North Idaho Briefs April 28, 2011

CASA program needs volunteers

COEUR d'ALENE - The First Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates Program needs volunteers to advocate in court for children who have been removed from their homes due to alleged parental neglect or abuse, resulting in their necessary placement into foster care.

CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to recommend to the court the best outcome for an abused or neglected child's future.

The agency is hosting CASA 101, a series of one-hour informational sessions. They are scheduled May 10, 12, 17 and 19 from noon to 1 p.m. at 208 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene.

The next training session begins June 1.

Info: www.northidahocasa.com or 667-9165

Donations still accepted for twins

It's not too late to help the Crossley twins.

Folks who want to donate to the 2-year-old girls' well being can make contributions at any U.S. Bank location, simply by saying they want to give to the Crossleys.

The donation account can only be accessed by the twins' current caretaker.

Funders to address nonprofits May 4

COEUR d'ALENE - The Idaho Nonprofit Center will present its second North Idaho Nonprofit Forum from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 4 at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn.

The forum will provide nonprofits access to prominent funders, opportunities to network with other nonprofit professionals, and roundtable discussions with 15 local and regional funders.

Leaders will have the opportunity to hear from foundation representatives about what makes healthy organizations. There will also be roundtable discussions.

Registration is available online at www.idahononprofits.org or by phone, (208) 424-2229.

AIDS Coalition open house is May 4

An open house for the new office of the North Idaho AIDS Coalition is 10 a.m. May 4.

There will a ribbon-cutting, refreshments, and NIAC will be taking orders for spring flower baskets as a fundraiser. Guests will have a chance to tour NIAC's new space at 2201 Government Way, Suite L.

NIAC is a nonprofit that provides care, prevention and advocacy to those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

Crapo receives 'Taxpayer' award

COEUR d'ALENE - The National Taxpayers Union awarded Sen. Mike Crapo its 'Friends of Taxpayer Award' for his voting record during the 2010 legislative session.

To win the award, senators must earn at least 95 percent score for their votes on NTU's legislative priorities. Crapo earned 99 percent.