GLOBE — On November 30, the Court Appointed Special Advocate program in Southern Gila County paid special tribute to CASA Diana Wheeler as she celebrated eight years with the program.

Over the past eight years, Diana has been assigned to six cases and has been an advocate for fourteen children. 

“The biggest reward as a CASA is to help save the life of at least one child in each court case I am involved in here in Globe,” Wheeler said. “By saving a life I mean helping the courts make the right decisions concerning the child(ren) in each case so the child(ren) can live a happy, healthy life. I have continued to be a CASA because I want to help make a positive difference in the lives of the children involved in the case I am assigned to by the Courts. As one CASA said the other day at a meeting, it is not all fun and games at times but the end result is worth it all when we can either reunite the children with their parents or have them adopted out to a loving family that will care for them.” 

CASA advocates work as part of the court team in cases of abused and neglected children. 

They visit with the children monthly, develop relationships, and ensure no services or resources are being overlooked.

The CASA then attends court with the children and advocates for their best interests. 

More volunteers are needed to speak for children in Gila County. 

To learn more about the program visit CASAofGilaCounty.org or email Emily Leverance at mailto: eleverance@courts.az.gov

Pictured from Left to Right: CASA’s Pat Moore, Diana Wheeler, Margret Celix, and Coordinator Emily Leverance