(CASA & Children's Advocacy Center)
| Volunteer of the Quarter Like many volunteers, Linda became a CASA because she wanted to work with children and hoped to make a difference in their lives. “I continue to be a CASA because I can’t leave these children now,” she said. “My favorite part is getting to know the children and the people involved in trying to make their lives better.” Linda has made it a priority to try to attend nearly every visit between her children and their parents. She also visits all six of the children regularly in four different placements. Driving to so many places doesn’t seem to have phased Linda very much. “The biggest challenge I have had to face is when the children are moved from one foster home to another and I have to put on a happy face for them so they don't see how worried I am about them,” she said. Mel wasn’t sure how many cases he has worked in more than five years. “I do know that at one time I worked five cases at once,” he said when accepting the current award. One case has lasted nearly the entire time and it continues today. The young boy is 14 years old now and has been in numerous placements. Parental rights were terminated several years ago. At times, the boy’s troubling behaviors have been the reason for many of the placement moves as well as a barrier to finding an adoptive home. Wherever this boy ends up and no matter how far away from Fannin County it is, Mel continues to be a constant person in this boy’s life. According to the Search Institute, a strong, healthy relationship with at least one adult is a key factor is building resiliency in youth. Although this boy has his share of troubles and challenges in life, we would hate to think of where he would be today without Mel as a steady, consistent, caring person in his life. |
Linda McKay completed training to become a CASA volunteer in the fall of 2007. She accepted a case involving one infant right away and quickly demonstrated a high level of commitment to working her case. Before too long, she accepted a second case involving a sibling group of five. 
Mel Dunham – This is not the first time Mel has been recognized for his efforts to advocate for abused and neglected children. He was first named CASA Volunteer of the Quarter in 2003. Later he was selected as the CASA Volunteer of the Year for 2003. His advocacy efforts also earned him statewide recognition at the Texas CASA conference in October 2004.
Fannin County Children's Center
112 West Fifth Street Bonham,TX 75418 USA
Phone: 903.583.4339 Fax: 903.583.3074
Email: info@fanninccc.org