About
In 1977, a Seattle Juvenile Court Judge David Soukup, was concerned about making drastic decisions with insufficient information conceived the idea of citizen volunteers speaking up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for abused or neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in inappropriate group or foster homes. Volunteers stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many of the children we serve, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence in their lives. From that first program has grown a network of nearly 1,000 CASA programs that are recruiting, training and supporting volunteers in 49 states and the District of Columbia.
CASA arrived in the 10th Judicial District in 2007 and has been growing ever since. CASA of the 10th Judicial District is a member in good standing of the National CASA Association. Our goal is to provide quality advocacy services to every child in foster care.
There are currently 950 CASA programs nationwide. CASA programs across the country are known by several different names, including Guardian ad Litem, Child Advocates and Voices for Children. Last year, more than 76,000 CASA and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers helped more than 251,000 abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes. CASA/GAL volunteers are everyday citizens who have undergone screening and training with their local CASA/GAL program. In 2018 we hope to speak out and improve the lives of the children in the four counties that we serve – Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, and Drew.
CASA arrived in the 10th Judicial District in 2007 and has been growing ever since. CASA of the 10th Judicial District is a member in good standing of the National CASA Association. Our goal is to provide quality advocacy services to every child in foster care.
There are currently 950 CASA programs nationwide. CASA programs across the country are known by several different names, including Guardian ad Litem, Child Advocates and Voices for Children. Last year, more than 76,000 CASA and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers helped more than 251,000 abused and neglected children find safe, permanent homes. CASA/GAL volunteers are everyday citizens who have undergone screening and training with their local CASA/GAL program. In 2018 we hope to speak out and improve the lives of the children in the four counties that we serve – Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, and Drew.
STAFF
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Jerri M. Willis- Mendiola | Executive Director
Jerri Willis-Mendiola a 2012 graduate of The University of Arkansas, Monticello, joined the CASA Network in March of 2015 as a Volunteer Coordinator. She then assumed Executive Directorship duties of CASA 10th in October of 2017. Willis-Mendiola, having previously been an Advocate Coordinator for the CASA 2nd District centered in Jonesboro, excelled in her position as supervisor of the Craighead County CASA Advocate Volunteers. Having a passion for children in foster care and being able to provide an education to others comes to her intuitively through her own lived experiences having been a foster child growing up in Oregon. Willis-Mendiola resides in Monticello, Arkansas with her 5 year old son, Milo, 2 year old son Mateo, Niece Madison, Nephew Mason, and her Husband Abiel Mendiola. 2021 Jerri received her Masters in Nonprofit Administration. Adrienne Richardson| Volunteer Supervisor
Adrienne Richardson began her journey at CASA in June of 2022. Adrienne has a total of 6 years invested in social work. Adrienne was previously the coordinator for the Specialized Women’s Services program for a substance abuse center which worked strictly with families involved in foster care cases with the Department of Human Services. Adrienne then served as a Program Assistant working hand-in-hand with foster children and families working toward reunification. Adrienne is the mother to 3 beautiful children who are all native to the Ashley County and Bradley County areas. Adrienne is passionate about social work stating, “This is a career that allows me to make a difference in the lives of others.” Adrienne’s diverse work background has allowed her to work with families affected by poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Adrienne is dedicated to helping children and families overcome obstacles to achieve their goals. Adrienne believes that every family deserves to live a happy and fulfilling life. |
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DeVonda Brown | Recruiter Coordinator
DeVonda A. Brown is a native of southern Arkansas, mother of five and grandmother of two. DeVonda has had a lifetime interest in all aspects of child advocacy and public service. In 1987, DeVonda was struck my a drunk driver while riding her scooter and spent two weeks in a coma, results eventually forced her to drop out of High School, while also having to re-learn how to walk and speak. This life experience inspired her to join Mothers against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) where she served for over twenty years as both a volunteer and spokesperson. Her association with M.A.D.D. lead her to volunteer work with other non - profit organizations, such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (C.A.S.A.) where she was recently recognized for her outstanding case work. DeVonda graduated with honors from University of Arkansas- Monticello with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. She was recently inducted as a lifetime member of the UAM chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, an honor society and campus service organization. DeVonda received her Masters degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Louisiana- Monroe. In her spare time, DeVonda enjoys exercising and reading books to her grandchildren. |
Board of Directors, 2024Cassidy Mansur, Therapist - University of Arkansas
Steve Savage, CPA Chris Ogburn, Aflac Insurance Sales Representative. Katy Chastain, McGhee School District Library Media Specialist. Tim Nichols, Drew County Sheriff. Marti Murphy, Home Health Business Manager |
Previous Board Members
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