NHC, Jacksonville Walmart, the Fancy Floater, Kerry Wright, and Southeastern Oklahoma Santa!
Merry Christmas to all!
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