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The executive director of Court Appointed Special for Children (CASA) of Madison and Clark counties has been awarded a national honor according to a news release.

Victoria Benge, executive director of CASA of Madison County and Clark Counties was named the Kappa Alpha Theta Program Director of the Year by the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children during the organization’s Awards of Excellence ceremony at its annual national conference held June 6 in Seattle, Washington.

Benge, Colorado native, was hired as executive director of CASA of Madison County in 2018, at a point where the program’s number of volunteers and children served were low and challenges with fundraising. Additionally, the court questioned the competence and effectiveness of the program.

“Ms. Victoria Benge rescued CASA of Madison County in 2018. She created a trusted CASA program that honors and meets the tenets of CASA by always being available and ready to serve the needs of our most traumatized children. Benge has established a reputable program based on professionalism, respect, and dedication, that is now regarded as a legitimate agency and staple of the communities,” the release reads.

Under Benge’s leadership, CASA of Madison and Clark Counties has expanded into Clark County, growing from five to 82 volunteers and eight to 150 children served. Additionally, donations have increased by 1000%. Through professionalism, respect and dedication, Benge has ensured that CASA of Madison and Clark Counties has a prominent seat at the table in every conversation and discussion regarding the child welfare system in both communities.

The National CASA/GAL Association’s Kappa Alpha Theta Program Director of the Year Award, named for one of National CASA/GAL’s long-time partners, was created to recognize the exceptional work program directors do every day. The recipient of this award is someone who has taken significant actions to establish or expand a CASA/GAL program. The award is named for the Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity, which has provided substantial monetary and volunteer support to National CASA/GAL and its network of programs for more than 30 years.

CASA of Madison and Clark Counties is a local non-profit that advocates for a safe, permanent, and nurturing home for abused, neglected, and dependent children as assigned within the court system. To learn more, visit www.madisoncasa.org.

The National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children, together with its 950 state and local member programs, supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that every child who has experienced abuse or neglect in the United States can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive. To learn more, visit www.nationalcasagal.org.