Our Story
Johnson County CASA took root in April 1988, when the Johnson County Youth Service Bureau Board of Directors authorized the agency's staff to pursue a Court Appointed Special Advocate program.
The Johnson County Youth Director, Karen Bullington, and Counselor, Ellen May Paris, discussed the feasibility of starting a CASA program with Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey C. Eggers. He encouraged the efforts to establish the program with Ellen as the program coordinator, and he began to investigate funding from the county.
The Indiana Law and Child Protection project, which aided in the initiation of CASA programs across the state, had funds from the Indiana Department of Human Services, Social Services Division, available through June 30, 1989. The Youth Service Bureau staff worked quickly to recruit volunteers and organize the program to take advantage of these funds for technical assistance in beginning the program, initial maintenance, training materials and training staff.
The Indiana Law and Child Protection project graciously encouraged and supported the fledgling project even though it would be months before confirmation of county funding to ensure a coordinator's salary for the survival of the program.
Through the creative efforts of Sherry Williams, Johnson County Youth Service Bureau Board Member, significant interim funding was obtained from 15 local individuals and corporations to financially carry the program through May and June.
In 1988, the first training sessions were held to complete the 20 hours of required training for the 13 original trainees. On July 18, 1988, a public reception was held to introduce the program, and the first 11 volunteers were sworn in. In August 1988, the first case was assigned.
