tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71954696561093534102024-03-06T02:48:25.687-06:00CASA of The South PlainsA Child Advocacy Non-Profit which centers around volunteers who speak on behalf of children in Foster Care.
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-16652447491587181022014-09-16T09:17:00.003-05:002014-09-16T09:17:56.517-05:00Good Morning CASA<br />
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Good Morning CASA!</h2>
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Good morning CASA lovers, volunteers, and new interest. My name is Jenny and I am one of the two new interns this fall. Hailey, my partner in crime, and new friend on the internship railroad, is wonderful and you will meet her soon, as we will be collaborating on CASA’s blog. <br />
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CASA is quickly becoming my new home full of teachers and caring individuals who love their work. The community of hard working individuals is not only office based. The CASA volunteers are a group of the kindest people I have come to meet. Thankful doesn't begin to describe my gratitude to be working with CASA. I can’t wait for our next event (UV Splash) to meet more of these sweet people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SdSX-Hgv6eV3Yk3Bs3WBPI6Wy8vkOgyMrXc9hBETh1JST5mZN0WZH3OwR-oMIIohYh9CztgTHnnesBEjlVkm9D02bFmhSBQ9y9AdetPyupE9pbNh9_MeOBfV9e_U0YDdD2dA3UTyZ-o/s1600/casa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SdSX-Hgv6eV3Yk3Bs3WBPI6Wy8vkOgyMrXc9hBETh1JST5mZN0WZH3OwR-oMIIohYh9CztgTHnnesBEjlVkm9D02bFmhSBQ9y9AdetPyupE9pbNh9_MeOBfV9e_U0YDdD2dA3UTyZ-o/s1600/casa.jpeg" height="51" width="320" /></a><br />
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BIG NEWS</h3>
Not that the new interns aren’t turning some heads but we have nothing on CASA’s next event! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkWsk2nx03FyqgbwD0vip3PPvljVAA258slQSo0LsYp9gSSXufyMl7CdbIXlXSgveblZ2YukmZoJ9niRTURkwg29Z0GB_uy_WxbXWLUdOceUbTQR5XSTj77QoYHFSJtcZ64WTmrmDB0M/s1600/uv-splash-duluth-mn-32.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNkWsk2nx03FyqgbwD0vip3PPvljVAA258slQSo0LsYp9gSSXufyMl7CdbIXlXSgveblZ2YukmZoJ9niRTURkwg29Z0GB_uy_WxbXWLUdOceUbTQR5XSTj77QoYHFSJtcZ64WTmrmDB0M/s1600/uv-splash-duluth-mn-32.jpeg" /></a><b>CASA is hosting a 5k</b>! The UV Splash Dash for CASA is going to get glowing reviews. This is Lubbock’s first UV Splash! CASA is hosting the brightest 5k Lubbock has ever seen. We are going to get dressed in our best neon and black light clothing and get covered in glow paint while running a 5k for CASA! You can join a team or make your own here! <a href="http://www.uvsplashcolordash.com/lubbock-texas.html" target="_blank">CASA UV SPLASH</a> ( <a href="http://www.uvsplashcolordash.com/lubbock-texas.html">http://www.uvsplashcolordash.com/lubbock-texas.html</a> )<br />
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This race is going to be amazing. <a href="https://www.bayercropscience.us/" target="_blank">Bayer CropScience LP</a>, and Fox 34 News Lubbock, have all worked tirelessly and given generously to make this 5k worth the run! You get an awesome T-shirt to run in when you sign up. There will be a DJ and a dance competition of course. A, whose brightest competition to see who painted and dressed up the brightest! Lastly, a super fun photo booth so we can all share the memories with CASA. We will be dancing and glowing the night away because this race is not one you have to wake up early and be ready to run at 5am… CASA knows how to party and is throwing a night time event! Registration starts at 6pm.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt8ri_H2w4JQosi2jyhcaXShUfi4OHkkN-5NaXEu1f7ydDAw1X1FaxMvBU6XxQJXg0bDZOz4h15ubItCVJMkvtr71et2kDpzXHYIetpFDtrwV-tgXbd5c5FP6n_SM7wSJp-GNKP8TRec/s1600/bayer+crop+science.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbt8ri_H2w4JQosi2jyhcaXShUfi4OHkkN-5NaXEu1f7ydDAw1X1FaxMvBU6XxQJXg0bDZOz4h15ubItCVJMkvtr71et2kDpzXHYIetpFDtrwV-tgXbd5c5FP6n_SM7wSJp-GNKP8TRec/s1600/bayer+crop+science.jpeg" height="35" width="200" /></a></div>
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Now back to the interns for a quick finish. You can find me on the CASA Twitter, CASA Pinterest, and the CASA blog bi monthly. I post to the CASA Instagram with hashtags like #goodmorningcasa #CASAoftheSouthPlains and as of late, #UVsplashforCASA <br />
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I can’t wait to meet all the new volunteers and community members running for CASA at the UV Splash Dash! See you there! <br />
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Signing Out,<br />
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New CASA Intern<br />
<br />CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-61157620519868018442013-08-21T11:00:00.000-05:002013-08-21T11:00:24.997-05:00The New Guy<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The transition to a new job is always going to be challenging. Coming from a part-time job in retail to a full-time job in nonprofits signaled huge warning signs for me growing up in this world. Naturally, I was a bit nervous entering the new field. I recently graduated, so making a name for myself and finding a job was my number one priority. </span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-0fb76ae8-a196-69d4-94b9-16d30f30bdfe"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When researching the position before and after I accepted the job, I noticed that I was the only male working in the office. I was a recent grad with youth on my side, so I entered the office with an arrogant swagger. I was quickly humbled into my position. The Lubbock CASA office was so generous welcoming “the new guy” with a welcome brunch, fresh picked zucchini, and tales of the pranks newbies receive. I quickly learned that this atmosphere was different from any other. The ladies in the CASA office did more than enough to welcome me into their crew calling me their new frontman. However, the ladies did not give me a free pass joining their team. I endured my fair share of pestering, questioning, and, of course, my intense social media background check. After being knocked off my high horse and regaining my footing, I realized I had plenty to learn about this new environment. Bridal showers? Birthday brunch? I have never “brunched” nor “showered.” (By “showered” I mean a party hosted by friends). The friendly, cohesive work setting these women have put in place is impeccable and I look forward to learning their lingo, gaining new friendships, and making a difference in the Lubbock community.</span></div>
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0CASA of the South Plains33.7976059 -101.2203733.7971934 -101.2210005 33.798018400000004 -101.2197395tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-57000189909879254162013-03-21T11:43:00.002-05:002013-03-21T11:43:48.703-05:00Norma's Volunteer Story Part 10<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It had been four months now since
the children were removed from Kathy's home. Kathy had found a new job as a
receptionist at an insurance firm with the help from Anita.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I went in to talk to her after a few
weeks, she<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had a totally different
demeanor from when I first met her. She looked healthier and more confident
although she didn't crack a smile in the slightest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>" I've been staying away from drugs
Norma," Kathy stated asked as we sat down and discussed the final hearing
." When will I get my children back?" <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy and Ernie had been taking parenting
classes for the past month and as of yesterday, Kathy had tested negative on
both of her random drug tests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
confident at this point in allowing the children back into the home. I slowly
worked my way through explaining the process that was to come .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">" Kathy, I am so <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>proud of the changes you have made thus far in
anticipation of your children returning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we go to the hearing, I need for you to stay just as calm and
collected as you were when I walked in this office. You have met all of the
court ordered requirements in getting a job, staying substance free, and taking
parenting classes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If Rose and Ben are <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>returned to you, they will be monitored for 6
months by the department and myself to ensure that your lifestyle changes are
permanent. Jason, Ben's father has already been placed on child support so that
you will have a bit more financial stability. Ernie however has been granted
guardianship over Robert. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had every
intention of reuniting your family but at the same time, I had to do what was
best for the children. Ben has decided to stay will your sister for the time
being. Although he loves you and his siblings, he chose to stay in the
environment<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>is currently in. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is doing better in school and has taken a
special liking to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>his art classes. You
have visitation rights to him on the weekends."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I had mixed feelings<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>flushing through my body as I left Kathy's
job that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pride, happiness, anxiety.
I was excited for the opportunity to be such a huge factor in helping this <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>families life get back on track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved every minute of being the person who
looked after the children and made sure their needs were met. I created a great
relationship with the children and helped them through one of the hardest times
their little lives would ever. I was a CASA volunteer. I was needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was wanted. I had purpose. I was happy to
be serving the children's best interest but for the first time, I realized that
doing what is best for the children may not necessarily mean a happy ending for
Kathy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The final hearing had finally
come around and I never realized how loud the ticking of the clock was for a
silent room thick with anticipation and anxiety. As I was called on to report
the overall progress of the family, my heart sank. I Began to give a synopsis
of the children's lives over the past<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7
months since they were initially taken. I began with baby Rose. While Kathy
was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pregnant with her, she consumed a
sufficient amount of alcohol leading to Rose being diagnosed with infant
alcohol syndrome as well as serious developmental delays. While under the care
of the foster parents, Rose developed a strong bond with them and was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>being put through a series of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>occupational therapy sessions. Over the past
seven months, Kathy only visited Rose three times. The foster parents decided
to petition the court for adoption. As I was going<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>on about Rose , I had a flashback. Two months
earlier<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sitting at the park
talking in private with Kathy's sister, Carol. Ben had been staying with her<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>this day, we had arranged for him, Robert, and Ernie to spend time
together. They were a few yards away playing basketball giving<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>me just enough privacy to check up on how
things were going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That day , Carol
expressed concerns about Kathy's alcohol recovery. According to Carol, Kathy
would visit<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>often on the weekends
seeming to be inebriated. Whenever she came, the atmosphere was tainted as she
caused fights, discord, and undermined Carols household authority. She also
informed me that although Ben was doing substantially better, he had recently
formed a habit of stealing from <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>her
purse.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My day dream was interrupted as
the head juror walked up to the judges stand to deliver the verdict, Those few
moments seemed like forever as the past 7 months played out in my head. Kathy
was a loving mother who had been working since she was 14. She had made a
mistake, as we all do, but her's cost her children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The jury decided that Kathy was not in good
condition to raise her children in her home. She had been sober for 35 days
now, but relapse is often apart of recovery and a risk that the children should
be exposed to. When I initially became a CASA, I thought that in the end, the
parent would always end up with the children back in the home but sometimes,
the parents home isn't the best for the child. Kathy was ordered to pay child
support to Ernie. Jason was ordered to pay child support to Carol, and the
Adoption case date was announced as the case was concluded. Although Kathy was
in tears leaving the courtroom, I couldn't help but feel confident that what
was best for the children was done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> </span></o:p></div>
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-88943296671340571102013-02-28T10:25:00.003-06:002013-02-28T10:25:51.898-06:00Norma's Volunteer Story, Part 9
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Norma:</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I met with Ernie and his mother
so I could get to know them a little better. Ernie reported he had just
received a job offer as a mechanic, which would be great to present at the next
hearing. If Ernie was stable enough to maintain a job, he would be able to aid
the children financially. Ernie's mother informed me she would be delighted to
help Ernie with Robert and Rose, if in fact, Rose was his daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ernie expressed his excitement for getting to
reconnect with Robert after the home study on his and Anita's living situation
cleared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The same day, I drove over to
visit Robert and Rose at their temporary foster home. When I first got to the
home, the children were coloring and Robert seemed timid about speaking with me.
Although I did come to visit the children, the first thing I did was speak with
Anne Franklin, their foster mother. I wanted to hear her analysis of the condition
of the children. Anne informed me she was worried about Rose's
development.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was nine-months-old but
couldn't crawl or sit up on her own. She also never made any sounds except for
when crying. I visited for about an hour with Robert and played with Rose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The next day I drove to visit Ben,
who was staying with his Aunt Carol, near Plainview. Because he was older,
it was much easier for me to explain my role to him. Once inside and comfortable,
I informed him I was here to listen to his needs and act in his best
interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben explained he loved his
mother and wanted to see her, but he was concerned about having to go back to
living with her. He knew it was difficult for her to take care of them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Ben wanted to live at his
aunt's house, but he had taken on the role of caretaker so often when mom
wasn't around, he feared what would happen to Robert and Rose the next time she
disappeared. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">I asked Ben to exit the room
for a while so Carol and I could speak in private. I asked her how she thought
Ben was doing overall. She said he seemed to love the open space the country
provided and he got along great with his cousins who were of similar age. She
had taken him to their family physician to make sure everything was normal and
so most importantly, he could pick up his asthma medicine. Ben would be
starting classes at a new school the following Monday and we were all eager to
hear reports of his adjustment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">After meeting with everyone, I
called my CASA supervisor to discuss the case, ask her a few questions, and
talk about my recommendations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
much thought and deliberation, I thought it best for Robert to go live with his
father and grandmother. I also thought Rose should be placed in the home if the
ordered paternity test proved Ernie the biological father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Otherwise, Rose should stay in her current
foster placement and CPS should strive to identify her biological father. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">After
visiting with Ben and Carol, it seemed best for Ben to stay with his aunt. He
seemed at peace and loved it there. Ben did mention he wanted to see his
siblings even if he couldn't currently be with them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way I predicted the children being
able to live together again was in the event that Kathy underwent a substance
abuse assessment and followed the recommendations made by the judge. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">It really bothered me at this
stage in her life Rose wasn't walking or crawling so I recommended both Kathy
and Ernie be enrolled in parenting classes while Rose was enrolled in
developmental classes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lastly, I
recommended the siblings be allowed visitation with each other weekly and
weekly visitation with their mother, Kathy. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">The next morning, I called the
kids CPS caseworker, Bob Johnson. I needed to discuss the case again. Bob
briefed me on the current standings. The current case plan for Rose and Ben was
reunification with Kathy Price while the plan for Ben was for him to be adopted
by his aunt. The results had come back and Ernie was determined to be the
father of Rose, so until Kathy had met all requirements the court set in place,
Rose and Robert would stay with Ernie and Dashee, his mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that I had spoken with all parties in
order to gather voices for recommendations, I was prepared for the upcoming
hearing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><strong>New volunteer training starts in Lubbock on March 18. CASA needs volunteers like you to advocate on behalf of foster children. More than 500 foster children in the South Plains area went without an advocate in 2012. Call Peggy, our Recruitment and Training Director, at 806-763-2272 or email <a href="mailto:peggye@lubbockcasa.org">peggye@lubbockcasa.org</a> to talk about becoming a volunteer. Peggy has been with CASA for 15 years and knows the ins and outs of our organization. </strong></span></div>
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-88345384811478945262013-02-13T15:05:00.001-06:002013-02-13T15:05:44.056-06:00Norma's Volunteer Story, Part 8<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>This is a series about Norma, a woman who
becomes a CASA volunteer. It is fictional, but based on real events. Each
Wednesday we will update the blog with the next segment. At CASA we always need
volunteers, but right now we are extremely low on volunteers and there are
hundreds of children in the South Plains who are waiting for a special person
like Norma......like you. Please call 806-763-2272 </em><em>if you
would like to be that person.</em></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Day four training: Judge Perspective and
Course Wrap-Up<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">CPS Bob Johnson:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">When the boys finished the pizza,
Bob helped them each pack a garbage bag of clothes and what personal items they
could fit into it. They helped Bob pack a bag of items for Rose as well. Bob
made a call to placement and Ben and Robert were taken to an emergency shelter
and baby Rose was taken to a foster home. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It was now time to contact Kathy
Price, the children’s mother. Whether the parents were first time offenders or
veterans of the department’s protective services, Bob hated visiting the
parents in jail to inform them a child had been taken and placed into the
system. In the Harris-Price children’s case, this would be the third time. He
arrived at the jail, sat down at the video monitor, and picked up the receiver
so he could speak with her. Kathy unhooked the dirty hand receiver from the
wall and glared at Bob on the video monitor. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">"What did you do with my
kids? They told me you were taking them," she yelled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">"Hello, Ms. Price. Your
children are fine and safe. We found them two days after your arrest. Due
to living arrangements and the fact that the children were left home alone,
your children have been taken into the custody by the department,” Johnson said. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Upon hearing these words, Kathy
could feel her anger, frustration, and sadness all coming to a boil in her
chest. She wouldn't have had to leave her children if she hadn't been arrested.
She didn't expect the officer to arrest her that night. She wouldn't have had to
leave the house at all if she had enough food to feed two growing boys,
herself, and her precious baby. She would have money to feed her family if the
children's fathers would pay child support ....if she had a better job….if she
wasn’t addicted and trying to make it day by day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Kathy asked if once she was released from jail
if she would get her kids back. Mr. Johnson said no- the next
thing she should ask is what will happen next when she is released from jail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Norma:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It was 7p.m. on a Tuesday
afternoon, and Norma was completing her last day of training. Judge Hart, the
local foster care cluster court judge, spoke to the group. He is the judge who
handles all of the foster cases. He talked to them about what he expects in his
courtroom and what the advocates could expect from him. Judge Hart reinforced
how important the CASA advocate is in a child’s life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">She jotted down a few last minute
ideas as Peggy, the facilitator of the training class, wrapped up the
training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peggy explained that after you
have completed the necessary requirements to become a CASA, your information is
entered into the system to be used upon availability of a case. When the
instance arises where the child has to be removed, a CPS legal proceeding
begins. The court has one year from the date the CPS is named Temporary
Managing Conservator of the child to determine the permanency plan through a
series of several hearings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The next day, Norma and the other
volunteers arrived at the courthouse in Judge Hart’s courtroom. He swore each
person in and gave them a certificate. Peggy took photos of the group and
congratulated them on becoming an official CASA advocate. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Within a few days, Norma was
assigned a supervisor and her first CASA case. The children had been removed
from their mother due to being left alone and without appropriate caregivers. The two boys had been placed in a shelter, the
baby was in a foster home, and the mother, Kathy Price remained incarcerated at
the time of the placement of the children into foster care.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">By Texas law according to the
Texas Family Code, an adversary hearing must be held with 14 days of the
removal of the children. At the hearing Kathy, Norma, Mr. Johnson, and the
children’s attorney met prior to the hearing to discuss what would occur before
the judge. Kathy would be given the option by the department to request a
hearing, in order to provide evidence of why her children should not remain in
the care of the department. If Kathy agreed the children should remain in
the care of the department then there would not be a hearing of presented
evidence. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Kathy stated she would like
to have a hearing on this day and would move forward to represent herself.
After testimony was heard the judge ruled there was enough evidence to
prove the children’s safety and well-being was at risk, and the department
had made reasonable efforts to prevent the children from coming into care of
the department. CPS presented through Mr. Johnson that Kathy had a
history of leaving her children without supervision and was currently on
probation. There was evidence that supported that Kathy violated her probation
by leaving her children home alone, as well as allegation of theft of the baby
formula. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">During the hearing the judge
explained that Kathy could offer family members as possible placement for her
children during the duration of the department’s case. CPS would be
required to complete a home study on each home that was requested by any
parent. Kathy presented to the court and the other parties that her sister
Carol and a paternal grandmother, Dashee, would be her best options for the
children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was also ordered that Ernie
Price submit to paternity testing for the child, Rose Price. Even though
Ernie Price and Kathy Price were married, Rose was born after the divorce and
he is the alleged father to Rose. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Norma set up separate meetings
with Kathy, Carol, Dashee, and Jason Harris. Jason Harris informed her he
wasn't open for discussion because he no longer wanted anything to do with
Kathy or placement of his child, Ben, in his home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy's sister had mentioned during the
hearing that although she loved all of the children and wished them the best,
she could only financially and time-wise, support one more child, Ben, the
oldest. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, it was looking as
if the chances of the children staying together were slim, but it would be CASA's
recommendation for the best interest to have the children remain together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-7709770179870702832013-02-06T13:07:00.004-06:002013-02-06T13:08:51.904-06:00Norma's Volunteer Story, Part 7<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em>This is a series about
Norma, a woman who becomes a CASA volunteer. It is fictional, but based on real
events. Each Wednesday we will update the blog with the next segment. At CASA we
always need volunteers, but right now we are extremely low on volunteers and
there are hundreds of children in the South Plains who are waiting for a special
person like Norma......like you. Please call <span class="skype_pnh_print_container"><span class="skype_pnh_print_container">806-763-2272 </span></span></em><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #49535a;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"><strong>
</strong></span></span></span></span><em>if you would like to be that
person.</em></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></em></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Norma’s Volunteer Story, Part 7</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day three
training: Cultural Competence & Families </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day three of
training was probably the most eye-opening for Norma. She had always thought of
herself as being relatively open-minded as far as being accepting of others
beliefs, but the term cultural competence was new to her. Cultural competence
means just that: to be understanding and open when it comes to being introduced
to a circumstance that differs from one’s own cultural heritage or background. There
are so many different types of people in this world and we all have our own
values and culture. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The training
stressed the importance of learning more about our own heritage and culture and
how it affects our day-to-day life. If we each questioned our assumptions and
remained open to the differences in others, how much simpler and easier it
would be to coexist without all of the complexities that ignorance, intolerance
and closed mindedness bring to the fray. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some families
may be harsher in their discipline, while others are more relaxed. Some
families may not allow their children to eat sweets or watch television, while
their neighbors do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no set rule
that says one family is more right than the other. It simply lends proof to the
theory that this country is a melting pot of cultures, values and beliefs. By
becoming more culturally competent and aware, we can avoid the persecution and
misunderstanding altogether, and move towards a more effective reconciliation
for the torn families who need our help and support. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The trainees
were given a picture of a family in their house that looked cluttered and
chaotic, and were instructed to find the strengths of the scenario. At first
glance, all you see is the mess, but as you look at the scene, it is easy to
point out the positive points.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Every family who
goes through the process of having a child removed from the home has some type
of stress factor present. Sometimes stress is created by circumstances that
seem unchangeable for </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">someone who does not know what resources are available to
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, it is up to the CASA
volunteer to shift the balance of stress in the circumstance. This can be done
most effectively by listening, communicating and understanding that different doesn’t
necessarily mean wrong. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Norma was
saddened by the number of children in the Lubbock area who are abused and
neglected. She wondered if she could really make a difference. As it turned
out, the speaker after the snack break was a presentation from a current CASA
advocate. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eric was a
mid-twenties single man who had been a volunteer for nearly three years. His
first case was two siblings – a brother and sister- whose parents were drug
addicts. The children were taken from a mice-infested house with no running
water. They were not going to school regularly. Because they were neglected so
long, at first they had trouble assimilating into the foster home and school.
Eric spoke with teachers, extended family members, CPS caseworkers and doctors,
and attended every hearing. Because of his diligence, he was able to find an
aunt who lived across the state and was willing to adopt both children. The
aunt’s house was small and she had two of her own kids at home, so the
situation wasn’t perfect, but the kids were loved and safe. He said the kids
still were a little behind in school, and were still in therapy but doing well overall.
Eric said the kids still call him periodically and he always sends them
birthday and holiday cards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next, the group
talked about abuse and neglect child-related and parent-related factors. The
most common reason in the Lubbock area that children are removed from a home is
due to neglect. Some children are neglected because of physical or mental
disabilities and some are due to chronological age or the child was unwanted.
On the parent’s side, some of the factors include abuse as a child, substance
abuse, depression or ignorance. The group also talked about the impact of
abuse, neglect and being in the foster care system has on a child. They ended
the evening of training talking about various statistics regarding children in
America, poverty rates, hunger and welfare.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This really made
an impact on Norma. She knew that even if she only helped one child, that
making a difference in that child’s life would be worth it. What if she could
help a child in foster care get to a permanent placement? Someplace safe, where
that child would be clothed, fed and loved. Norma decided at that moment she
had made the right decision to be a CASA advocate.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Check back on 2/13/13 for the next installment of Norma's Story. Find out what happens to the Harris Price children</span>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-26898148625628155842013-01-23T10:09:00.004-06:002013-01-23T10:09:27.490-06:00Norma's Volunteer Story, Part 6
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>This is a series about
Norma, a woman who becomes a CASA volunteer. It is fictional, but based on real
events. Each Wednesday we will update the blog with the next segment. At CASA we
always need volunteers, but right now we are extremely low on volunteers and
there are hundreds of children in the South Plains who are waiting for a special
person like Norma......like you. Please call <span class="skype_pnh_print_container">806-763-2272</span></em><span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #49535a;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"><strong>
</strong></span></span></span></span></span><em>if you would like to be that
person.</em></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><strong>Norma:</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><strong>Day two
training: Advocacy</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">On day two of
training, Norma was the first to arrive. She couldn’t wait to learn more and
Peggy didn’t let her down. Day two is what Peggy called “the meat and potatoes
day”, when much of the in-depth training information is taught. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Advocacy was the
topic for the day and they covered a wide variety of sub chapters that broke
down and defined advocacy in new ways. The simplest definition of advocate is:
the representation of a cause or person who cannot necessarily represent
themselves; whether it is a cause that needs a chair or a child that needs a
voice. CASA volunteers are the voice in the clamor of legalese and paper work;
those who represent the child’s best interests, hopes and greatest desires. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">These children
do not understand the things going on around them. They have suffered some type
of abuse or neglect and have subsequently been ripped from their homes. Even if
the home situation is less than ideal, it is usually the only home the children
have known or are even willing to recognize. Then, they are placed with strangers
and sometimes changing CPS caseworkers, guardian ad litems, and even foster
home placements. The one constant in this child’s life is usually the CASA
volunteer. It is the volunteer’s priority to advocate for the needs of this
overlooked child. A child with a CASA volunteer spends five months, on average,
less time in a foster home than one without. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Peggy stressed
the importance of <a href="http://casaofthesouthplains.org/faqs.html" target="_blank">confidentiality</a> of the children CASA represents. She said you
can’t even tell your best friend the details of the case. Peggy did mention
some people like to team up with a friend or significant other to represent a
child. Actually, there was a husband and wife who were in the training together
right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She explained this would
allow them to talk about the case together and tackle the responsibilities
together as well. Norma scribbled a note in her training manual to visit with
her friend Jennifer. Jennifer and her husband Michael liked to do things
together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Documentation
was the next topic covered. Because CASA advocates are legally appointed by the
judge and because of the legal issues of each case, it is incredibly important
to document every single thing. Peggy said the judges in the Lubbock area have
a good working relationship with CASA and they take the advocates
recommendations into serious consideration. Those recommendations have to be
backed up by proper documentation. Phone calls, emails, visits with teachers,
caseworkers, and relatives, face-to-face visits with the child - everything
must be documented for that child’s case file. Peggy said organization was key
and Norma was an organized person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Peggy talked
about the types of cases next. They are TMC, or temporary managing
conservatorship, and PMC, or permanent managing conservatorship. Peggy said
ideally she would like all cases to be TMC. That would mean there is a 12-18
month timeline for resolution for the case and the child would be permanently placed
into the home of a relative, would go back home to their mother or father if
deemed in the best interest of the child, or get legally adopted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Sadly, about 70
percent of the children in the South Plains who are currently in the foster
care system are PMC. That means they will age out of the system when they turn
18 without being adopted. Peggy told the story of a child, who we will call
Sally for this blog, who she fought for as an advocate. Peggy was Sally’s
volunteer advocate for more than ten years. Sally was taken from her home at a
young age and got moved around to multiple foster homes throughout her
childhood, as did her brothers and sisters. When Sally turned 18 she was on her
own, legally. Luckily for Sally, the last foster home she was placed in was a
good fit and she formed a strong, loving bond with the family. And while only two
percent of foster children take advantage of free college tuition offered in
Texas, Sally is part of the two percent. She is now a student at Texas Tech University
and Peggy is still in contact with her to this day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">The final thing
Peggy talked about during day two of training was volunteer support. The reason
the volunteer supervisors are at CASA is to provide training and support to the
many people who are volunteer advocates. It is important for volunteers to
communicate with their supervisor, and visit with them about what is going on
with their case, how they feel and what they think about it. Because of lack of
volunteers, supervisors take on cases as well and they can understand the
situation the advocate is going through. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"><strong>Officer
Gooden/CPS Bob Johnson:</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Officer Gooden
had just gotten Ben and Robert settled down in front of the television, eating
their pizza when a knock sounded on the front door. He went to answer the door
and found a short, middle-aged man with very little hair and wire rim glasses
standing there. He was holding a three-inch-thick file folder in one hand and
the other was extended towards Officer Gooden. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">“Officer
Gooden?” he asked, “I am CPS caseworker Bob Johnson. We spoke on the phone
earlier about the Harris-Price family.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Officer Jim
Gooden nodded and stepped aside to allow Mr. Johnson into the home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">“I responded to
a noise complaint called in by a neighbor across the hall. When I came on
scene, Ben here,” he nodded, indicating the older boy who was trying to eat
pizza, pay attention to what the two men in the kitchen were saying and stay
awake, all the while, wheezing as each breath left his body. “Ben answered the
door and said their mom, Kathy Price, left two nights ago to get formula for
the baby and never came back. There is no food in the house, so I ordered a
pizza and as you can see, it was a big hit,” he said with a smile. The smile
faded as he turned his attention to the nine-month-old on his hip. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">“When I arrived
on scene, she was crying and in desperate need of a diaper change. I am not
sure how long she sat in the diaper I found her in, but I called the paramedics
out to come and assess her physical situation. They should be here any minute
now.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">Bob Johnson was
taking notes and listening as Officer Gooden told him almost the exact same
story that been documented as having happened only a few months before. A few
of the details had changed, but it was ultimately the same situation. He shook
his head as he realized the children would have to be taken from the home this
time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";">He handed a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bag of diapers, clean onesies, sterilized
bottles and formula to Officer Gooden so he could take care of baby Rose while
he made some calls to figure out what to do with the three children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-88353788622113386452013-01-09T13:44:00.003-06:002013-02-26T12:01:54.393-06:00Norma's Volunteer Story, Part 5<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>This is a series about Norma, a woman who becomes a CASA volunteer. It is fictional, but based on real events. Each Wednesday we will update the blog with the next segment. At CASA we always need volunteers, but right now we are extremely low on volunteers and there are hundreds of children in the South Plains who are waiting for a special person like Norma......like you. Please call 806-763-2272</em><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"><span style="color: #49535a;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><span class="skype_pnh_mark"> </span></strong></span></span></span><em> if you would like to be that person.</em></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: medium; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong>Norma:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Training Day One: Role and History <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma was still a little nervous
when it came training time. Even though she knew it was still part of the pre-screening
process, it had been decades since she had last been in a classroom setting.
Once she arrived, she found a chair and got settled in as the class began. They
were each given a black binder and introductions went around the room. The
instructor’s name was Peggy and she was great! There were ten chapters and only
four days to cover them all, so they dug in after a few more introductions and
ice breakers, including the powerful experiment the called “Permanency Project”.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the first things covered was
the quintessential role a CASA volunteer plays in the life of a child who
resides in foster care. They have the benefit of being focused on a child’s
needs without owing an allegiance to anyone other than that child. They give of
their time freely, and in this way, are able to remain completely objective.
Finding a safe and permanent home for a child as quickly as circumstances allow
and using all available resources to better that child’s life, is the ultimate
bottom line. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">The four main duties of a volunteer
are investigation, facilitation, advocacy and monitoring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trainer then talked about the important
administrative activities a volunteer must do to document their case, including
timesheets and a case timeline. In the legal system, there are many acronyms used
so they covered what those meant as well. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">The trainer dispelled the myths
about being a CASA – no, you don’t keep the children at your house; no, you
don’t need to have a law degree, legal training or be retired; no, CASA does
not stand for housing of children. Peggy spent a lot of time discussing what
‘best interest’ means as it applies to CASA and the children they serve; and
also what defines abuse and neglect. Norma enjoyed the videos they watched of
foster children’s testimonies of what their journey in foster care was like.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: medium; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Peggy also shared the history of <st1:stockticker w:st="on">CASA</st1:stockticker> and </span><a href="http://www.casaboston.org/main.asp?id=7"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">how it came
about</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: medium; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">. Norma was surprised at how
ignorant she was to the very real cry of the children of this nation. It only
took one year from the time little </span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/15/health/15abus.html?_r=0"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Mary Ellen’s case</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: medium; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> of horrific abuse was reported in 1873 until
an organization was created to help abused children, believed to be the first
child protective agency in the world. It was over one hundred years later
however, before laws regarding child abuse became more clearly defined. In 1974
</span><a href="https://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/federal/index.cfm?event=federalLegislation.viewLegis&id=2"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">CAPTA</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">,
the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, created the National Center on
Child Abuse and Neglect and directed funding to programs that supported abused children.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">In January 1977, Seattle Judge
David Soukup obtained funding to recruit and train community volunteers to step
into courtrooms on behalf of the children. From there, the National CASA was
established in 1982 and CASA of the South Plains was established when a Lubbock
county judge first appointed a CASA to serve as an abused child's advocate in
October 1993.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since that time, over 5,000
children have been provided over 1,000 advocates in our area. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Officer Gooden:<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Officer Gooden surveyed the
apartment and reached the only conclusion available; the children had been left
to their own devices for at least a day or two. The television was on too loud
and Robert, the middle child, was wearing a pair of pajamas that appeared as if
they would stand up on their own if the child were not inside them. The kids
were dirty and the baby had not stopped screaming since he had entered the
apartment. He looked around for diapers or formula, but found none. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, there was only one
thing that he could do and that was to call Children’s Protective Services out
to the scene to take care of the children. Rose, the baby, appeared to have
been wearing the same diaper for at least 24 hours and was in desperate need of
being cleaned and fed. Robert had asked him twice in the last fifteen minutes
if he had anything for him to eat, and Ben looked as if he would simply fall
asleep standing up if Rose weren’t crying or Robert complaining that his
stomach was yelling at him because it was so hungry. Officer Jim Gooden stepped
into the kitchen and pulled out his cell phone and dialed the number for the
Children’s Protective Services.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">CPS caseworker Bob Johnson
answered the phone when Officer Gooden called. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“This is Officer Gooden and I
responded to a noise disturbance and found two children and an infant left home
alone for what appears to have been at least 24 hours,” he reported to Bob
Johnson.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“What are the names of the
children, Gooden?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will check the
system to see if we have an established case file on them,” Bob said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Officer Gooden recited the
children’s names, as Ben had given them to him earlier, as well as Kathy
Price’s name, from a stack of unpaid bills and collection notices on the
kitchen table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Across town, Bob pecked
at the keys of the computer in a rapid series of tap, tap, taps and then
sighed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“We do have a case file on this
family, unfortunately. The mother signed an affidavit not that long ago stating
she wouldn’t leave the children unattended. This has, apparently, been an issue
in the past. I will gather up any other information I have on the family and
head that way. I should be there in half an hour or so,” he said as he
collected everything CPS had on the Harris-Price family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gooden asked the case worker to
bring some diapers and formula with him for baby Rose. He then thanked him and
then dialed the nearest pizza delivery place as there was not a stitch of food
in the apartment. Once that was done, he settled in to wait.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-30980311047177790882013-01-02T11:30:00.000-06:002013-01-02T11:40:01.099-06:00Norma's Volunteer Story, Part 4 <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>This is a series about
Norma, a woman who becomes a CASA volunteer. It is fictional, but based on real
events. Each Wednesday we will update the blog with the next segment. At CASA we
always need volunteers, but right now we are extremely low on volunteers and
there are hundreds of children in the South Plains who are waiting for a special
person like Norma......like you. Please call 806-763-2272 if you would like to be that person.</em></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Norma:</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“That is what the pre-service
training is for Norma,” Peggy said when she voiced her concerns during the interview
the following week. “We encourage you to talk with your friends and family.
Speak with anyone who has done volunteer work with us and attend the training.
It gives you more information to make an informed decision as to whether or not
this is for you,” Peggy said. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“That makes me feel better. I
would like to know more about what I would be getting myself into and whether
or not I am even compatible,” Norma said. She filled out the paperwork,
including the background check. They talked a little more and before she left,
Norma signed up for the next pre-service training class. This was the second
step of the process, before Norma Jackson’s world changed. She didn’t know it
yet, but the next few months would change the way she not only looked at the
world, but how she interacted with people and more simply, the way she loved.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Officer Jim Gooden:</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Car 22, come in! Over!” the
radio squawked in the stillness of the evening. Officer Jim Gooden had been on
night shift every evening this month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
far, everything had been fairly quiet tonight. It looked as if it might not
stay that way. He sighed as he reached for the handheld radio and responded to
the call from dispatch.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Dispatch, this is Car 22. Go
ahead, over,” he said. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Car 22, please respond to 2250
Willow Grove Avenue, apartment 24B for a noise complaint, over,” the dispatcher
responded with the instruction that would change Officer Gooden’s entire night.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Copy that dispatch. ETA is
approximately ten minutes. Over and out.” Officer Gooden replaced the handheld
and pulled out into traffic. When he arrived, he reported to the address given
to him by dispatch. It was a neighbor who had called in the noise complaint. He
took the statement of the neighbor and headed across the hall to knock on the
door the neighbor had pointed out to him. He knocked once and identified
himself as a police officer. There was no answer so he knocked again, this time
harder. A thin, young boy opened the door just a crack. He appeared to have
been crying and Officer Gooden could hear at least one more child, as well as
an infant, crying from somewhere back in the apartment. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Son,” Officer Gooden asked, “what
is your name?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">The young boy sniffled and ran a
hand under his nose. “Ben Harris, sir,” he replied quietly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Are your parents home, Ben?” asked
the officer.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ben bowed his head so the police
officer would not see the hot, salty tears forcing themselves through his
tightly squeezed eyelids.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“No, Sir.” </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">“May I come inside and wait with
you until someone comes home?”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ben nodded his head in mute
acceptance and shuffled back a few steps as the officer came inside. This was
not the first time his mother had left them alone. This time was different
though. She had left on Tuesday night to go get formula for baby Rose, and it
was now Thursday night. This time she hadn’t come back. He couldn’t keep Robert
and Rose from crying and now the police were here, and they were going to take
them away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom sure was going to be
upset with him whenever she did come home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-42356736649228193552012-12-12T11:39:00.001-06:002012-12-18T14:27:50.711-06:00Norma's Volunteer Story, Part 3<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>This is a series about Norma, a woman who becomes a CASA volunteer. It is fictional, but based on real events. Each Wednesday we will update the blog with the next segment. At CASA we always need volunteers, but right now we are extremely low on volunteers and there are hundreds of children in the South Plains who are waiting for a special person like Norma......like you. Please call <span class="skype_pnh_print_container"><span class="skype_pnh_print_container">806-763-2272</span></span></em><strong><span style="color: #49535a;"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"></span></span></strong><span style="color: #49535a;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="skype_pnh_mark"><strong></strong></span></span></span><em>if you would like to be that person. </em></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria", "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Part 3 of Norma's Volunteer Story:</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kathy: </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hope Ben has dinner ready tonight, </span></span></i><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she thought. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My feet and back are killing me and I just don’t feel like cooking, on top of everything else today. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy unlocked the apartment door and scooped up the crying Rose from her playpen as she headed to the kitchen to deposit the baby in her highchair. Ben had made dinner, sort of; soup and pop tarts. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>She grabbed a pop tart and took a bite as she got the formula can down from the cabinet so she could make a bottle for Rose. The bite soured in her mouth as she realized there was enough for only one more bottle. Kathy sighed and made the last bottle of formula. She realized she would have to stay on her feet a bit longer and go to the store once Rose was asleep.</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Ben?,” she called as she emptied the last of the money tin’s contents into her pocket. “Ben - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to run down to the store to get more formula for Rose, alright?,” she called from the kitchen. “And keep the door locked. Don’t answer it for anyone.”</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Okay Mom,” Ben replied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and Robert were watching a football game on the television in the living room. Kathy put her coat back on and headed out of the apartment, locking the door behind her. She headed down the stairs and out into the brisk, cold evening. On her way to the store to get Rose’s formula, she passed a liquor store and decided to reward herself for all of her hard work this week. She liked to take a drink now and then, once the kids were in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went into the liquor store and purchased a fifth of vodka. Outside, she mixed it with a bottle of orange juice and headed to the grocery store. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When she got to the store to purchase Rose’s formula, she realized she didn’t have enough money left to buy it. She couldn’t return the vodka, as it had already been opened. She looked at the formula can and thought of baby Rose wailing for her breakfast in the morning. Kathy looked around and then tucked the can into her jacket and headed for the doors. Kathy’s heart was beating out a staccato rhythm in her chest as she approached. Her heart tripped, stuttered and sped up as a manager with a stern look on his face approached her just as she reached the doors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Ma’am, I am going to have to ask you to come with me,” he said haltingly. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kathy looked at the man and his pinched face and then over his shoulder as the sliding glass doors parted for the next incoming paying customer. The man cleared his throat and gestured towards the back of the store. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">She sighed and cringed as she knew she was still on probation. The fact that she had a bottle of vodka in a brown paper bag hidden in one of the many pockets in her coat wasn’t going to do anything to help her situation. The reason she was on probation in the first place was because of alcohol. Kathy sat in a cold plastic chair in a small office waiting for the police to come and take her away. They wouldn’t care that she just needed to feed her baby. They wouldn’t care that she works two jobs and never gets any help and never gets to take a break. They wouldn’t care about her or her children. But, they would care if they were home alone. They might take them away and who knows where they would go. So, when Kathy was arrested for theft and violating her probation, she never said a word about the three hungry children, alone and watching television in an apartment by themselves, just half a block away.</span></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-74627733897767080642012-12-05T14:32:00.005-06:002012-12-18T14:28:05.499-06:00Norma's Volunteer Story, Part 2<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>This is a series
about Norma, a woman who becomes a CASA volunteer. It is fictional, but based on
real events. Each Wednesday we will update the blog with the next segment. At
CASA we always need volunteers, but right now we are extremely low on volunteers
and there are hundreds of children in the South Plains who are waiting for
a special person like Norma......like you. Please call <span class="skype_pnh_print_container">806-763-2272</span></em><span class="skype_pnh_container" dir="ltr"><strong><span style="color: #49535a;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span class="skype_pnh_mark">
</span></span></span></strong></span><em> if you would
like to be that person. </em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Part 2 of Norma's Volunteer Story:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Kathy:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Every day at 5 a.m., Kathy got
up, bathed and dressed herself and the baby and fed the family. As soon as the
boys were off to school, she would head to Rose’s daycare which was located
half a block from her first job at a retail store as a cashier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had to work a second job to afford
daycare for Rose during the hours she worked her first job. Her second job was
washing dishes at a restaurant. Many nights she had to leave her oldest, Ben,
in charge - <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he was such a good helper.
Sometimes he even had dinner cooked when she got home. He worked hard to make
good grades and made sure his brother, Robert, also did his homework. He
usually turned on the TV to keep baby Rose entertained. Ben’s idol was Tom
Brady, quarterback for the New England Patriots and he loved football and
quoting statistics. Kathy told him that as soon as she got a better paying job,
he could try out for the school football team. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Norma:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">After three days of checking the
mail like a child rattling presents under the Christmas tree in happy
anticipation, the packet finally came. Norma sat down at the kitchen table
again and began to go through the </span><a href="http://casaofthesouthplains.org/Volunteers-General/how-can-you-help.html"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">information</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">
Amanda had sent her. There were a couple of brochures, an annual report filled
with statistics and a letter explaining what the first steps of the training
process are. The recommendation given was to talk to family members and friends
to get their take on whether or not this was the right fit. Norma decided to
call her sister and talk to her about it. They had always been close and had
shared most of their lives together. Norma picked up the phone on her way into
the kitchen to heat some water for tea. She dialed her sister as she filled the
kettle and set it on the blue flame of her old, tiny gas stove.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Hello?” Vikki answered after the
third ring. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Hi Vikki, it’s me. I want to run
something by you and see what your thoughts are,” Norma said. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Okay, shoot,” Vikki replied. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">They talked about the packet Amanda
sent Norma in the mail and about the meeting set for the following week. They
discussed the many aspects of volunteering and of working with children who have
been mistreated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“I know you, Norma,” Vikki said.
“You have the biggest heart in Texas and I think this would be a great thing
for you to do. Just ask a lot of questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will make the right decision and you will have my full support no
matter what. Just keep me posted so I know what to pray for.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: large; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Of course I will. Thanks for
your support. I don’t think I have been this excited about something since the
last time gas was under $2 a gallon.” They chuckled at her joke and then said
their goodbyes. Norma promised to call her after the meeting next week, and as
the days waxed and waned, her anticipation grew. What if she wasn’t strong
enough emotionally to do this? What if she didn’t do something right and the
child suffered because of her mistake? She had cleaned every room in her home
and reorganized her closet twice in an effort to work through her thoughts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Check back on 12/12/12 for Part 3 of Norma's Volunteer Story.</span></strong> </span></div>
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-79807314635011387152012-11-28T09:45:00.002-06:002012-12-18T14:28:17.401-06:00Norma's Volunteer Story<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>This is a series about Norma, a woman who becomes a CASA volunteer. It is fictional, but based on real events. Each Wednesday we will update the blog with the next segment. At CASA we always need volunteers, but right now we are extremely low on volunteers and there are hundreds of children in the South Plains who are waiting for a special person like Norma......like you. Please call 806-763-2272 if you would like to be that person. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Norma:</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Norma Jackson was sitting in her
favorite chair, watching the end of the evening news, when she saw a commercial
for CASA. It was something like this one: </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/casaforchildren?feature=results_main"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.youtube.com/user/casaforchildren?feature=results_main</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She had been looking for something to do with
her time since her last child had moved away to college and working with kids
was something she had always enjoyed. She hastily scrawled the number on the edge
of a napkin and tucked it into the book sitting on the table beside her. ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I will call tomorrow</i>,’ she decided and
then watched the end of the news and headed to bed. The next morning, Norma sat
down at her kitchen table. Armed with pen, paper, hot coffee, the napkin and
the phone, she settled in and prepared to call. One ring…two…</span><span style="color: teal;"><span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Brinia" datetime="2012-09-13T12:21"> </ins></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kathy:</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BEEP!!
BEEP!! BEEP!! BEEP!! BEE... CRASH!!!</span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kathy Price turned off the alarm
by smashing the snooze button with her work-calloused hand, clumsily, and
reached out to turn on the lamp with a yawn. She stretched and yawned again
before getting out of bed and headed to the kitchen. On her way she leaned down
to pick up a book off the floor. It was one of Robert’s many. There was a
picture of an owl on the cover and the title was “Whooooo Are You?”.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I’ll tell you who I am,” Kathy
said to no one in particular. “I am an average, middle class American. I have
three children; Ben, who turns fifteen this year, Robert who is nine and my
Rose. My Rose will be nine months old next week.” She smiled thinking of her
children. Then her smile slowly faded and her mouth settled into a bitter, grim
line. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“The shiftless men who helped me
create these beautiful babies are nowhere to be found. Ben’s father, Jason,
remarried and now he and his wife have a new baby. Jason doesn’t want anything
to do with me or with his son. He doesn’t send any money either. Does he think
fourteen year old boys<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:jennieh" datetime="2012-07-10T12:09"><span style="color: teal;">’</span></ins></span> clothes, shoes and food grow on the
nonexistent trees in my nonexistent backyard? Almost the same can be said for
Robert and Rose’s father, Ernie Price. After our divorce a year and a half ago,
I haven’t heard from him other than a couple of money orders that came with
letters for Robert. Then there wasn’t anything for a long time and we had to
move because I couldn’t keep up with the rent on my own. I won’t be able to
afford this place much longer either,” she muttered out loud as she pulled the
clothes out of the dryer and carried the hamper over to the couch. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">That thought led to the almost
empty coffee tin on top of the already empty refrigerator. Kathy did not make
enough money at her two jobs to need bank account. The coffee tin was her bank
account. As soon as she got her biweekly paychecks, they were cashed and spent
on rent, food and bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, winter
was approaching and that would probably mean deciding between heating the
apartment or buying diapers. She shook her head as she went about her morning
routine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Norma:</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Good morning and thank you for
calling CASA of the South Plains. My name is Amanda. How may I help you today?”,
a voice rang out cheerily across the line. Norma smiled and asked how she could
learn more about what CASA is and what their volunteers do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Amanda told Norma “the mission of
CASA of the South Plains is to recruit, train, and support community members,
like you, to serve as volunteer who advocate for the best interests of abused
and neglected children in the foster care system.”<span style="color: red;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Amanda collected Norma’s contact
information and promised to mail her a packet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She then transferred the Norma to Peggy, one of the recruiter/trainers
at the CASA office, to talk further about becoming a CASA Volunteer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Norma was intrigued with everything Peggy had
to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She mentioned a CASA pre-service
training class was scheduled about five weeks away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she decided to move forward, and had the
time, she could certainly sign up for the upcoming training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
wasn’t sure if she could really do this or not but she was willing to take the
next step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peggy suggested she watch a
few </span></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/CASAoftheSouthPlains?feature=CAQQwRs%3D"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">volunteer testimonials</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> to see what motivated others to volunteer
for CASA. She agreed to come in to the office to meet with Peggy and do the
initial paperwork necessary to begin the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They scheduled the meeting for the next week.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As Norma hung up the phone, she
realized there was more to CASA than she initially thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She continued to mull over her conversation
with the recruiter. Knowing her time was
quickly going by she put the thought aside, thinking she’d have more time to
explore this when she received her paperwork and attended the interview; for
now she had to get ready for work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check back on 12/5 for Part 2 of Norma's Volunteer Story.</span></strong></span></span></div>
CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-57644328996373482282011-04-14T12:58:00.000-05:002011-04-14T12:58:35.623-05:00ONLY 2 DAYS until the TEch Theta Speak Up for Kids CASA 5k!WOW- the 5K is sue coming quick. For those of you who have already registered don't forget that you can pick up your shirts and race numbers at the Starbucks on University and Glenna Goodacre. <div><br />
</div><div>Now, I'm sure everyone is wondering why the race is called the Tech Theta Speak Up for Kids CASA 5K. Why Theta? CASA is the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority's national philanthropy. Here in Lubbock, the Tech Thetas help out with promoting the race and getting runners. </div><div><br />
</div><div>At the race you will notice that there will be a lot of Tech Thetas at the turn around on the 5K route- that's why!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Thank you Kappa Alpha Theta for all your help making this race a success. </div><div><br />
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</div>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-13791580611360534092011-04-12T10:11:00.000-05:002011-04-12T10:11:18.876-05:004 Days till the Tech Theta Speak Up for Kids CASA 5K!The race will be here before we know it! For those of you who are registered and ready to go you can pick up your race packets today until Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Starbucks across from the Tech campus on University and Glenna Goodacre. There will be Tech Theta's there to hand out race t-shirts, numbers, and directions to the race. <div><br />
</div><div>For those of you who have not signed up yet, you can also register for the race too! So head on over to Starbucks and grab a coffee and your 5K t-shirt and get ready for Saturday.</div><div><br />
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</div>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-26144610337370039302011-04-11T16:52:00.001-05:002011-04-11T16:52:51.364-05:00As you all may know, we have less than a week until the race!! Keep up the good work. Here is the last weeks workout schedule:<br />
<div><br />
</div><div><table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="content" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #54585a; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><tbody style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Mon</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Tue</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Wed</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Thu</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Fri</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Sat</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Sun</strong></td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Rest</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">5K run</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(227, 227, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #7e7f74; font-size: 12px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Rest/ walk<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div>I hope you all are as excited as I am about the race. Don't forget to tell all your friends and get them to register online at www.casaofthesouthplains.org. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Check back tomorrow for another fun fact about the race!</div>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-79785253861616047652011-04-07T14:24:00.000-05:002011-04-07T14:24:29.093-05:009 Days till the Tech Theta Speak Up for Kids CASA 5k!The Tech Theta Speak Up for Kids CASA 5k is a fundraiser to raise money to support the volunteers who advocate for abused and neglected children of the South Plains. By participating in this event, you are making a difference in a childs life.<br />
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Currently, there are 255 kids in our area who is waiting for a CASA advocate to "speak up" for them in court. To represent these children we will have paper cut outs of kids lining part of the course - one for every child. <br />
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During this time, CASA also gives each kid being represented a new pair of shoes upon request. For some of these kids, this is despritely needed. <br />
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Make a difference today and join us at our Speak Up for Kids CASA 5k on April 16th! For just $20 you will have an afternoon of fun and help a child who needs it. <br />
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Registration can be done online at <a href="http://www.casaofthesouthplains.org/">http://www.casaofthesouthplains.org/</a> under events. <br />
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See you there!CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-40177223115464391932011-04-06T11:07:00.000-05:002011-04-06T11:07:05.105-05:0010 Days until the CASA 5k!For those of you who are Tech Theta Speak Up for Kids CASA 5k alumni and have joined us in the past, you know (or should know) that we have a new location!!! Because of our growing numbers we have moved off Tech campus and are now at Mackenzie Park. This new location has opened up many opportunities for this event and we are excited about the change. <div><br />
</div><div>For those of you who have never been to Mackenzie Park, you can check it out online at www.visitlubbock.org/business/Recreation//254. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Help us make this new location all that it can be! Register for the race online at www.casaofthesouthplains.org under events!</div><div><br />
</div>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-27122907323346177612011-04-05T10:13:00.000-05:002011-04-05T10:13:24.080-05:0011 Days till the Tech Theta Speak Up for Kids CASA 5k!At this years CASA 5k we will have many kid friendly activities. We will have MellyBelly Bounce House, miniature ponies, face painting, Mr. Gatti balloon animals, and the Texas Tech Lady Raider Basketball and track teams to help out with the Kids K. There will also be a fire truck and ambulance for kids to explore. As you can tell, it is going to be a lot of fun for all the Kids who are at the CASA 5k. <div><br />
</div><div>Don't forget to sign your kids up for the race at the <a href="http://www.active.com/running/lubbock-tx/tech-theta-speak-up-for-kids-casa-5k-2011">CASA website</a>. Remember parents, its only $15 for the Kids K! </div><div><br />
</div><div>See you there!</div><div><br />
</div>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-81240200257142211292011-04-04T12:29:00.000-05:002011-04-04T12:29:05.691-05:0012 Days Until the CASA 5k!The countdown begins..... 12 days.<br />
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I hope nobody has blown away this week - Lubbock weather is confusing us all. For those of you who are dedicated to this workout schedule... here is Week #6! Remember, we have less than 2 weeks until the big day.<br />
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<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="content" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 3px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><tbody style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td class="bodyrowg" colspan="6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #e8eae2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">On run/walk days, walkers walk only. Runners run for 25 seconds/walk for 35 seconds.</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Mon</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Tue</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Wed</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Thu</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Fri</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Sat</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Sun</strong></td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Rest</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 4.5 miles (7.2 km)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Check back tomorrow for some information about what to expect race day! Don't forget to register for the race at www.casaofthesouthplains.org under events!CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-54171624520429147202011-03-30T11:11:00.000-05:002011-03-30T11:11:42.110-05:005K Training Tip!Hello running machines!<br />
I hope you all are having a great week and are keeping up with your daily workouts despite this crazy weather Lubbock has been throwing at us.<br />
Today I found this interesting tip on what we should be fueling our body with during training.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Training Tip- found online at http://running.about.com/od/nutritionandhydration/tp/eatingrules.htm</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Don't forget about protein.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Runners focus so much on consuming their carbs that their protein needs sometimes get forgotten. Protein is used for some energy and to repair tissue damaged during training. Protein should make up about 15% of your daily intake. Runners, especially those training for long distances such as marathons, should consume .5 to .75 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Good sources of protein are fish, lean meat, poultry, beans, nuts, whole grains, egg whites, low-fat milk, low-fat cheese and some vegetables.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Hope this helps! Have a great weekend and don't forget to check back Monday!</span></span></div>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-2213995300812584312011-03-29T16:02:00.001-05:002011-03-29T16:03:08.141-05:00Theta VideoCheck out this Theta video about the upcoming CASA 5k -<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOfqKlA1u9A&feature=youtu.be">Video</a>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-9645101283118940042011-03-28T11:18:00.000-05:002011-03-28T11:18:03.740-05:0019 days until the CASA 5k!!!!I hope everyone had a great week followed by a great weekend. As you know, there is only 19 days left until the CASA 5k! If you haven't registered yet, don't forget to do so at www.casaofthesouthplains.org under events! We are looking forward to an exciting year and all that the new venue (Mackenzie Park) has to offer. I know you all are so excited for this weeks training schedule, so I will stop putting it off....<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="content" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 3px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><tbody style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td class="bodyrowg" colspan="6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #e8eae2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><br />
WEEK 4<br />
On run/walk days, walkers walk only. Runners run for 20 seconds/walk for 40 seconds.</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Mon</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Tue</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Wed</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Thu</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Fri</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Sat</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Sun</strong></td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Rest</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 4 miles (6.4 km)</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Rest/ walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
For those of you who are just now joining us, no fear - just jump right in and you will catch up in no time. Remember, these workouts can be as hard or easy as you, yourself, choose to make them. <br />
<br />
Excluding today's weather curve ball, it is clear that summer is headed our way and days have began to get hotter and hotter. For those of you, like me, who heat seems to be your worst enemy when it comes to working out, check out this tip for running in summer heat.<br />
<br />
Tip #3- Found online at www.distance-running-tips.com<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">We must respect the heat there has been much research done on the effects of heat on runners. Not only the temperature, but the humidity can easily turn that easy six mile run into a suffer-fest. The best thing is to run smart, know your limits and not do anything foolish. Try and run in the morning or in the evening not in the warmest part of the day between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">If you feel light headed or dizzy stop your run and seek help. This is the beginning of heat stroke. Also if you stop sweating this is another warning sign. It is better to be more on the cautious side then to take chances. Then we will have many more days to enjoy our runs.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Although were not shooting for any 6 mile runs, I thought this was important to remember as we continue to push our running limits. Be careful and take it easy on days when your not feeling well. And, although we all hate it, try your best to get up early and run when the weather is not to hot. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">That's all for now, good luck this week! Don't forget to register!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</div>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-16554855880615904042011-03-21T11:01:00.000-05:002011-03-21T11:01:16.507-05:00CASA 5k Walk/RunFor those of you who came looking for last weeks workout schedule, oops! I forgot to post it- i hope you enjoyed your break. But, that doesn't mean this week is the same, were going hit the ground running with week #3!<br />
WEEK 3<br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="content" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 3px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><tbody style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td class="bodyrowg" colspan="6" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #e8eae2; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">On run/walk days, walkers walk only. Runners run for 20 seconds/walk for 40 seconds.</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Mon</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Tue</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Wed</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Thu</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Fri</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Sat</strong></td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Sun</strong></td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;"><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Walk 30 minutes</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Rest</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Run/walk 2 miles (3.2 km) with Magic Mile*</td><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(218, 218, 218); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Rest/ walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>*<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">The Magic Mile is a training tool designed to help you find a realistic race pace. On the first Magic Mile, warm up as usual — then run or walk one mile (1,600 meters) slightly faster than your normal pace. Time your one-mile run/walk with a stopwatch. Run or walk easily the rest of the distance assigned for the day. On each successive Magic Mile, warm up as usual — then try to beat your previous one-mile run/walk time. Your 5K race pace should be one to two minutes slower than your fastest Magic Mile time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Looks like this is going to be a difficult week so I hope everyone didn't get too lazy on their week off! That's all for now! Check back on Wednesday for Tip #3!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">For more information on the training schedule visit <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/5k-run/SM00061">www.mayoclinic.com</a>. Also, registration for the Tech Theta Speak Up for Kids CASA 5k walk/run can still be done online at <a href="http://casaofthesouthplains.org/Events-General/tech-theta-qspeak-up-for-kidsq-casa-5k2011.html">casaofthesouthplains.org/Events</a>. So round up all your friends and register today!!</span>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-50467530393732013402011-03-17T15:25:00.000-05:002011-03-17T15:49:26.624-05:00Betenbough Homes celebrates St. Patrick's Day with Green Open HouseToday, during the "Green Open House" at the Betenbough New Home Center, Betenbough Homes donated new children's books to CASA! The books, "Why Do I Recycle?" are in correlation with builder's green building initiative. Betenbough is a wonderful partner to CASA of the South Plains and we were happy to be chosen to be part of the event today.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbIBTm0hdu9b8yPbhu81SnOvr-AKo5f3CBj2gXPrz6x-ncyUb0IGDzJ23mgyJO4pWI78wDTyAJEdofwNpGy_Xw8TIFJK-HhSMs_pz0e4n38C1CGqJBtexSSUUCFLAF97ZQUCXg1xE2tM/s1600/Green+Open+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbIBTm0hdu9b8yPbhu81SnOvr-AKo5f3CBj2gXPrz6x-ncyUb0IGDzJ23mgyJO4pWI78wDTyAJEdofwNpGy_Xw8TIFJK-HhSMs_pz0e4n38C1CGqJBtexSSUUCFLAF97ZQUCXg1xE2tM/s320/Green+Open+House.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Thanks Betenbough Homes!</b></div><br />
For more info on this event, feel free to check out this news story:<br />
http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=14270362CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7195469656109353410.post-56299545356157112342011-03-17T13:50:00.000-05:002011-03-17T13:50:52.776-05:00Cookout for CASA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrtKvDA69liXGuvz3T8wFcP3XMSjS3bz_6A4YRPYhChOXbqI4kkgjtvNp1DcEzScf4tKEbY3Ir_E3_VWT1iJ7T3UoK78Mu0LQ3scUczimNCdruKHBHu-0T8_ZWb5_nXND6E7uirOYrcs/s1600/United.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrtKvDA69liXGuvz3T8wFcP3XMSjS3bz_6A4YRPYhChOXbqI4kkgjtvNp1DcEzScf4tKEbY3Ir_E3_VWT1iJ7T3UoK78Mu0LQ3scUczimNCdruKHBHu-0T8_ZWb5_nXND6E7uirOYrcs/s320/United.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><b>As you are out grocery shopping any weekend between now and April 9 be on the lookout for a "Cookout for CASA" in the parking lot of your local United Supermarket. If you see a cookout trailer, please stop and support the cookout because you will then be supporting CASA! <br />
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All United locations within the six counties served by CASA are eligible to participate any weekend between now and April 9. We hope you will take a moment and support CASA through these cookout events!</b>CASA of the South Plainshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16324696122571823744noreply@blogger.com0