If you know about CASA, you know Cinnamon Evans. Cinnamon has been involved with the organization since 2005 and has been the Executive Director since 2011, when CASA became a standalone organization under the guidance of Former Judge Oliver Lobaugh.
Due to some health issues and a promise to her family to cut back on hours, Cinnamon has made the difficult decision to retire effective December 31 of this year.
“I want to take this time to thank you for your passion as we worked for what was best for our dependent children in Venango County. Working for CASA has truly been a never-ending learning experience for me, and the best 17.5 years of my life!,” Cinnamon says.
She also wants to welcome Sheena Cassedy as the Interim Director: “Sheena is amazing and will be taking CASA to the next level. She is supported by our amazing Board of Directors and, of course, the heart of the program – our 13 outstanding volunteers!”
Sheena will be taking over the director.venangocasa@gmail.com account and can be reached there or by calling (814) 670-0550.
What is CASA?
A CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocate, is a trained volunteer over the age of 21 who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child in court. The children that CASA volunteers advocate for are before the court as a result of abuse or neglect as defined by the state child welfare laws, living at home or in out-of-home care.
CASA volunteers are important to the judges in these cases as they can shed light on the child’s circumstances while they navigate the system with them. They are important to the service coordinators because they work as connectors and liaisons. But most importantly, a CASA is a constant person in the life of the child. They are the child’s cheerleader, celebrating their successes and overcoming obstacles with them.
For more information, visit casaofvenangocounty.org.
Congratulations to Cinnamon and best wishes in retirement!
This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s January 2023 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.