Cayce-West Columbia News

Guardian ad Litem swears in new volunteers (Page 49)

The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, has announced the swearing-in of new Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteers for the Lexington County GAL Program.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Efrain Irizzary, Phillip Pickard, Patricia Sims, Nicole McMahon, Angela Cerbelli and Lynne Fallaw took an oath to provide a voice for abused and neglected children involved in family court legal proceedings. The ceremony took place March 14 at the Lexington County Family Court House and was presided over by the Honorable Robert E. Newton.

The new volunteer Guardians ad Litem join other Lexington County community members who have been trained and are advocating for children in the family court system. The primary purpose of each GAL is to represent the best interests of the child during court proceedings. This requires each GAL to visit the child monthly to learn about the child’s wishes. They must also assess the child’s immediate safety and conduct interviews with others involved in the child’s life, including caseworkers, teachers, foster parents, and family members. The GAL then reports this information to the family court judge at scheduled hearings, along with a recommendation on the best course of action for the child.

“We’re always looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about advocating for children,” said Richard Fowler, regional recruiter, and trainer for the GAL program. “If you are interested in learning how you can change a child’s story, we encourage you to visit gal.sc.gov to learn more.”

Volunteers should be at least 21 years old, have a clean criminal record, no previous DSS case history, and be able to contribute four to five hours a month of their time for a child. Free training is provided to all volunteers. The next training classes begins April 29.
For more information on becoming a volunteer Guardian ad Litem, contact Richard Fowler at 803-645-9956 or [email protected] or visit gal.sc.gov.

Pictured are the Efrain Irizzary, Phillip Pickard, Patricia Sims, Nicole McMahon, Angela Cerbelli and Lynne Fallaw, The Honorable Robert E. Newton.

Guardian ad Litem swears in new volunteers

On: April 7, 2025

In: Community News

The Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program, a division of the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy, has announced the swearing-in of new GuardianContinue Reading

Touch-A-Truck Rolls Into Columbiana Centre April 12

On: April 7, 2025

In: Events

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Big wheels, flashing lights, and hands-on fun are headed to town! The third annual Touch-A-Truck event will take place on Friday, AprilContinue Reading

Golf tips for Seniors: Time to knock the rust off

On: April 7, 2025

In: Sports

By Robin All The Master’s is here and signaling the start of golf season in South Carolina. Some of us have braved the inclement weatherContinue Reading

Free Tax Prep Available Through The Cooperative Ministry’s VITA Program

On: April 7, 2025

In: Community News

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Tax season can be stressful, but for many Midlands residents, help is available at no cost. The Cooperative Ministry is once againContinue Reading

Soda City Market vies for national recognition

On: April 5, 2025

In: Community News

COLUMBIA, S.C. – One of Columbia’s most beloved weekly traditions is gaining national attention. Soda City Market has been nominated for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’Continue Reading

Step Jam South Coming to Columbia: Public Invited to High-Energy Walk/Run Event

On: April 5, 2025

In: Events

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Local residents are invited to lace up their sneakers and join in on the fun at Step Jam South, a high-energy walk/runContinue Reading

Tartan Day South Celebrates 13th Annual Celtic Festival & Highland Games

On: April 4, 2025

In: Events

The 13th Annual Tartan Day South Highland Games & Celtic Festival returns Thursday through Sunday, April 3–6, 2025, celebrating over a decade of Celtic prideContinue Reading

Get Ready to Tee Off at the Chamber Spring Golf Tournament!

On: April 4, 2025

In: Chamber

Mark your calendars and dust off your clubs—the Greater CWC Spring Golf Tournament is set for Thursday, May 1, 2025, with a 12:00 noon teeContinue Reading

Your Health in Mind: Intermittent Fasting

On: April 4, 2025

In: Columns, Health

By Dee Griffin Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary practice that cycles between fasting for a set period and then eating within a certain amountContinue Reading

Councilman Darrell Hudson Named 2024 Volunteer of the Year

On: April 4, 2025

In: Community News, Government

Lexington County Councilman Darrell Hudson has been honored as the 2024 Volunteer of the Year by the South Carolina Councils of Governments. Hudson serves asContinue Reading

Capt. Mose Rogers and The S.S. Savannah

On: April 3, 2025

In: Columns

By Tom Poland, A Southern WriterTomPoland.net I visit cemeteries never knowing what I’ll find. February 10, a cemetery gave me a story that has theContinue Reading

Guardian ad Litem swears in new volunteers (Page 49)

Guardian ad Litem swears in new volunteers

Touch-A-Truck Rolls Into Columbiana Centre April 12

Golf tips for Seniors: Time to knock the rust off

Free Tax Prep Available Through The Cooperative Ministry’s VITA Program

Soda City Market vies for national recognition

Step Jam South Coming to Columbia: Public Invited to High-Energy Walk/Run Event

Tartan Day South Celebrates 13th Annual Celtic Festival & Highland Games

Get Ready to Tee Off at the Chamber Spring Golf Tournament!

Your Health in Mind: Intermittent Fasting

Councilman Darrell Hudson Named 2024 Volunteer of the Year

Capt. Mose Rogers and The S.S. Savannah

Send Us Your News Ideas

GCA boys take top spot in 4A

Colonial Life Commits $75,000 to Support Junior Achievement Finance Program

Columbia Chamber Honors AgFirst Farm Credit Bank with Workforce Development Award

Get in Touch

Call Us