Ceremony offers kids Light of Hope

Children suffer when crime tears a family apart. Young and vulnerable, they are stripped of their safety and support by violent and unlawful acts.

Can anything be done? Thankfully -- at long last -- the answer is yes. Through a nationwide movement called CASA, court-appointed special advocates are now devoting one-on-one attention to children in the court system.

The program is not only a reality nationwide ... it's active in this area as well.

Started in 1996 in Red Willow County through the efforts of Judge Cloyd Clark, the area program has expanded to Furnas and Hitchcock counties and is now known as Prairie Plains CASA.

Barbara Morris, the executive director, said CASA volunteers have one job and one job only. "We are advocates for abused and neglected children in the court system."

It is the children who will be the focus Friday evening when a "Light of Hope" ceremony takes place on Norris Avenue in McCook. Starting at 6 o'clock at Norris and C, members of the McCook Area Sertoma Club and Prairie Plains CASA will lead a procession of candle-carrying walkers up the street to the park.

"Candles will available at points along the way," Morris said, "or you can join us at the park for a short ceremony. The important thing is to remember the children. A lighted candle is a symbol of hope for children suffering abuse and neglect."

The needs of the children are overwhelming. Some of the young people are shuffled from one home to another when their parents are in prison or in institutions to deal with drug problems. Other children have been abused -- mentally, physically and sexually -- and as a result have deep personal problems of their own.

But, through a CASA, whose main interest is the child's well-being, inspiring and uplifting changes can take place. "It's amazing how much difference a volunteer can make by being the children's friend and advocate," Morris said.

In the three-county area, there are 12 CASA volunteers who are advocating for 33 children. Four more area residents have applied to be volunteers, and will become advocates after training and certification.

"The need is great and ongoing," Morris said. Others wishing to serve as volunteers may write Prairie Plains CASA, P.O. Box 199, McCook, NE 69001, or call Barbara Morris at 350-0888.

But, first, join CASA and the Sertoma Club for the Light of Hope ceremony Friday evening on Norris Avenue. Your lighted candle will offer a ray of hope for abused and neglected children.