AUDIO: Voices for Children Expands into Two Programs: New Executive Director Starting Feb. 1

Voices for Children remains in Ripley Co. while Jefferson County now has their own CASA program.

Tonya Ruble-Richter (left) and Melissa Herzner. 

(Ripley County, Ind.) – Some big changes are happening at Voices for Children. 

Southeastern Indiana Voices for Children, Inc. previously served children in both Jefferson and Ripley counties since 2007. As of January 1, both counties now serve children independently.

"I'm so proud of our program, and all that we have accomplished together as a team, over the past 7 years,” said current executive director Tonya Ruble-Richter. “All of that has brought us to this point where both programs can be self-sustaining, and efficient, individually which will allow us to continue to grow in our efficiency of meeting the individual needs of our counties, our courts, and most importantly the children we serve!"

HEAR DOUBLE T'S INTERVIEW WITH TONYA RUBLE-RICHTER AND MELISSA HERZNER IN THE AUDIO PLAYER BELOW

Voices for Children remains in Ripley County while Jefferson County now has their own CASA program called Child Advocates of Jefferson County, Inc.

With the transition into two programs, comes new leadership. Ruble-Richter will turn the reigns over to Melissa Herzner on February 1. Herzner is a longtime volunteer who has been promoted over the past four years to lead volunteer coordinator, and now executive director.

“I’ve been involved with CASA previously in Kentucky when my husband and I were staged there. It’s just a passion, you have to have a passion for it. And volunteering for abused and neglected children is rewarding at the same time as its upsetting. However, it is worth it,” said Herzner.

Herzner has some big shoes to fill. Ruble-Richter has served as executive director since 2014, helping grow Voices for Children into what it is today.

“It’s bittersweet for me of course. She’s been with us for a long time. Voices has been like my baby, and we’ve grown it. I’m excited to pass the baton to her. She’s going to do great,” said Ruble-Richter.

Each year in Ripley County, nearly 100 abused and/or neglected children face the future without a home to call their own. These children are often placed in some form of foster care.

Volunteerism continues to be a driving force behind helping children in need. 

"When you step up to become a CASA, you discover practical ways to help children when they need it most. You can be the consistency a child needs. A CASA steps into a child's life and gives them a voice at a time they often feel forgotten,” said CASA Volunteer Connie Collins.

To learn more about how to get involved, visit Southeastern Indiana Voices for Children, Inc. | Volunteer.