News and Events http://casaofterrebonne.orgThu, 24 May 2012 00:24:20 GMTThu, 17 May 2012 19:16:44 GMTTETRA Safety Banquet Benefits CASA of Terrebonnehttp://casaofterrebonne.org/tetra-safety-banquet-benefits-casa-of-terrebonneThu, 17 May 2012 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneThe community support continues! Just a few short weeks ago, a Tetra employee, Millie
Gooch, had an idea to have activities at Tetra’s annual safety banquet and collect money to donate to a nonprofit organization in the Houma area. Millie contacted Laci Melancon with CASA of Terrebonne regarding her idea just days before the event. Millie stated that she did not think they would raise much money, but that she wanted an opportunity for the employees to give back to the community. On Saturday, April 14th, TETRA held its annual Safety Banquet for its employees. Employees were able to bid and pay for chances to dunk manager Edward Stegall in a dunk tank. By the end of the afternoon, the employees became very competitive in dunking the manager and ended up raising more money than they initially thought from the event to benefit CASA of Terrebonne. Because of the support that the Tetra employees had given in raising money for the event, TETRA matched the donations and presented CASA of Terrebonne with a total of $4924 to be used in the operations of serving and advocating for the abused and neglected children in Terrebonne Parish. “I am truly humbled that TETRA chose CASA; it all began with a simple phone call and an idea…and it turned into something so much bigger than we could have imagined” stated Laci Melancon.

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/tetra-safety-banquet-benefits-casa-of-terrebonneCrawfish Boil Off Raises $34,847 for CASA of Terrebonnehttp://casaofterrebonne.org/crawfish-boil-off-raises-34847-for-casa-of-terrebonneWed, 16 May 2012 05:00:00 GMTCasa of Terrebonne

The 5th Annual Crawfish Boil-Off in memory of Herman Courville raised $34,847 for CASA of Terrebonne far surpassing the initial $20,000 goal set for this year. The event began early in the morning on Saturday, May 12th with the crawfish boil off teams setting up their boiling gear. By 11 am, the parking lot of Southdown Bar and Grill smelled like crawfish heaven. Some teams were so competitive that they were hiding their “secret” boiling ingredients. Greg Ward, who drove in from Alabama for the event, who also had a boiling team, stated: “the number one reason I am here is for the CASA kids…the other reason I am here is for Herman Courville, and I will continue to do this in his memory.”

By noon, the first batches of crawfish and fixings were available for purchase to the public and attendees of event. As the boiling continued and the band played, the rain clouds began to roll in. Despite the fact that there was about 6 inches of water in some areas of the parking lot due to the rain, the majority of the crowd stayed to support CASA of Terrebonne. As the rain passed, Amos Mosley, coordinator of the event, began the live auction with items donated by local businesses and members of the community. Upon completion of the auction, the sun began to shine, and Amos presented the winners of the boiling teams. In 3rd place was Wayne Cancienne’s team; in 2nd place was Ricky Melancon’s team; in 1st place was Terrell Theriot’s team. Each of the winning teams donated their prize money back to CASA of Terrebonne.

Amos wrapped up the event by acknowledging the Courville family and saying a few words in Herman’s memory. Jennifer Theriot, Herman’s daughter, stated: “when the sun came out right at sunset, it was like my dad was saying that we did a great job—sunset was his favorite time of day; it was his way of saying he was proud of us.” “This event was such a success despite the weather. No words can truly express my gratitude to the Courville family and Amos Mosley for all that they have done for our organization” stated Laci Melancon, Executive Director of CASA of Terrebonne.


]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/crawfish-boil-off-raises-34847-for-casa-of-terrebonneSummer 2012 Volunteer Traininghttp://casaofterrebonne.org/summer-2012-volunteer-trainingWed, 18 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneSummer Volunteer Training begins in June. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, please contact our office at 985-876-0250 to complete an application and schedule an interview. Orientation will be held in June.

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/summer-2012-volunteer-trainingCASA for KiDZ Spring Fest: A World of Funhttp://casaofterrebonne.org/casa-for-kidz-spring-fest-a-world-of-funFri, 16 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneMark your calendars for Saturday, March 24th!!! It's the annual CASA for KiDZ Spring Fest at the Houma Courthouse Square from 9 am to 3 pm. You can visit countries from around the world while playing games, enjoying food, and listening to live entertainment. Admission is free so bring the whole family to enjoy the fun! All proceeds benefit CASA of Terrebonne. We will also have a playhouse raffle. For more informaiton, please contact the CASA office at 985-876-0250.


]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/casa-for-kidz-spring-fest-a-world-of-funDavita Delights CASA!http://casaofterrebonne.org/davita-delights-casaFri, 10 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneOn February 9th 2012, Davita Houma Dialysis presented CASA of Terrebonne with a generous donation of $1000.00!  Thank you, Davita!  You gift to CASA will go a long way in helping train more volunteers and abused and neglected children in Terrebonne Parish. 

 

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/davita-delights-casaBAM, it's CASA!http://casaofterrebonne.org/bam-its-casaFri, 27 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMTCasa of Terrebonne

BOOKS-A-MILLION on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd in Houma will host CASA of Terrebonne on January 28th and March 3rd to share our mission from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Not only that, there will be one register designated as the "CASA" register, where 10% of the day's sales will be donated to CASA of Terrebonne!  Make plans to come out on those dates to make your book or other merchandise purchases to help CASA serve children in foster care in Terrebonne Parish!  Bring a friend too!

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/bam-its-casaPlay Set Raffle Winnerhttp://casaofterrebonne.org/play-set-raffle-winnerWed, 28 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneCongratulations to Josephina Fondaw for winning the Home Depot/CASA of Terrebonne Play Set Raffle. Thanks again Home Depot for your generous donation in assisting and supporting CASA of Terrebonne.

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/play-set-raffle-winnerCongratulations Judge Bethancourthttp://casaofterrebonne.org/congratulations-judge-bethancourtMon, 31 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of Terrebonne    Louisiana Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Association, in partnership with its member programs, recently honored outstanding individuals for their service to abused and neglected children in Louisiana through CASA. Honorees were recognized at a special Louisiana CASA Awards Night on October 17th at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, LA. Louisiana CASA “Awards of Excellence” highlight extraordinary efforts and the positive impact of contributions made by CASA volunteers, CASA staff and their community partners. Among those honored was Judge Randall L. Bethancourt of the 32nd Judicial District Court in Houma, who was named the “2011 Judge of the Year."  

    Judge Bethancourt presides over many different types of cases, including cases involving abused and neglected children in the foster care system. As adoptive parent himself, child welfare issues are of paramount concern in his court. As an avid supporter of CASA of Terrebonne, Judge Bethancourt faithfully addresses incoming CASA Volunteers at new volunteer training to ensure that they appreciate how valuable their role as a CASA Volunteer is to the children they serve. On hand at the event to accept the award on behalf of Judge Bethancourt, was Laci Melancon, Executive Director of CASA of Terrebonne. 

    The catered event, with nearly 200 in attendance, was hosted by Dr. John Wyble, Louisiana CASA Executive Director, and featured entertainment by local entertainers Tino Thomas and Eric Baskin. Assisting in presenting the awards was Jacqueline M. Wilson, Louisiana CASA Program Operations Director.  Secretary of State Tom Schedler, a CASA volunteer himself, made possible for the event to be held at the Old State Capital. 

    “Louisiana CASA is proud to honor the extraordinary work of ordinary people who commit to making a difference in the lives of children and families all over our state,” offered Dr. Wyble.




]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/congratulations-judge-bethancourtGet Your Playset Raffle Tickets TODAY!http://casaofterrebonne.org/get-your-playset-raffle-tickets-todayMon, 31 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneThanks to the generosity of Home Depot, this play set can come home, to you, just in time for Christmas. Your raffle purchase of every $5.00 ticket helps CASA of Terrebonne continue to advocate for a loving and safe home for children in foster care in Terrebonne Parish. Buy your tickets today! Contact us for more information (985) 876-0250 or casaofterrebonne@live.com. The winning ticket will be drawn on December 21st and the playset will be delivered to you by Home Depot just in time for the holidays!!

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/get-your-playset-raffle-tickets-todayTaste of the Southhttp://casaofterrebonne.org/taste-of-the-southWed, 12 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneGet your Taste of the South tickets with us! We now have the tickets at our office. The Taste of the South event is Wednesday, October 19th, at the Houma/Terrebonne Civic Center, and tickets are $20. Monies collected from tickets sales benefit CASA of Terrebonne and CASA of Lafourche. Children 12 and under get in free. We have 75 tickets to sell by Wednesday! Please call the office at 876-0250 or stop by between 8 and 4 to get your tickets!

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/taste-of-the-southMargaret LeBouef, Winner of Draw Down's $10,000 Prizehttp://casaofterrebonne.org/margaret-lebouef-winner-of-draw-downs-10000-prizeWed, 28 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneCASA of Terrebonne hosted its 7th Annual Draw Down event at the Ramada Inn on Saturday, December 24, featuring The Joe Show as the live entertainment.  All three hundred tickets printed were sold and drawn for over 50 prizes including the grand prize of $10,000.  The last ticket drawn right before 9 pm was for the grand prize winner-that ticket holder was Mrs. Margaret LeBouef.  Mrs. LeBouef is a continuous supporter of CASA of Terrebonne's Draw Down Event, and she was present at the event Saturday night.  "I always buy a ticket every year; not because of the possibility of winning, but because I know that  it is going to a good cause-to helping the children" stated Mrs. LeBouef. 

CASA of Terrebonne Executive Director, Laci Melancon, and Board President, Leo Pitre, presented Mrs. LeBouef with the $10,000 check on the morning of September 28th.  Mrs. LeBouef was generous in donating a portion of her winnings back to CASA of Terrebonne. 

 

Proceeds from the event will assist in the operations of the organization.  by selling all 300 tickets, CASA of Terrebonne raised over $20,000 from this event alone.  "The event was a great success, and it is very rewarding to know that there are so many people in our community who are willing to support our efforts in being the voice for the abused and neglected children in Terrebonne Parish" stated Laci Melancon.

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/margaret-lebouef-winner-of-draw-downs-10000-prizeGenerous Givershttp://casaofterrebonne.org/generous-giversWed, 21 Sep 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneCASA of Terrebonne is a volunteer driven organization.  Without volunteers, this organization would not exist.  Our volunteers are givers.  Over the past three months we have been blessed by visits from our special "volunteers."

Terry Braud with the Krewe of Terreanians presenting CASA of Terrebonne a generous gift of $1000.00

 

Ann Duplantis, Coordinator of "Center Stage," presenting CASA of Terrebonne a generous gift of $1000.00

 

Josefina Fondaw, CASA Advocate, Entrepreneur, and Rotarian, presented CASA of Terrebonne with a generous gift of $250.00

 

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/generous-giversTraining For New Volunteers Schedulehttp://casaofterrebonne.org/pre-service-training-scheduleMon, 15 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneOur next pre-service training schedule is as follows: 

  • 10/11/11 Orientation 6:00-7:00 pm
  • 10/13/11 Chapter 1    5:30-8:30 pm
  • 10/18/11 Chapter 2    5:30-8:30 pm
  • 10/20/11 Chapter 3    5:30-8:30 pm
  • 10/25/11 Chapter 4    5:30-8:30 pm
  • 10/27/11 Chapter 5    5:30-8:30 pm
  • 11/01/11 Chapter 6    5:30-8:30 pm
  • 11/03/11 Chapter 7    5:30-8:30 pm
  • 11/08/11 Chapter 8    5:30-8:30 pm
  • 11/10/11 Chapter 9    5:30-8:30 pm
  • 11/15/11 Chapter 10  5:30-8:30 pm
  • 11/17/11 Swearing In Ceremony 4:45 pm

In order to attend this training you will need to submit a "Volunteer Application, " "Authorization of Release" form, and have a face to face interview with a CASA of Terrebonne staff member.  You can download the necessary forms from this website.

 

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/pre-service-training-scheduleA Vote for Lousiana CASA is a vote for CASA of Terrebonnehttp://casaofterrebonne.org/a-vote-for-lousiana-casa-is-a-vote-for-casa-of-terrebonneWed, 06 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneLouisiana CASA has been chosen to be part of the Wal-Mart Associate Choice Program, an online campaign where Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club associates vote directly for a nonprofit to receive funding in their home state.

LACASA could receive $100,000 to further its mission to make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children.

Online voting will be from June 18, 2011 through August 6, 2011.  See attached fliers for more infomations about Louisiana CASA and details on how to help.

 Help CASA Win a Walmart Grant.docx

 Flier.docx

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/a-vote-for-lousiana-casa-is-a-vote-for-casa-of-terrebonneCASA of Terrebonne Speaks to Govenor Jindalhttp://casaofterrebonne.org/casa-of-terrebonne-speaks-to-govenor-jindalThu, 02 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneLouisiana CASA hosted a CASA reception at the Governor's Mansion where all of the CASA Executive Directors along with a guest  met with Governor Bobby Jindal to inform him on the importance of good legislation for foster children; and thank him, as well, for his support of CASA and the necessity for CASA programs all over the state.

(Pictured below:  Merkle "Skipper" Kornegay, CASA of Terrebonne Volunteer and Board member, and Stacey Martin, outgoing Executive Director of CASA of Terrebonne.)

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/casa-of-terrebonne-speaks-to-govenor-jindalOur Volunteers are givers! (In everyway!)http://casaofterrebonne.org/our-volunteers-are-givers-in-everywayWed, 25 May 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneMs. Josefina Guerrero Fondaw, owner of La Joya y El Encanto, and a Rotarian, presents to CASA of Terrebonne $1000.00 donation. Josefina is also an active advocate! Thank you, Josefina! We appreciate ALL you do for the children of CASA!

 

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/our-volunteers-are-givers-in-everywaySt. Matthew's Students Give to CASAhttp://casaofterrebonne.org/st-matthews-students-give-to-casaThu, 19 May 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneMrs. Boudreaux's class at St. Matthew's coordinated an ice cream sale to benefit a local charity in Terrebonne Parish. All of the school participated in buying the ice cream. In turn, CASA was presented with $400. CASA of Terrebonne wants to thank Mrs. Boudreaux's class and all of the St. Matthew's Students who participated in the ice cream sale.

 

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/st-matthews-students-give-to-casa4th Annual Crawfish Boil-offhttp://casaofterrebonne.org/4th-annual-crawfish-boil-off1Tue, 17 May 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of Terrebonne"Wow" is the best exclamation that this blogger can use at the crazy generosity of the folks who participated in the "4th Annual Crawfish Boil-off!"  The goal was to raise $10,000 at this event, where all proceeds go to CASA of Terrebonne.  Well, that goal was met and exceeded!  $14,349 was raised by our wonderful supporter, Amos Mosely and Southdown Bar and Grill.  Just think, four years ago friends were sitting around bragging about who could boil the best crawfish, and look at what that conversation gave way to!!!  This blogger stood speechless as the participants just kept on giving during the auction part of the event.  The geneosity was contagious as people bid and gave!  The spirit of the day brought tears to the eyes of not only this blogger, but to board members there and Mr. Mosely, who worked so hard to organize this event.  Thank you, again!  The power and generosity of community is a beautiful thing to see. 

Dont miss out next year!  It is already schedule for May 12, 2011. and Amos wants it to be bigger and better!  Again, "Wow!"

 

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/4th-annual-crawfish-boil-off1Spring Fest 2011http://casaofterrebonne.org/spring-fest-2011Wed, 27 Apr 2011 05:00:00 GMTCasa of TerrebonneThe 2011 CASA for Kidz Spring Fest "A World of Fun" was a huge success. We had beautiful weather, large participation, and great help to put the whole event together. The event brought in $22,500!  All of the monies from Spring Fest goes directly back into the CASA of Terrebonne program to assist in training additional volunteers as well as fund operational costs incurred to run the organization. A big thank you goes out to the Spring Fest committee members who put the event together, the CASA staff and board members. The biggest thank you goes to all of the Sponsors and Donors that contributed to CASA in order to host this wonderful event for children in the Terrebonne Parish community.

To view pictures from Spring Fest 2011, just use this link:  http://mindys.smugmug.com/Groups/CASA/2011-Spring-Fest/16615121_zXkVC

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/spring-fest-2011Now accepting volunteers!http://casaofterrebonne.org/now-accepting-volunteersSun, 27 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMTBrandon

]]>http://casaofterrebonne.org/now-accepting-volunteers2010 Advocate of the Year - Local Man, Merkle “Skipper” Kornegay Receives the Honorhttp://casaofterrebonne.org/2010-child-advocate-of-the-yearSun, 27 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMTCASA of Terrebonne 

Every year thousands of children in Louisiana enter the foster care system due to abuse or neglect. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programs located throughout the state of Louisiana train community volunteers to speak for the best interests of our abused and neglected children in court. Merkle “Skipper” Kornegay, a child advocate with CASA of Terrebonne, was recently chosen as Louisiana CASA’s Child Advocate of the Year because of his devotion to the children he serves. Kornegay, a business man, husband and grandfather and his wife have been child advocates since 2006. Since that time, he has advocated for the needs of seven children. He was honored at a special ceremony during the Together We Can Conference, held in early October.

Older youth in foster care, especially those who “age out” of care, typically at age 18, face significant challenges and Kornegay recognizes this. Though his advocacy is not limited to older youth, he has spent a substantial amount of time dealing with issues that plague them – multiple foster care placements; self destructive behavior; and lack of consistent support. In fact, Kornegay remains in contact with an older youth for which he advocated, though the youth “aged out” several years ago.

Kornegay’s desire to help vulnerable children draws awareness to another need – the need for more male child advocates. CASA and Kornegay recognize that young males need strong male role models. Kornegay’s CASA supervisor, Keisha Neville, touts this as one of his special talents. She states that “the way he communicates with his male children is quite astonishing” and that he “always finds a way to encourage” them. She goes on to say that “there is something to be said about a male’s presence – a male’s voice has the ability to change and empower the life of a child.”

Kornegay devotes his time, effort and expertise to the mission of CASA in other ways, as well. He sits on CASA of Terrebonne’s Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee and represents CASA at public speaking engagements.

Picture of Skipper's Award:

 

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