Bell named CASA/GAL director

Ashley Bell has been hired as the new executive director of the recently restructured CASA/GAL, or Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardians ad Litem, of Hancock County. The organization is using a new court-based model. Bell was sworn in by Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Kristen Johnson on Oct. 3. CASA/GAL of Hancock County has been present in the community since 1994. It is a part of the state and national network of CASA Programs who use Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers to represent children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The restructuring of CASA/GAL of Hancock County will be administered through the court and will have a nonprofit fundraising arm to support its mission of advocating for the best interest of children in the county. Bell, a Hancock County native, comes to the program with more than 12 years of volunteer service and board membership for various local nonprofit organizations. She holds a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University. With roughly 100 children in foster care in the county every year, CASA/GAL of Hancock County is accepting applications from interested community members who want to help children through extraordinary circumstances. For more information on how you can make a difference as a CASA volunteer, contact Bell at 419-424-7011 or at aibell@co.hancock.oh.us