CASA Program Founder Honored

Family, friends, CASA volunteers, staff and board members all gathered
Wednesday, July 30, 2003 at the Juvenile Courthouse in Woodbine to witness the unveiling of a memorial portrait.

A brief ceremony was held, dedicating the portrait, and honoring the life
and achievement of an extraordinary woman who placed the needs of children ahead of her own. Judge Floyd, CASA board member, Pat Lee, and fellow Rotarian, Sue Garwood, recounted the accomplishments of Ava Deshotel and how she brought the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program (CASA) to Camden County. The ceremony was followed by a reception.

Ava Deshotel was well known in the community. She was a charter member of the local Rotary Club, having served as its president and District Governor, and it was there that she began to work on behalf of the needs of Camden County's abused and neglected children. Her vision and a serendipitous encounter with Juvenile Court Judge, Terry K. Floyd, led to the founding of the Camden County CASA Program in 1997.

She worked tirelessly to get the Program going and to recruit and train
board members and volunteers. She underwent the intensive volunteer
training herself and worked as a volunteer, as well as serving on the board.  Because of Ava's vision and determination, abused and neglected children in Camden County now have personal volunteer advocates who can speak up for their best interests in the court system, and help them to find safe permanent homes.

Ava's portrait will hang in the Juvenile Court, keeping a watchful eye on
the children's cases brought before it. The portrait is a memorial to the
woman, her vision and her work. Unfortunately, Ava Deshotel lost her brave battle with cancer in May of 2001, in the prime of life. She has been sorely missed, but she left a legacy that won't die.

Anyone with heart and determination can share Ava's vision and become a part of her legacy.

Somewhere every day, a child is hurt or alone and needs someone to trust, to speak up for him or her, to fight for his/her future. Providing hope, a voice and safety to a child today will guarantee a brighter future for all of us tomorrow. Anyone sharing Ava's love and concern for children is invited to contact CASA at 882-3119. Quality volunteer advocates, sadly, are always needed.