CASA of Central Oregon/Heather Dion/Sandy Coats

Bend Magazine's The Circling Podcast with Adam Short

In 1976, a Washington State juvenile court judge recognized that he had insufficient information when making a life changing decision regarding the future of a three-year-old little girl who had suffered from child abuse. Within a year that very same judge, Justice David Soukup, launched the nation’s first program designed to promote volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive. Now a National Program, CASA, short for Court Appointed Special Advocate is a Seattle based association training volunteers who provide a powerful voice and a meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse and neglect and are in the foster care system. On Episode 16, I was fortunate to chat with CASA of Central Oregon Executive Director Heather Dion and Volunteer Advocate Sandy Coats. Heather and Sandy share their personal stories with how they ended up in Bend and how they each landed in their current role with CASA of central Oregon. Join me as I get to know some amazing individuals in our community that are doing some amazing work. Thanks ladies, it was a true pleasure and I appreciate what you do!
Episode 16 is brought to you by Stillwater Paddleboard Co. An emerging central Oregon Brand, Stillwater is committed to fostering the growth of inland traditional paddle-boarding while paying homage to the genesis and culture of this ocean-born lifestyle.
Thanks for listening to The Circling Podcast. Our Theme song was written by Carl Perkins and performed by Erin Cole-Baker and Dr. Erin Zurflu. We love mail, so please send us comments and questions to [e-mail]. Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast to learn more about past, current and upcoming episodes. Please subscribe to the circling podcast on most major podcast platforms and leave us a review, it really does help. Learn more about how you can support CASA of Central Oregon at www.casaofcentraloregon.org With the number of children in the system on the rise, the need for support is real. Lastly, if you know someone who you think would enjoy today’s episode, please share it with them today. Thanks for your time Central Oregon. Get outside, we’ll see you out there, and remember the health of our community relies on us.

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