Louisville, KY – September 22, 2020 – The Awake Ministries’ Serenity Center, located at 98 7th Street, Shelbyville, KY, assists in meeting the food insecurity need in our community by distributing food boxes each week. For almost a decade, the Serenity Center has partnered with CASA of the River Region by providing a free office space.
CASA of the River Region presented a plaque of appreciation to the Serenity Center after moving into a new space provided by Kosair Charities. CASA CEO William Myers remarked, “we are truly grateful for the Serenity Center’s many years of co-sharing space with CASA.”
Echoing this sentiment was Dr. Leon Mooneyhan, CASA Board Chair and CEO of Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative, "The Serenity Center, as part of Awake Ministries, is a valuable asset to the Shelby County Community in so many ways. Their support allows us to better serve and support the CASA kids of Shelby County."
Accepting the plaque was Marcia Mitchum, Awake Ministries' Executive Director, and Gerald Seabree, Director of Food Distribution. “We enjoyed having you and helping you serve abused children. We're glad to work together to make our community better,” said Seabree.
CASA of the River Region trains community volunteers to advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Awake Ministries, which includes the Serenity Center, offers services, resources, and counseling programs that facilitate lasting recovery from the hurts, habits, and hang ups of life.
Despite COVID-19, community volunteers have continued to answer the call to be the voice for abused and neglected children in our community. CASA volunteers are a friend, mentor and advocate to vulnerable children. They handle only one case at a time and build relationships with children, social workers, therapists, counselors, teachers and pediatricians.
CASA is the only non-profit organization permitted in Family Court and whose volunteers are appointed by Family Court judges. Most importantly, CASA volunteers are links to services these children need to overcome trauma. They ensure children receive the medical, emotional and academic support they need and deserve, which results in significantly improved outcomes for these maltreated children.
To learn more about volunteering as a child advocate, CASA holds two virtual information sessions on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.casarr.org/casa101