Snohomish County is spotlighting the dedicated individuals who dedicate their time to the welfare of its youth. The President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA), a prestigious national honor, was awarded to 42 volunteers from the County's Office of the Court Appointed Special Advocate for their advocacy work in 2023. Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers are pillars of the community, stepping up to provide a voice for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect as they navigate the complexities of the legal system. Engaged in a mission underpinned by the principles of family preservation and the recognition of unique cultural values, these volunteers earned their accolades for substantial service time, as reported in a celebration hosted by the Court Appointed Special Advocate staff last Thursday, according to the Snohomish County.
In recognition of their commitment, the volunteers received gold, silver, or bronze medallions and pins, along with personal thank-you letters from President Biden. The honors are part of a national program that spotlights volunteers who contribute significant time to volunteer causes. The program recognized two gold, eight silver, and thirty-two bronze recipients from the Court Appointed Special Advocate group, honoring their hours of dedication ranging from 100 to over 500 hours, as reported by the Snohomish County's announcement.
Among the volunteers, Linda Goodwin and Ginny Rathburn stood out with gold honors for their extraordinary dedication. Goodwin, a nine-year Court Appointed Special Advocate veteran representing 50 children, and Rathburn, with 16 years of service for 108 children, embody the selfless spirit rewarded by the President's Volunteer Service Award. "Being a CASA has provided me with the opportunity to touch and be touched by the lives of amazing individuals, big and small," Goodwin stated, expressing gratitude for the support that enables them to make a difference for children and families, as mentioned by the Snohomish County.
Silver awardees, including Emily Fountain, Christi Osburn, Nicole Petersen, Renee Robinson, Heidi Scott, John Stevens, Jeanne Thomas, and Erica Wilkinson, have between them advocated for 91 abused or neglected children. Their combined volunteering spanning over 37 years showcases the ongoing commitment to serving those in need within the community. This group of dedicated individuals have made sure their volunteer efforts don't go unnoticed, working tirelessly to take a stand for vulnerable children, the Snohomish County noted.
The bronze level was awarded to a group of 31 volunteers whose work collectively encapsulates the essence of community service. These individuals represent a collective front in the fight for child welfare, contributing over 100 hours of volunteer work each to the cause. Julie Berg, Christie Blackston, and the rest of the bronze award winners exemplify what it means to give back to one's community, ensuring that the voices of the young do not go unheard and their rights are firmly advocated for.
