COEUR d’ALENE — For kids in abusive situations, life can be overwhelming and “so very dark,” said Tammy Strait.

North Idaho Court Appointed Special Advocates is the light, said the first-year advocate.

“And to that child, that light is hope,” she said Thursday to about 150 people during CASA’s Ray of Hope luncheon at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

During the hourlong program, success stories were told, an award was presented, and people were praised. But there was no doubt what mattered most, as Strait said: Being “a voice to the voiceless child.”

She told a story of a child she helped who climbed into her lap recently and said, “I love you so much.”

“A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined that,” Strait said. “It has made 2020 feel like a pretty darn good year.”

She told the CASA staff, advocates and volunteers to take pride in what they do because they are having an impact. She urged more to come on board or donate to the nonprofit.

“I promise you it will change the lives of many children in North Idaho, giving them hope, hope that they can lay down their swords, hope they can stop hiding, hope they can live free of their dragons," she said.

“It will change their lives, but it will also change yours,” she added.

CASA supports trained advocates for over 400 child abuse and neglect victims in North Idaho. Advocates investigate child protection cases, represent the child’s best interest in court and help find them a safe home with a forever family.

KJ Brant, CEO of North Idaho CASA, said as coronavirus restrictions ease, she expects the organization's caseload to increase because there will likely be a surge in reports of abused children.

Throughout the pandemic, the program served 262 children in Kootenai County alone. With the area's growth comes more children at risk.

“It’s a sad reality that children in our community will continue to suffer,” Brant said.

Those children, live in unsanitary homes, or don’t have a home, a room, or a bed, she said. They sleep in cars, tents or cheap motel rooms. They don’t enjoy healthy meals, don’t see dentists or doctors and may have drugs in their system. They might witness or suffer from physical, mental or sexual abuse. Their lives, every day, are uncertain and filled with fear.

“These children are all afraid and may think it’s their own fault,” Brant said. “And many feel like no one cares for them.”

“And none of them know how long this will continue and they don’t know who to trust and some may even question their own existence,” she continued.

CASA advocates listen to the situation and what the child wants, prepare a report for the court and make recommendations to the judge about services the child needs. They also give the child books, toys, school supplies, clothes, even a bed.

“But more importantly advocates provide hope,” Brant said.

She said the contributions of those at the luncheon, CASA board, staff, trainers, donors, volunteers and community partners, are appreciated.

“You provide us with the support we need to do very difficult work,” Brant said.

A program highlight came when the Distinguished Service in Victims Advocacy Award went to Susan Koerner. She has served as an advocate at the Women’s Center, a probation officer assistant for Kootenai County and an assistant to a victim advocate at the Kootenai County Prosecutor’s Office. She also was the victim/witness advocate for the prosecutor’s office before retiring in March 2018.

“Susan was untiring in her work supporting victims in every circumstance,” Brant said. "She took every case to heart and had a unique capacity to work with victims and their families. And now, incredibly, after a short retirement, Susan is back doing the same work as a volunteer.”

Kootenai County Prosecutor Barry McHugh had high praise for Koerner.

“If you know her, you know she has a voice. It’s never for herself,” he said. “She has a tremendous voice for survivors.”

He worked with her nearly a decade after taking office in 2009. Her dedication, he said, was impressive — she was committed to abuse survivors.

“This award is particularly appropriate given her history, her passion, and in our community that’s certainly been blessed by her work,” McHugh added.

A surprised Koerner had few words.

“I can’t believe this,” she said. “Thank you.”

Koerner later said she does what she does because she was a victim of domestic violence.

“I just want to help other people in that situation,” she said. “It’s not a fun place to be.”