Events & News

We are sad to announce that our dear friend and CASA volunteer, Joanne Tieman, passed away at the end of November 2021. Joanne had been a CASA volunteer in Clay County since Southeast CASA began services there in 2015. Joanne was honored as the Vermillion United Way's Volunteer of the Year in 2019. Our condolences to Joanne's family and numerous friends.

We were honored to be selected by the physicians at the Yankton Medical Clinic as a recipient of a generous donation in November 2021. Thanks to these medical professionals for all they do to keep local children safe and for supporting CASA advocacy services for abused and neglected children.

The Yankton Morning Optimist Club announced its donation to Southeast CASA during the exhibition baseball game between the Sioux Falls Canaries and the Sioux City Explorers on May 13th. Representing Southeast CASA were Executive Director Sherri Rodgers-Conti and CASA volunteer John Lillevold. Thanks to the Yankton Optimist Club for making sure that local children receive so much support!

To commemorate National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this April eight different locations hosted pinwheel displays. Each of the 51 pinwheels represents a child served by Southeast CASA in 2020. Thanks to First Dakota National Bank in Yankton and Vermillion, the Yankton Medical Clinic, First National Bank Omaha, and the Yankton Chamber of Commerce, Kappa Alpha Theta in Vermillion, Sanford Medical Center in Vermillion, and the Edith B. Siegrist Library in Vermillion for hosting the displays this year.

The physicians at the Yankton Medical Clinic selected Southeast CASA as the recipient of one of their 2020 donations. They understand the importance of keeping all children safe from harm, and support CASA advocacy to ensure that area children who have experienced abuse or neglect will have a safe home. CASA thanks the physicians for their ongoing support for CASA!

The Dakota Hospital Foundation has donated funds to Southeast CASA to train four new CASA volunteers in 2021 who will serve Clay County. The DHF knows the importance of a safe, permanent home for every child, and supports CASA's work to ensure that outcome for the abused and neglected children in their service area. The presentation was made with representatives from both organizations on hand in Vermillion, SD.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2019 Friend of CASA Award presentation was delayed several months, but nonetheless was awarded to a very deserving person, Janet Stark. Janet is the owner of ALC Event Design, and she has supplied detailed decor for every fundraising gala that Southeast CASA has held! Because of Janet, our fundraisers have been successful, with 100% of the proceeds dedicated to providing CASA advocacy for local children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Thanks so much, Janet, for caring about these kids!

Beginning in January 2020, families in need will be able to access a package of diapers for their baby or toddler through a referral from a partner agency.

The Dueling Duo and Dan provided the entertainment at the 3rd Annual Red Shoe Gala in Vermillion.

Paul Harens and Connie Somsen were the Spirit 'O Green winners at this year's gala!

Board President Steve Wintz emceed the 2018 Red Shoe Gala in Vermillion, SD on Sept. 22nd! Southeast CASA Executive Director Sherri Rodgers-Conti was the chairwoman of the planning committee.

Tom Andera, owner of Andera Bookkeeping and Tax Service in Yankton, was presented with the Friend of CASA Award at the 2019 Reverse Your Luck gala.