Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The SCUPA Scoop: Congratulations to Jessica Caldwell Etheridge!
Congratulations to Jessica Caldwell Etheridge on the birth of her son, Caldwell Monroe Etheridge, who was born on February 27, 2012 ! Caldwell weighed in at 9 lbs., 3 ozs.
Monday, February 27, 2012
The SCUPA Scoop: Vol. 6
2012 is off to a great start. Our February luncheon featured a presentation by Gayle Johnson on the Guardian ad Litem program.
Gayle emphasized that anyone over the age of 21 can serve as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). GALs can come from any walk of life. They receive special training to allow them to speak for abused or neglected children in court. Their role can make an enormous difference in the life of a child.
Any time that the Department of Social Services (DSS) becomes involved in a case, a GAL is assigned for minor children. DSS' ultimate goal is to reunify families. They form treatment plans for parents to follow that are meant to bring the family back together. During hearings however, huge decisions are made in a matter of 15 minutes. Without the voice of the GAL, the children would be likely forgotten in this process. Gayle stated that the opinion of the GAL is held in very high esteem.
The skills of a paralegal can translate very well into a GAL role. Gayle's GAL duties take about 4 hours of her time at a minimum. A GAL is allowed to pick their own cases after an initial 30 hours of training. They are allowed to take one or a thousand cases. Gayle encouraged those interested to check out the program. For Greenville County, GAL classes begin April 2nd. Those interested can check out http://www.greenville.scgal.org/ or can contact Patty Dellinger, coordinator, at 864-467-5862 or GALGreenville@oepp.sc.gov.
In other news, the pro bono committee is actively planning SCUPA's participation in Hands on Greenville day on May 5, 2012. Additional details about the type of project we will be working on will be forthcoming. HOG day is a fun way to get involved in our community. The pro bono committee will also be working on projects to support A Child's Haven, Harvest Hope, Let There Be Mom, and Safe Harbor throughout the year.
Anyone interested in participating any committees this year may contact Barbara Spearman.
Gayle emphasized that anyone over the age of 21 can serve as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL). GALs can come from any walk of life. They receive special training to allow them to speak for abused or neglected children in court. Their role can make an enormous difference in the life of a child.
Any time that the Department of Social Services (DSS) becomes involved in a case, a GAL is assigned for minor children. DSS' ultimate goal is to reunify families. They form treatment plans for parents to follow that are meant to bring the family back together. During hearings however, huge decisions are made in a matter of 15 minutes. Without the voice of the GAL, the children would be likely forgotten in this process. Gayle stated that the opinion of the GAL is held in very high esteem.
The skills of a paralegal can translate very well into a GAL role. Gayle's GAL duties take about 4 hours of her time at a minimum. A GAL is allowed to pick their own cases after an initial 30 hours of training. They are allowed to take one or a thousand cases. Gayle encouraged those interested to check out the program. For Greenville County, GAL classes begin April 2nd. Those interested can check out http://www.greenville.scgal.org/ or can contact Patty Dellinger, coordinator, at 864-467-5862 or GALGreenville@oepp.sc.gov.
In other news, the pro bono committee is actively planning SCUPA's participation in Hands on Greenville day on May 5, 2012. Additional details about the type of project we will be working on will be forthcoming. HOG day is a fun way to get involved in our community. The pro bono committee will also be working on projects to support A Child's Haven, Harvest Hope, Let There Be Mom, and Safe Harbor throughout the year.
Anyone interested in participating any committees this year may contact Barbara Spearman.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Pro Bono Reminder
Dear Members,
As previously announced, SCUPA will be participating in Hands on Greenville Day (HOG Day) which will be held on May 5, 2012. We do not yet know what project we will be assigned on that date but we know it will be "hands on." We would like to have as many members participating as possible. Spouses or significant others and children are welcomed to participate on our team as well.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community. Please consider being a part of what will be a fun event and a great contribution to our neighbors. Daysha Bonner is our Team Leader for this project. If you want to participate but are concerned about the physical activity, let her know that. We will find something you can do within your capability, no matter what project we are assigned. Daysha needs a head count by Friday, February 24th if you are interested in participating. If you would like to join in for this great volunteer opportunity, please contact her at dbonner@collinsandlacy.
Thank you!
Dorothy Huskey, CP
Chairperson, Pro Bono Committee
As previously announced, SCUPA will be participating in Hands on Greenville Day (HOG Day) which will be held on May 5, 2012. We do not yet know what project we will be assigned on that date but we know it will be "hands on." We would like to have as many members participating as possible. Spouses or significant others and children are welcomed to participate on our team as well.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community. Please consider being a part of what will be a fun event and a great contribution to our neighbors. Daysha Bonner is our Team Leader for this project. If you want to participate but are concerned about the physical activity, let her know that. We will find something you can do within your capability, no matter what project we are assigned. Daysha needs a head count by Friday, February 24th if you are interested in participating. If you would like to join in for this great volunteer opportunity, please contact her at dbonner@collinsandlacy.
Thank you!
Dorothy Huskey, CP
Chairperson, Pro Bono Committee
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Pro Bono Activity - Hands on Greenville Day
Dear Members,
We are excited to announce a new volunteer opportunity. SCUPA will be participating in Hands on Greenville Day (HOG Day) which will be held on May 5, 2012. I realize this sounds far off but the time will be here before we know it. The registration deadline is March 1st. We do not yet know what project we will be assigned on that date but we know it will be "hands on." We would like to have as many members participating as possible. Spouses or significant others and children are welcomed to participate on our team as well. We need a head count for registration.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community. Please consider being a part of what will be a fun event and a great contribution to our neighbors. Daysha Bonner is our Team Leader for this project. If you plan to participate, please contact her at dbonner@collinsandlacy.com. If you want to participate but are concerned about the physical activity, let her know that. We will find something you can do within your capability, no matter what project we are assigned.
As a reminder, we will have our first Pro Bono meeting this Saturday, February 4 at 10:00am at my house, 42 Shale Court, Greenville, SC 29601. Plan to attend to learn more about plans for pro bono activities for 2012. My email is dorothy.huskey@mgclaw.com.
Thank you!
Dorothy Huskey, CP
Chairperson, Pro Bono Committee
We are excited to announce a new volunteer opportunity. SCUPA will be participating in Hands on Greenville Day (HOG Day) which will be held on May 5, 2012. I realize this sounds far off but the time will be here before we know it. The registration deadline is March 1st. We do not yet know what project we will be assigned on that date but we know it will be "hands on." We would like to have as many members participating as possible. Spouses or significant others and children are welcomed to participate on our team as well. We need a head count for registration.
This is a great opportunity to make a difference in our community. Please consider being a part of what will be a fun event and a great contribution to our neighbors. Daysha Bonner is our Team Leader for this project. If you plan to participate, please contact her at dbonner@collinsandlacy.com. If you want to participate but are concerned about the physical activity, let her know that. We will find something you can do within your capability, no matter what project we are assigned.
As a reminder, we will have our first Pro Bono meeting this Saturday, February 4 at 10:00am at my house, 42 Shale Court, Greenville, SC 29601. Plan to attend to learn more about plans for pro bono activities for 2012. My email is dorothy.huskey@mgclaw.com.
Thank you!
Dorothy Huskey, CP
Chairperson, Pro Bono Committee
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