Board Profile - Brian Gorman
Ever since he was a little guy, Brian Gorman has been associated with Casa Youth Shelter. Initial involvement was through his parents, Richard, one of Casa's former board members and board president, and Brenda also a board member who's dedicated volunteering assisted in developing the shelter's genuine home-like ambience. Gorman warmly notes, "The wonderful giving lives of my parents have guided my life. Among their many examples of concern for others was not only their financial support of the shelter, but most importantly, their dedication to, 'Making a difference in the world through making a difference in the lives of troubled youth.'"
As an active member of the family-owned business and a dedicated member of Casa's board for the past five years, Brian brings his personal philosophy, "Live your life like today is 'It'", to everything he does. His generosity of self, dedication to his wife Kathy and their children, son Wyatt and daughter Avery, and his exuberant 100% personal involvement in all he undertakes, is well known to both the Casa Family, and to all with whom he has contact.
Gorman says, "My personal philosophy is to embrace life, to be thankful for my good fortune; to generously give back what I can, especially to help children build a better life; and if possible, to 'Stay Humble' while doing so." Brian, the Casa Family wants you to know that through your generosity and concern for their welfare, you have powerfully and personally benefited the future lives of thousands of Casa Kids. The Casa Family sincerely says, "Thank You!"
Volunteer Spotlight
Marilyn North
For about seven years now, Marilyn has cleared Monday nights on her calendars so that she can be with Casa’s kids to play games with, listen to, and just plain ole, “hang-out” with them. A retired first grade teacher, mother of three, Marilyn loves kids – all sizes – all shapes – and all grades! When asked why she does what she does, Marilyn replies that she wants them to know she is, “here for them.” Sometimes, she says, as she listens to their stories, she must try very hard not to convey her dismay at learning the histories of abuse that they share. And, like mothers around the world, she delights in sharing their successes, too - and they know it.
When asked about what compels her to make this weekly commitment to Casa’s Kids, she replies that she wants to, “Make a difference in a life.” Well, Marilyn, you certainly have been doing that. From helping the kids to understand that, “Expectations lead to success,” to providing unstinting encouragement in what they do, or plan on doing, or plan on becoming, they are delighted to have you close by to listen to them, and to “prop them up,” too. For all that you are, and all that you do, Marilyn, the Casa family says, “Thank you! The kids say you’re absolutely the BEST – and we know that to be true.
Board of Directors Volunteer Spotlight
Karen Klabouch – President, The Casa Connection
Seems as if Karen and Casa Youth Shelter have always been, connected. She was only seven, and hanging on to mom’s hand, when she first arrived at Casa to stuff envelopes and “goodie bags” for Casa’s annual fundraiser. She says her personal philosophy of, “Giving back to others,” was instilled by her mom, Judy; and that it deepened as she continued volunteering with the Tick Tockers and the National Charity League Juniors. Now, as a member of Casa’s Board of Directors, Karen’s support of Casa’s mission continues.
A couple years ago, Karen and a few of her friends from Los Alamitos High School days put together Casa’s latest support group, The Casa Connection, a group of “Thirty-Something” young professionals that periodically meets and plans fun outings for Casa’s Kids. They sponsor bowling parties, BBQs with plenty of burgers and beans, and organize off-site parties such an an “Out to the Old Ball Game” outing at Anaheim Stadium with plenty of peanuts and Angel caps for the kids. And, they plan fun-fundraisers benefiting the shelter as well. Most recently they staged an inaugural, “Hold ‘Em Texas” Poker Party at Karen and Judy’s home, raising an amazing $13K to help support Casa’s operations. Way to go, Karen! We love your spirit, admire your talents, but most of all, we cherish your loving-hearted devotion to Casa’s Kids.
© 2008 Casa Youth Shelter. All rights reserved.