A BIG WIN — Dancers from Studio B, led by owner Brandi Herceg, presented A Child’s Place Court-Appointed Special Advocate, with a $700 donation April 23 during its annual candlelight vigil at the Historic Fort Steuben. The event is held in observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month. -- Warren Scott

STEUBENVILLE — As staff and volunteers with A Child’s Place Court Appointed Special Advocate prepare to celebrate its silver anniversary, they carried on a long-time tradition to remind the community of the many children who need their help.

On Wednesday, more than 200 luminaria were placed along the fountain and sidewalks near Historic Fort Steuben to represent local children involved in abuse and neglect cases who have been aided by the organization since it was established 25 years ago.

Approximately 20 miniature houses were lit in honor of the volunteers who serve the organization in various ways.

A Child’s Place CASA is one of 939 CASA organizations in the U.S. Its aim is to ensure children are receiving the necessary care and support while parents or guardians proceed through the court system.

The work of trained CASA volunteers includes taking notes at hearings that affect a child’s future, and ensuring the child’s well-being following court, that orders counseling, substance abuse treatment and other corrective measures for the parent or guardian.

Director Rhonda Stubbs explained A Child’s Place CASA has served 1,915 children since it was formed in Brooke and Hancock counties in 2000.

It expanded into Jefferson County in 2015. Stubbs explained she was working as a teacher in the Washington, D.C. area in 1996, when a friend suggested she become involved with a CASA group in Steubenville.

“She said, ‘This sounds like you,'” Stubbs recalled. After serving the group for two years, Stubbs found her niche and decided to return to Brooke County and establish a local CASA in 1999.

Stubbs noted its first set of volunteer advocates was sworn in by a local judge on Feb. 10, 2000. After completing 10 to 15 hours of training, CASA advocates must vow to keep the cases they have been assigned confidential.

She stated she is preparing for another training session, which includes self-paced online work. Those interested in learning about volunteering as an advocate or in other ways, can call (304) 737-4444.

Stubbs said the work takes patience but has been very rewarding for her. “Helping families fix the problems that brought them to us is super satisfying,” she said.

Throughout the years, A Child’s Place CASA has worked to educate the public about child abuse, working with agencies to offer instruction in proper parenting and in preventing, recognizing and responding properly to the sexual abuse of children.

Stubbs said adults can often prevent such abuse by recognizing and avoiding situations that can allow it to happen.

Stubbs noted she is available to discuss the subject at schools and other groups. A Child’s Place CASA is supported by federal and state grants, private contributions and fundraisers.

On April 23, the organization received a $700 donation from Studio B, a Weirton dance studio owned by Brandi Herceg.

Herceg said the money was won by the studio’s dancers at the Power of Dance competition in New Castle, Pa.

Top dancers in the competition win a monetary donation to the charity of their choice, and she is happy to show her students “They can use their gifts to help others.”

“This was our largest amount to date,” said Herceg. Students from the dance studio performed for those attending the vigil.

Music also was provided by singers Cooper Crow and Evan Con.

Local food trucks offered snacks and drinks. Stubbs said a 25th-anniversary celebration is planned for Nov. 15 at the Lauttamus Communications Banquet Center, with other details to be announced.

(Scott can be contacted at wscott@heraldstaronline.com.)