‘Safety net’ for youths
CASA volunteer enjoys being part of nonprofit’s vital role
When one metroarea mom sent the last of her three children off to preschool 14 years ago, she knew she wanted to help other youths in the community in some way.
Lori Blumenthal found her niche as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in 2003, helping abused and neglected children as a volunteer for CASA of Oklahoma County.
Over the years, Blumenthal has been a passionate volunteer for the agency and she eventually served on the CASA board of directors.
It was in that capacity that the Nichols Hills resident was honored in 2016.
Blumenthal was named National CASA Association Board Member of the Year. The National CASA Association presents the award to individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership and commitment to the CASA/GAL (Guardian Ad Litem) program in his or her role as a member of a CASA/ GAL board of directors or advisory council.
In a recent interview, Blumenthal said it’s hard to remember a time when she wasn’t immersed in her role as a court appointed special advocate. The volunteer advocates speak for the best interests of children in the foster system.
Blumenthal said she always has had at least two cases at a time all across Oklahoma as a volunteer, and this didn’t change when she served
on the CASA board. She said her husband, Jeff, thought she should trade in her SUV for something smaller, but she wants to keep it so there will always be room for the four car seats she carries around on a daily basis “just in case.”
These days, the Blumenthals are serving as honorary chairs of “An Evening to Remember: A Practically Perfect Night,” a “Mary Poppins”-themed event on May 4 that will benefit CASA of Oklahoma County.
‘A humble servant’
And Blumenthal said she hopped into a CASArelated project as soon as her board term was over.
Laughing, she admitted she is pretty immersed in the nonprofit program.
Blumenthal said she majored in human development in college and then went on to a career in banking and business.
However, she said she knew she was destined to serve youths and families in need. “In my heart of hearts, I really am a social worker,” she said, smiling.
Lee Ann Limber, executive director of CASA of Oklahoma County, said Blumenthal’s commitment to the children served by the nonprofit is praise worthy. “She is a humble servant, and she approaches all her (work) with CASA that way,” Limber said recently.
Limber said dedication like Blumenthal’s is key because the court appointed special advocates’ input and aid has a significant affect on the lives of children most in need of such are and concern. “We’re the extra
“An Evening to Remember, “benefiting CASA of Oklahoma County 6 to 8 p.m. May 4 Aloft Hotel Bricktown, 209 N Walnut
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713-6456
How to help
For more information about becoming a CASA volunteer, go to https:// okcountycasa.org. eyes and ears. That certainly makes us a valuable officer of the court,” Limber said. Blumenthal agreed. “We are a safety net for these kids,” she said.
Wearing many hats
Limber said Blumenthal’s enthusiasm for the CASA program spills over into all facets of her life. She said this has meant that the vivacious Blumenthal has been able to recruit many other people to become CASA volunteers.
“Volunteers are the life blood, heart and soul of what we do because we are a volunteer-driven organization,” Limber said.
Other work that brought Blumenthal to the national CASA organization’s attention was her strategic counsel and financial support that helped stabilize CASA of Oklahoma County on more than one occasion.
Limber said CASA came out from under the county government’s umbrella and became an independent nonprofit agency in July 2008, just before the height of the 2008 financial crisis. She said funding cuts threatened the program, but Blumenthal stepped in, recruiting family members and friends to make major gifts to the organization.
Limber said during the past 10 years, Lori has raised about $750,000 for the program.
And when CASA saw an increase in caseloads between 2008 and 2013, Blumenthal worked with the program’s leadership to strengthen the agency’s infrastructure to build capacity to serve more children in Oklahoma County.
Blumenthal said she doesn’t volunteer for the accolades. She said she is simply fulfilled knowing that she has helped make a positive difference in the lives of numerous children and families in crisis. “I believe you have to have purpose in life,” she said. “I’m so fortunate to have found my passion.”