CASA for Children recently announced Helen Stemmer of Sallisaw as the 2025 CASA Volunteer of the Year.

Stemmer was recognized on April 29 at the nonprofit’s annual Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Banquet with an award presented by Susie Massey, program manager for CASA for Children in McIntosh, Muskogee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.

“Helen represents everything a CASA volunteer should be,” Massey said. “She is dedicated, dependable, and driven by a sincere sense of purpose and compassion.”

Stemmer has served as a CASA volunteer for 10 years. In that time, she has advocated for 14 cases on behalf of 20 children.

Because of her attention to detail and her compassionate approach, Stemmer is frequently requested by staff and other parties on the most complex cases. Stemmer always puts the children’s best interests at the center of her work, whether advocating for reunification with parents or supporting a path to adoption.

Her husband, Jeff, is also a CASA volunteer, making advocacy a family affair.

In addition to honoring Stemmer, CASA for Children also recognized the dedication of CASA volunteers Melissa Goodman-Nissley, Randy Strickland, Trisha Rutherford, Janice Hughes, Kathy Connell, Debby Keith, Victoria Smith, Kim Williams, Vickie Middleton, Jeff Stemmer, Debbie Long and Tim Payne.

Special recognition was also given to CASA Volunteer Leslie Hamil and the Youth Volunteer Corps for their continued support of CASA’s mission to serve abused and neglected children.

To learn more about CASA for Children or how to become a CASA volunteer, visit www. casaok.org or call Jenny Crosby at 918-6851501.