CASA of NH Celebrates Volunteers, Supporters, and Friends at Recognition Event

MANCHESTER –On October 28, CASA of New Hampshire held its inaugural CASA at the Heart event at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord. It recognized those valued advocates, supporters, and friends who have all played a role in helping to change children’s lives over the past year.

Among those honored included 71 volunteer advocates who reached milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service to the organization. CASA also recognized the recipients of several community partner awards and our outstanding advocate of the year award.

U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan received the inaugural Director’s Award, which honors an individual (or individuals) who has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to supporting and promoting CASA of New Hampshire. It recognizes those who have had significant and far-reaching impact in regard to advancing CASA of NH’s work on a variety of levels. Throughout their careers, from their tenure as governors to their current roles in the U.S. Senate, Sens. Hassan and Shaheen have both demonstrated a longstanding commitment to New Hampshire’s children.

Jeanmarie Foisie of Lyndeborough received the Linda Egbert Outstanding Advocacy Award, which honors the work of a CASA volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their advocacy work and made a tremendous impact in the lives of children. Foisie has advocated on behalf of 15 children in her nine years as a volunteer advocate.

Carol Goldstein of Auburn received the John McDermott Champion of Children Award, which celebrates the work of one person whose tireless advocacy has influenced the lives of many. Goldstein served as the juvenile clerk in the Nashua Family Court for three decades until her recent retirement.

Master Thomas Cooper received the Judicial Service Award, which is given to a judge or judicial official whose outstanding contributions exemplify CASA’s mission to protect the best interest of the child and whose support helps to promote the success of the CASA/GAL volunteer program. He has served as a Marital Master for the State of NH Judicial Branch since 2008.

Kurt and Sue Mathias of Nashua received the Community Partner Award, which highlights CASA’s valuable community partners and the support, engagement, and resources they’ve given to further the mission of the organization. The Mathiases are the former owners of Boston Billiard Club & Casino. As one of Boston Billiard’s nonprofits of choice, CASA has been the recipient of charitable gaming funds since 2017.

“It was such a joy to gather again in-person and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our advocates, community partners, and friends of CASA. The evening was truly a celebration of all the remarkable individuals who have made a tremendous impact on the lives of New Hampshire’s most vulnerable children and youth,” says Marcia Sink, CEO and President of CASA of NH.

Since 1989, CASA of New Hampshire has provided a voice for abused and neglected children in New Hampshire by empowering a statewide network of trained volunteers to advocate on their behalf so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes.

To learn more about CASA and how to get involved or support this statewide nonprofit, visit www.casanh.org.