GR8 Job, Sylvia! | Community Spirit

On Wednesday morning CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) held its Light of Hope Breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn in Jonesboro.

The annual event allows CASA volunteers, supporters and potential donors a chance to hear about the problems facing abused and neglected children in Your Region 8.

Craighead County tops the number of cases in the 2nd Judicial District, which includes Clay, Craighead, Crittenden and Poinsett counties.  In 2011 there were 1,300 founded cases of child abuse in Craighead County alone.

One of those who has worked tirelessly for the victims is Dr. Sylvia Richards.  On Wednesday she was recognized for 15 years of service as a CASA volunteer in Craighead County.

Dr. Richards is resigning her position after serving as a child’s voice in court for hundreds of children.  Instead of referring to her as “Dr. Richards” they call her “grandma” because she has been an integral part of getting “forever families” for these children.  Many of those children are now adults with kids of their own.

Sylvia is a fearless, spunky petite woman who was unafraid to fight to get what she thought was best for abused and neglected children.

For that we say GR8 Job, Sylvia!

Know someone who’s doing a GR8 Job in your neighborhood?  Send an email to YourRegion8@kait8.com explaining what they’re doing to make this a better Region 8.