A New Chapter: Continuing to Serve Every Single Child
By Ann Marie Ronsman, Executive Director | CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County
A New Chapter
Today begins a new chapter in the life of CASA Child Advocates of Montgomery County. I am incredibly privileged for the opportunity to build upon the legacy that has been formed by Ann McAlpin, our staff, donors, board and thousands of volunteers over the life of this organization.
Everyone has a unique role in helping children
I have been given the opportunity over these last few weeks to meet many people. I have been amazed at the generosity of all those I have met.
One common sentiment that has struck me though has been the “I onlys.”
I only am an Advocate; I don’t donate. I only am a donor, not an Advocate. I only serve on the gala committee, not the run committee. I am only on the board, not an Advocate. I only participate in the run each year, not the gala.
Each of us has our own unique role in serving the children in Montgomery County.
we are able to serve every child because of you
Without the selfless contributions of each of you, our organization would not be serving 100% of the children in care in our county with trauma-informed advocacy.
Without each of you, we would not have been able to continue to serve every child during this pandemic without the same reduction in services that 71% of nonprofits experienced over the past 11 months. While most of the world was worried about their health and safety, our volunteers and donors continued to contribute and think of the most vulnerable in our community.
Our organization and the children we serve can never thank you enough.
Join us…
I have a quote hanging in my new office from Ruth Bader Ginsberg that states, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
Will you join us to fight for the children of Montgomery County, who through no fault of their own have been abused and neglected and have been taken from all that is familiar?
Will you join us to make sure that every single child who comes into care has a volunteer Advocate? An Advocate who will be their constant support, encouragement, amplify their voice in court, ensure visits with siblings occur, make sure they are succeeding in school and that they are safe while in care.
Will you join us to provide Trust Based Relational Intervention training and support to Advocates, placements, case workers, biological families, attorneys, teachers and medical professionals so that our children can continue to heal, no matter what setting they are in?
Will you join us in equipping teens in care to learn to cook, explore post-secondary education and get their driver’s licenses?
Alone we can do so little, but collectively we can do so much to change the trajectory of these children’s lives. Today our organization begins a new chapter in a continuing legacy of excellence and service for the children in Montgomery County. Will you join us?
Sincerely,
Ann Marie Ronsman, MSN, RN
Executive Director | TBRI Practitioner