PlainsWest CASA director recognized by courts
SIDNEY -- PlainsWest CASA Director Krista Bruns was recognized by the Nebraska Supreme Court today.
By News Channel NebraskaSIDNEY -- The Nebraska Supreme Court held session at Sidney High School today, then made a special appearance at Cabela's retail store.
The lunch meeting at Cabela's highlighted the PlainsWest CASA program, and the program director.
The presentation was made by the Hon. Judge Randin Roland and Chief Justice Mike Heavican. Judge Roland said PlainsWest CASA Director Krista Bruns has taken PlainsWest CASA to the next level.
She was presented with the Sidney Community Champion Certificate. She said after receiving the recognition she prefers working outside of the limelight.
"I like to be the person behind the scenes, so coming up forward and getting this amazing little plaque and trophy is just ... blows me away because it's not just me. It's everyone. It takes all my volunteers. It takes my amazing board to continue to support me and all the crazy ideas that I come up with. But without my volunteers, then, you know, that's what really, truly makes our program. I'm just thankful that we have them," she said.
Bruns explained the history of CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, and how it has grown.
"CASA today has 939 programs across the United States. Altogether, there's 97,900 dedicated volunteers serving over 240,000 children. So, in Nebraska, this is one of my favorite things to talk about, it's the growth of Nebraska. So, in Nebraska in 2010, there were 32 counties covered, and there's 91 counties in Nebraska. Now we have 22 programs across Nebraska, and last year we served 55 counties, 834 active volunteers, 29,115 of their volunteer time on those children," Bruns said.
According to NebraskaCASA.org, there are still 1,300 children needing a CASA volunteer.
PlainsWest CASA's annual "Superhero Run" will be held 9 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Cabela's Trail. Cost is $30 per person, $15 for children 12 and younger. Applebees will be offering a "Flapjack Fundraiser" at the event for $10 per person.
For more information, contact PlainsWest CASA at https://www.plainswestcasa.org/, 308-203-1120 [email protected] or on Facebook.