Column: Shorelines

Courtesy of David Flowers

Runners and walkers will participate in the fifth annual Johnny CASA 5-Miler/5K Walk in September to benefit the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center.

When runners and walkers lace up their shoes and take to the streets at LakeWatch Plantation on Saturday, Sept. 11, they'll be doing it for a good cause.

Marking its fifth year, the Johnny CASA 5-Miler/5K Walk benefits the Southern Virginia Child Advocacy Center, a nonprofit whose mission "is to promote the well-being of abused and neglected children through treatment, advocacy, prevention and education," according to its website.

The lake's only foot race got its start five years ago by a couple of avid runners, including Southern Virginia CAC board member Johnny Nolen and Wirtz resident H.T. Page.

"We're very proud of the event," said Nolen, who's said he's hoping for a turnout of more than 100 walkers and runners this year.

What's unusual about this race is the distance, said Nolen. Runners in this area usually have only 5Ks (3.1 miles) and 10Ks (6.2 miles) from which to choose.

"There's not another 5-miler in the area," added Nolen.

Nolen and other race volunteers solicit area businesses to donate prizes and giveaways, too, which can provide participants extra incentive to participate.

The fee to participate in either the 5-mile race or the 5K walk is $20 before Friday, Aug. 28 and $25 after that. Individuals and teams of walkers or runners are encouraged to collect additional pledges, and prizes are awarded for additional money raised.

"We have a donation side on the entry form if people want to fundraise," said Nolen. "And there are perks depending on how much money you raise."

The money benefits CAC, which is part of the larger Children's Advocacy Programs of the Blue Ridge, according to CAC's Executive Officer Joyce Moran.

In her 17 years with the organization, Moran said she has seen the need for services increase as the county's population, along with the county's unemployment rate, has grown. Moran said that in 1993, the first year CASA was established, two children were served. In Moran's first year as executive officer a year later, it jumped to 75 children. Last year, CAC served 1,200 people, mostly children.

CASA provides a voice for abused and neglected children in Franklin County through specially trained volunteer advocates. When a home is deemed unsafe for a child, a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court judge may appoint a CASA volunteer to represent and determine what's in the best interest of the child, and report back to the court.

CAC, which was established nearly nine years ago, provides a rapid response to children and family members who have been impacted by child abuse and neglect. According to its website, CAC provides "on-site medical evaluations, clinical assessment and treatment services, forensic interviews, state victim compensation claims filing, education and prevention specialty services, victim advocacy and victim case management."

In addition to CASA, services provided through CAC include the Child Abuse Review Team (CART), What About the Children (WATCH) adult education program and a child and caretaker interaction program.

While CAC receives local, state and federal funding, the organization also conducts three annual fundraisers -- the Johnny CASA 5-Miler/5K Walk, an annual yard sale, and in late October, the Harvest Moon Masquerade Ball and Silent Auction.

"We need events like this and for people to participate in them because the need has grown so much," said Moran.

What's also needed, added Moran, are volunteers to serve in a variety of different capacities. Volunteer opportunities are virtually limitless and include handing out water to runners and walkers during the race, helping to spruce up the CAC building in Rocky Mount, serving as a CASA volunteer and serving on the CAC board.

"Our volunteers are wonderful gifts," said Moran. "They work hard to ensure the children's needs are met and they do this voluntarily because they care."

Training for prospective CASA volunteers is held once a year and the training session will be held later this summer, said Moran.

Those interested in volunteering should contact the Southern Virginia CAC at 484-5566 or by e-mailing Moran at jmoran@southernvaca.org. CAC also has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Southern-Virginia-Child-Advocacy-Center/279439574526?v=info.