‘Light of Hope’ seeks assistance for children — PHOTOS

The 16th annual Light of Hope Ceremony 2015 on Monday had a simple goal: bring attention to the need for volunteers who advocate on behalf of the nearly 3,500 children who are receiving services under the supervision of Family Court in Las Vegas.

Judges, families and court workers joined in the lighting of ceremonial candles — the electronic variety — during the gathering at Eighth Judicial District Family Court.

Program Administrator Shelia S. Parks of the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Foundation spoke at the event, along with Family Court judges Frank Sullivan and Charles Hoskin.

Last year, nearly a thousand children had a CASA volunteer to help them navigate the system and deal with the challenges of school and home life. The foundation is working to get a volunteer to be a voice for every foster child.

The focus this year is on what it means to create connections and improve the well-being of lives of foster youth. “Hundreds of vulnerable children need an advocate to be a voice in our community,” said Sullivan, who oversees the CASA program. “By volunteering a just a few hours to serve as a CASA, volunteers will help the well-being of a child and ultimately the well-being of our community. I urge those who are looking for ways to give back to the community to consider volunteering to be a CASA.”

For those interested in volunteering with CASA, monthly orientations are held on the third Wednesday of each month to provide more information about the program. Upcoming orientations will be held at the Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.

For more information about the program, call 702-455-4306, visit www.casalasvegas.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/#!/CASALasVegas.