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| Light
of Hope Vigil to be Held April 1 released: 03/31/04 |
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| West Virginia
Wesleyan College and the Mountain CAP/Court Appointed Special Advocates
(CASA) Program is extending an invitation to the Upshur County community
to attend Wesleyan's First Annual Light of Hope Event on Thursday, April
1, 2004. The event will take place on the steps of Wesley Chapel at 6 p.m.
(In case of rain, the event will take place inside the chapel). The Light
of Hope Event is a candlelight vigil traditionally held in New York City
by the National Court Appointed Special Advocates Association (NCASAA).
This year, the Mountain CAP/CASA Program of Upshur and Lewis Counties will
be holding the vigil on Wesleyan’s campus. In 2003, there were 459 reported cases of child abuse and neglect in Upshur County. During the candlelight vigil, 459 candles will be lit to represent each case. The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program is powered by volunteers who are sworn in by a judge to advocate for the best interests of the children. There are 11 CASA programs in West Virginia that serve 21 counties. Alicia Kelly, a sophomore nursing major at Wesleyan and a volunteer of the CASA program in Upshur County, remarked on the candlelight vigil: “I love being a volunteer for the CASA program here in Buckhannon, and I believe this organization is truly making a difference in the community. I believe by having this event on the Wesleyan campus, everyone can come together and become aware of an increasing crisis in our community. Once we realize this issue involves each one of us, only then can we move forward in changing the future for these children.” The vigil is open to the Upshur County and Wesleyan communities. |