By SALINA POST
A local man has been selected to serve on the inaugural National CASA/GAL Association's national volunteer council.
Glenn Gustitus, a local CASA (court appointed special advocate) volunteer, will represent Kansas on the council. Gustitus has served as a CASA volunteer in the Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program for 2.5 years, according to information from CAPS (Child Advocacy & Parenting Servics, Inc.).
"We are so proud of Glenn," said Angela Owens, Ottawa and Saline County CASA program director. "It was an exceptionally competitive candidate pool. He is a very dedicated volunteer and his years of experience as a former mental health clinician makes his knowledge invaluable to this council."
Volunteers were invited to serve on the council through a state or local leader nomination or self-nomination process, according to information from CAPS. Gustitus and other members of the council will each serve two-year terms. Forty-one volunteers representing 34 states were selected for the council.
"We are grateful for the level of interest, talents, and skills of our outstanding volunteers and the steps we are taking to build a network-wide volunteer engagement strategy," said Tara Perry, CEO, National CASA/GAL. "National CASA/GAL is incredibly fortunate to have such high-caliber volunteer experience in our network, and we are delighted our volunteers are interested in serving us in this way. I look forward to the gains that will come from our work together."
About the local CASA program
The Ottawa and Saline County CASA Program recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children involved in the local court system. CASA volunteers work to ensure the children’s needs are met and to assist the court in obtaining a safe, permanent placement as quickly as possible, according to information from CAPS.