THE AUGUST ADVOCATE OF THE MONTH is:
JOANN PURCELL
We are honored to recognize JoAnn Purcell as our August Advocate of the Month. JoAnn is one of those rare individuals whose warmth, kindness, and authenticity shine through in everything she does — including her advocacy.
In her current case, JoAnn is a steady, compassionate presence for a medically fragile 3-year-old girl. The complexity of this case —with constant medical appointments, hospital stays, and evolving concerns — requires an advocate who is not only dedicated, but deeply empathetic and detail-oriented. JoAnn has stepped into that role wholeheartedly. She consistently provides thorough and timely updates, ensuring that everyone involved in the case is well-informed and aligned in support of this child’s needs.
Advocating for a child in such a vulnerable situation is no small task, yet JoAnn does it with quiet strength and unwavering commitment. When CPS was unable to have someone present during a multi-day hospital stay, JoAnn didn’t hesitate to step in and help find a solution, including making herself available to visit, simply so the child wouldn’t feel alone. Her willingness to go above and beyond is just one example of the heart she brings to her work.
Throughout this case, JoAnn has also shown exceptional grace in navigating difficult conversations with parents and reporting concerns to the court when necessary. She approaches these moments with honesty, professionalism, and compassion; always keeping the best interests of the child at the center. At the same time, she has fostered a respectful, supportive relationship with the child’s parents, making sure they are aware of available services, checking in regularly, and helping connect them with the resources they need.
JoAnn has been a CASA Advocate for four years and is currently on her third case. She has been a dedicated and effective voice for every child she’s served, but in this case especially, she has gone far above what is required to ensure her child is not only safe, but also truly cared for.
We are deeply grateful for JoAnn’s heart, her integrity, and her ability to build meaningful relationships with everyone she encounters. She exemplifies the very best of what it means to be a CASA Advocate.