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CASA Volunteer Joanne Tieman

Southeast CASA mourns the death of our dear friend and CASA volunteer, Joanne Tieman. Joanne was a CASA volunteer in Clay County and served from 2015 to 2020. She was a dedicated CASA volunteer and took on some very challenging cases, making a difference in the lives of the children she helped. Donations have been received at Southeast CASA in memory of Joanne's work as a CASA volunteer.


We're Seeking New Board Members!

Southeast CASA is looking for a few talented and caring volunteer board members to lead and strengthen our program of providing free advocacy services for abused and neglected children in southeastern South Dakota. We're seeking adults from communities in Clay, Union, Turner, Bon Homme and Yankton counties who want to make a difference in the lives of local children in need. Learn more about Southeast CASA at www.southeastcasa.org. If you can contribute your time, thoughtfulness, and leadership, and are interested in exploring board service, please call the director of Southeast CASA at 605-760-4825 to find out whether this opportunity is right for you.


2019 Friend of CASA Award

The Friend of CASA Award was to have been presented in March during our 2020 Reverse Your Luck fundraising gala in Yankton. Because of the outbreak of Covid-19, that fundraiser was cancelled, and along with it we had to postpone the Friend of CASA Award announcement.

We kept waiting for a time when Southeast CASA was having “something special” so that we could incorporate this award presentation. The pandemic put a stop to any large events, so we used the Nov. 12th Open House at our new office location to make the Friend of CASA Award presentation to Janet Stark of ALC Event Design.

“Janet has graciously assisted Southeast CASA with each of its gala events since we began hosting them in 2015. Whenever we asked for her help, she was quick to say “Yes!” Because of Janet’s generosity, not only did our events look first-rate, but Southeast CASA was able to raise more funds to provide CASA advocacy for local children who had been abused or severely neglected. All of our current and past board members join the Southeast CASA staff and volunteers in thanking Janet for her invaluable support for the CASA kids,” Said Sherri Rodgers-Conti during the presentation of the award.

Office Relocation Ribbon Cutting and Open House

Southeast CASA has moved! Our offices are now at 413 W. 15th Street in Yankton.

We celebrated our new office location with an Open House and ribbon cutting on Nov. 12, 2020. The Yankton Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and some of our board members and agency partners were on hand to see the new office and conduct the ribbon cutting. Thanks to those who attended!

L to R in photo above: Tyler Buckman, Daisey Kamback, Sherri Rodgers-Conti, Jesse Bailey, Kaye O'Neal, Emily Monier, and Sara Livingston.

Our New Yankton Office Location

Southeast CASA is now located at 413 W. 15th Street in Yankton, just west of Mozak's Flooring at 15th and Broadway Ave.

 

2018 Friend of CASA Award

At the 2019 "Reverse Your Luck" fundraising gala, Tom Andera was recognized as the first "Friend of CASA" award recipient. Tom is the owner of Andera Bookkeeping and Tax Services in Yankton. He has been assisting Southeast CASA with its payroll processing since 2011. Because of Tom's invaluable assistance, Southeast CASA is able to help more abused and neglected children in our area. Thanks for all you do for the CASA kids, Tom!

  • Yankton Medical Clinic
    Yankton Medical Clinic
  • First Dakota National Bank
    First Dakota National Bank
  • Sanford Vermillion
    Sanford Vermillion

    Sponsor of CASA training

  • United Way Yankton
    United Way Yankton

    Yankton County agency

  • United Way Vermillion
    United Way Vermillion

    Clay County agency

  • Vishay
    Vishay

    Annual sponsor

  • Kolberg Pioneer
    Kolberg Pioneer

    Annual sponsor

10 Ways to Brighten Someone's Day

Simply put, life can be stressful and hard. Every day can’t be a winning day, but there are things you can actively do to try to make somebody’s day brighter. The good news—these tasks are simple and take virtually no time at all! Check out these 10 ways you can make the world a better place by being a bright light in the lives of friends, family, loved ones and even strangers.
 

1. Lend an Ear

Listen. When an individual feels heard and understood, it’s guaranteed to make them feel better than if nobody is taking the time to understand.
 

2. Do a Chore

If you’re able, do a chore for your neighbors or someone in need. This could range from delivering meals to someone unable to go to the grocery store, mowing the lawn or virtually any errand necessary.
 

3. Send a Surprise

Think of care packages, flowers or baked goods. Thanks to modern-day delivery, the possibilities to send a surprise to somebody you love are endless! Whatever you do, do it with love.
 

4. Pay it Forward

Draw inspiration from an act of kindness that made your day. Take that feeling, and do that same thing for somebody else! If it made you smile, it’s likely to do the same for someone else.
 

5. Mail a Letter

Good old-fashioned letters are always a fun surprise to receive in the mailbox. Make a loved one’s day by sending them a card or letter for no reason other than to say you’re thinking of them.
 

6. Volunteer Your Time

An easy way to make someone’s day is to volunteer your time for an organization in need! Nonprofit organizations exist to make the world a better place, and you could have a huge impact for those in need through volunteering.
 

7. Pick Up the Tab

Whether you sneakily grab the bill at your next outing or pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru, it’s always a nice feeling to be unexpectedly treated.
 

8. Tell Them How You Feel

Life is short. Tell the people you love how you feel early and often! This is your reminder to tell your family and friends just how much they mean to you.
 

9. Give a Compliment

Everybody enjoys an unexpected compliment that comes from the heart. Be genuine and compliment your coworker, friend or even a complete stranger. Put some pep into somebody else’s step by paying them a compliment.
 

10. Pick Up the Phone

Near or far, dialing up a loved one just to chat can change their entire day. Think of somebody you miss or who might need a pick-me-up and give them a call. 

 

These ideas are simple ways you can completely change the trajectory of somebody else’s day! Use the power you have to make the world a brighter, better place, and you’re sure to also experience some of that kindness. Together, we have the power to change the world!

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