2006 Recipients: Jody Coaston and Mary Friel
Jody Coaston:
Jody Coaston has been a ProKids CASA for over nine years. She has served on 11 cases and advocated for 27 children. That’s 27 children whose lives, because of Jody’s outstanding advocacy, will forever be changed.
Jody does amazing work as a CASA. Her many abilities and talents were especially called into play when she became the voice for three children who were the victims of domestic violence. The children’s mother continually chose violent men who were not only brutal to her, but to her children as well. The latest boyfriend had sexually assaulted the young daughter in an attempt to “get back at” the mother.
When Jody came onto the case it wasn’t at all clear whether the mother would ever get it together enough to get her children back—whether she was even capable of protecting and parenting her three children. Jody, in her calm, logical, loving way, worked with this family to get the children the help they needed and move them toward a safe place.
Jodi worked with the mother of these three abused children, educating her on how violence affects children. She did this in her typical non-threatening, non-judgmental Jody-like manner. And the mother listened. Jody also worked with and educated the therapists and other professionals involved in the case. They too listened—and learned.
Jody was patient. She knew the mother couldn’t be expected to change overnight. Eventually, by educating and working with the mother and therapist, Jody was able to get the mother to accept responsibility for her choices and actions. The mother—encouraged by Jody—worked hard in counseling to understand herself and the choices she’d made throughout her life. All Jody’s hard work paid off. The mother was eventually able to make the life changes she needed to make to be reunited with her children. Today the children are back home—which is now a safe, stable and loving environment—living with a mother who takes responsibility for herself and her children.
This story is a powerful testament to Jody’s commitment and perseverance. And it is only one of many stories.
In addition to being a CASA, in 2002 Jodi agreed to become part of the team to develop a program to address the effects of domestic violence on children. Jody spent countless hours researching and meeting with professionals and was one of the developers of the risk assessment tools that became part of the ProKids Steps TO Peace program. Jody serves on the Advisory Board of Steps TO Peace and serves as a Violence Resource Specialist to assist other CASAs. In addition, Jody remains a CASA on three cases. Jody’s commitment to ProKids is 150%. She is a valuable and vital part of this agency.
Mary Friel
has had three cases since her start in January 2001. Her first involved two teenage girls whose parents were both addicted to drugs. The girls’ mother was in prison and their father had turned them over to the county because he couldn’t care for them. The girls were very demanding. They had an unhealthy relationship with their mother, who tried her hardest to sabotage the case. The oldest, Tina, who was 17, had a baby at the age of 13. Throughout the case she faced obstacle after obstacle in raising this young child. The younger, Susie, was15 and had 2 babies. She struggled through decisions to give her babies to family friends to raise. The girls’ behavioral problems constantly caused Mary’s plans for them to fall apart. Around the office this case soon became known as the “CASA Killer”.
Throughout all this—and more—Mary didn’t bat an eye. She was the girls’ sounding board, mentor, friend, and—above all—Super Advocate. She listened without judging. She lined up mental health, chemical dependency, educational and vocational services. She called them even when they never called back, and took calls from them no matter how inconvenient the timing. Due to Mary’s relentless encouragement, Susie was the first in her family to graduate from high school. Even though the case is closed, Mary continues to be there for both girls.
Mary’s second case involved a girl named Latasha, who learned about beatings and sex even before she started school. Latasha was removed from her family and placed in foster care at age 6; adopted by the foster parents; then “returned” to the system at age 13 when she threatened a sibling. Latasha’s developmental delays, combined with her abusive background, have prevented her from returning to her adoptive family.
For Mary’s first year on the case Latasha lived in a residential facility in Indianapolis, where Mary visited monthly. It was Mary who arranged a 15th birthday party for Latasha (at the ProKids office!) and Mary who has become Latasha’s longest standing support person. Mary spent weeks researching treatment centers. As a result, Latasha is now in a wonderful residential treatment facility in Wisconsin. Mary still travels back and forth to check on Latasha and monitor her progress. Since Latasha will grow up without family, Mary is the one who conducts regular meetings by phone with the staff in Wisconsin, sends Latasha cards and treats, and receives phone calls from Latasha when other children are calling parents. Today Latasha is doing so well she has a stable job.
Two months ago Mary took her third case: two children and a tangled family system. Shay, a 15-year-old mom, and her 8-year-old brother Dennis, were being raised by their 18-year-old sister for years while their drug-addicted mom lived on the streets. After a police raid, the court became involved and Shay, her baby, and her brother went to live with relatives.
To help ensure that Shay finishes her education, Mary located a school where more individual attention is given to students. Mary also facilitated a move for Dennis to live with an aunt and uncle and is working diligently to make that placement work—doing everything from keeping the family calm as they attempt to navigate the system to taking Dennis to get a donated bike and helmet, which is helping him fit in with the children in his new neighborhood.
In all of Mary’s cases, the words used to describe her are consistent, whether from magistrates, family members or caseworkers: “Mary is the glue that holds everything together.” “Mary is the calm in the storm…the support to all.” One magistrate, who doesn’t easily give compliments, constantly asks when he could have Mary on another case. Mary is well respected and a joy to work with!