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Extension provides helping hands
By Olivia Maddox
 Women and children who fall victim to abuse have new avenues for support in Starke County, thanks in part to the efforts of Purdue Extension.
With nearly 150 reports of child abuse and neglect occurring annually in the county, Circuit Court Judge David Matsey wanted to start a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in the county. CASA volunteers speak for abused and neglected children in court and provide information that helps judges decide what is best for each child.
In 1999, Judge Matsey approached Purdue Extension in Starke County to partner with the court in launching a CASA program. The court provides funding for the Extension office to recruit and train volunteers.
Karen DeZarn, consumer and family sciences educator in Starke and Pulaski counties, heads up the program. "The first six volunteers were sworn in earlier this year," she says. "All six have cases and are working well with the judge.
DeZarn is recruiting volunteers for a second training class this fall and hopes to expand the program to Pulaski County, as well.
Over the past two years, Starke County Extension Homemakers have been helping to open a transitional home for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
The county's Extension Homemakers used a $500 grant to furnish the duplex's two kitchens with utensils and small appliances. The eight clubs also made quilts, donated linens, and either made or purchased all of the home's window coverings. They also volunteered for cleaning and painting detail and joined forces with the county's garden club to do the landscaping.
Even though the house has been completed and the first families moved in this fall, the Extension Homemakers will continue to support Starke County's Phoenix House, says Extension program assistant Evelyn Maranto. "It's women helping women, and that's important to them."
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