April is National Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. Thousands of children are victims of child abuse and neglect throughout the country and, unfortunately, Sullivan County is no exception.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a national organization dedicated to looking out for neglected and abused children who might otherwise slip through the cracks of the legal system, and to speak for children who can’t speak for themselves. We at Sullivan County CASA work hard all year trying to make sure that the children of Sullivan County have the best lives possible. Hard as we work, we know we cannot do it alone.

We are lucky to have Lilly Hendrickson, a wonderful, passionate director who works tirelessly on behalf of the program. We are fortunate to have Judge Mark Meddaugh as an advisor, and we are thankful for volunteer CASAs, other program volunteers and a dedicated board of directors.

We are lucky to have the support of many businesses in the community and our local media. And while we can’t thank every one here by name, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how very thankful we are to have the support of Thunder 102 radio, which has not only sponsored two major fundraising entertainment events benefiting CASA, but continues to give us a platform to help bring our mission to the attention of the public.

We are especially lucky that there are kind-hearted people in the community who continually step up to the plate to help the children of our program in a multitude of ways. All of you have reached out so every child who needs us could have what we know you would want for your own children: a safe, loving home where they can flourish, food on the table, a chance to simply be a happy, healthy child—and a life looking forward of good memories.

Shelly Field

President, Board of Directors of CASA

Monticello, NY