Ibarra and Ferrari receive awards

Ibarra (left) and Ferrari

Over 50 people gathered outside the Juvenile Court in Santa Maria on March 23, as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) held its “Light of Hope” event to present awards to people who protect children in the community. The event also included swearing-in of new volunteers, and presentation of  artworks created to inspire hope. Guest speakers at the late afternoon ceremony included judges, children’s attorneys, the mayor, public safety chiefs, CASA officials and more. 

Two of our DSS Social Workers were recognized during the event as Social Workers of the Year for CASA, receiving the Advocate’s Caring Collaborator Award. Santa Maria Mayor Alice Patino presented the award to Lene Ferrari, and Santa Barbara County Sheriff Brown presented the award to Xochilt Ibarra. Read on for more pictures and details!

Mayor Patino honors Lene Ferrari

Sheriff Brown honors Xochitl Ibarra

Other people honored for their service at the event included Ernesto Paredes (Lifetime of Advocacy Award), Susan Galluzzo (All for the Kids Award), and Kim Colby Davis (Resilient Leadership Award). The event also gave a general thank-you to first responders from law enforcement, fire departments and ambulance services as well as social workers and the organization’s volunteers. 

Inside the Juvenile Courtroom, artworks designed to inspire hope among juveniles and their families were on display. More than 50 artists from throughout the county submitted works for the HOPE Art Project. 

CASA recruits and trains volunteers who get to know children who have been abused or neglected, learn about their situations and needs, and advocate for them in court. Volunteers work with 350 to 400 children each year. About 15 new volunteers officially joined the ranks at the event. More information can be found at their website, https://www.sbcasa.org/.