News Summary
Debra Gabbard, a dedicated volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) in Lexington, KY, recently celebrated seven years of service during which she represented the interests of 16 abused children. Her commitment was recognized with the prestigious Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2024, highlighting the vital role of volunteers in advocating for vulnerable children in the family court system. Gabbard’s journey began after a personal tragedy, and she continues to foster meaningful connections with the children she supports, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in ensuring safe homes for all children.
Lexington, KY – Debra Gabbard recently celebrated seven years as a volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and was awarded the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award for her dedication to advocating for children. Over her volunteer tenure, Gabbard has represented the interests of 16 children who are victims of abuse and neglect, contributing over 500 hours of service.
Gabbard’s journey as a CASA volunteer began in 2017 after a personal tragedy led her to seek ways to honor her friend’s loss. Inspired by a Facebook post about a friend who had lost their son, she decided to embark on a path of kindness and support for others, eventually leading her to the CASA program, where she could make a significant difference in children’s lives.
Throughout her years of service, Gabbard has worked with children ranging in age from 1 to 17. CASA volunteers play a crucial role in the family court system, advocating for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. They build trusted relationships with the children they serve, guiding them through challenging circumstances and ensuring their voices are heard in court.
One particularly memorable experience for Gabbard involved bonding with two young CASA kids, during which they illustrated their connection by decorating her hands with ink, creating “temporary tattoos.” This symbolizes the deep emotional ties that Gabbard forges with the children, highlighting the personal connections that are vital in her role as their advocate.
Gabbard finds her volunteer work deeply fulfilling, noting that her passion makes time spent serving the children feel both quick and meaningful. She believes that every child deserves a safe and permanent home, a principle that drives her commitment to being a consistent presence in their lives. She has participated in numerous adoption ceremonies, which she describes as joyous occasions celebrated not just with the families but within the broader community.
The CASA program continues to highlight the need for more volunteers as the demand for advocacy services grows. In 2024, Debra Gabbard was one of only two CASA volunteers to receive the prestigious Gold Award, recognizing her extraordinary commitment among a total of 48 award recipients who received the President’s Volunteer Service Award. This honor reinforces the importance of volunteerism in the community and the ongoing need for advocacy for children navigating the family court system.
CASA of Lexington is dedicated to ensuring that children who experience abuse and neglect find safe, permanent homes. The organization actively engages in various initiatives to support the children in their care, especially during critical times such as the holiday season with programs like the CASA Angel Tree. These efforts not only provide necessary resources but also foster community involvement in the welfare of vulnerable children.
As the CASA program continues to expand, there is a clear call for community support and volunteerism to meet the increasing needs of children within the family court system. Gabbard’s story serves as a compelling illustration of the impact one individual can have in advocating for children and the importance of having compassionate volunteers stand as reliable advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: CASA Volunteer Earns Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award
- Lex18: Bourbon and the Bayou for CASA of Lexington
- The Interior Journal: Lincoln CASA Volunteers Earn Presidential Volunteer Service Awards
- WKYT: Angel Tree Program Benefitting Hundreds of Kids through CASA Lexington
- Fox56 News: Lexington Organization Looks Ahead to 2025
- Wikipedia: Child Advocacy
- Google Search: CASA of Lexington
- Google Scholar: CASA Volunteering
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volunteer Services
- Google News: Child Advocacy News
