26 Oct Shining a Light of Hope

A Lasting Light of Hope: Celebrating the Extraordinary People Making a Difference for Children

Pulaski County CASA honors five remarkable individuals at the 2026 Light of Hope Breakfast.

Hope takes many forms.

Sometimes, it looks like a volunteer sitting beside a child during a difficult season of life. Sometimes, it is an attorney who takes the time to truly listen. Sometimes, it is a young person discovering the joy of serving others. And sometimes, it is a lifetime spent breaking barriers, opening doors, and building a better future for generations of children and families.

On October 20, 2026, Pulaski County CASA gathered with friends, supporters, and community partners for our annual Light of Hope Breakfast, a morning dedicated to celebrating the extraordinary people whose compassion, commitment, and service bring hope to children in foster care.

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as we recognized five individuals whose contributions remind us that making a difference does not always require grand gestures. Often, it begins with one person who simply decides to show up, speak up, and refuse to give up.

We are proud to introduce our 2026 Light of Hope honorees.

Judge Joyce Williams Warren: The Darryl Capps Lasting Light of Hope Award

Some people make a difference in the lives of those they serve. Others transform the very systems designed to serve them.

The Honorable Joyce Williams Warren has spent a lifetime doing both.

A trailblazer in Arkansas’s legal community, Judge Warren became the first Black female judge in Arkansas in 1983 when she was appointed Pulaski County Juvenile Judge. In 1990, she became the first Black person elected to a state-level trial court judgeship in Arkansas. Years earlier, in 1976, she had become the first Black female graduate of the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law.

But her legacy extends far beyond these historic firsts.

Throughout her remarkable career, Judge Warren helped shape Arkansas’s juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Her contributions include improvements to adoption laws, the establishment of standards for attorneys representing children in abuse and neglect cases, stronger training requirements for CASA volunteers, and expanded educational opportunities for judges and attorneys working in juvenile courts.

She also helped establish conferences and training programs that continue to strengthen the work of child welfare professionals across Arkansas.

After more than 37 years presiding primarily over juvenile cases, Judge Warren retired from the bench in December 2020. Yet her commitment to children and families has never wavered. She continues to contribute her knowledge and experience through initiatives including ZERO TO THREE’s Infant-Toddler Court Program and the Arkansas Safe Babies State Advisory Group.

Her extraordinary service has earned numerous honors, including National CASA Judge of the Year in 2012 and induction into both the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2023.

But at this year’s Light of Hope Breakfast, it was not simply her professional accomplishments that took center stage.

Judges Tjuana Byrd Manning and Shanice Johnson offered heartfelt reflections on the personal and professional impact Judge Warren has had on their lives. They spoke of her mentorship, her leadership in the courtroom, and the example she continues to set for those who follow in her footsteps.

Their words reminded everyone gathered that Judge Warren’s legacy is not measured only in legal milestones or institutional reforms. It lives in the people she has inspired, the professionals she has mentored, and the countless children and families whose lives have been touched by her work.

The presentation carried an additional layer of meaning.

The Darryl Capps Lasting Light of Hope Award honors the memory of Pulaski County CASA’s late Executive Director, Darryl Capps, whose commitment to children and the CASA mission left an enduring mark on our organization.

Darryl and Judge Warren shared a close friendship and a common dedication to improving the lives of children and families. Recognizing Judge Warren with an award bearing his name was a particularly poignant tribute to two individuals whose lives and work have helped shape the legacy of CASA in our community.

Judge Warren’s story reminds us that true leadership is not simply about being the first to open a door. It is about holding that door open for others and ensuring that the path forward is brighter for generations to come.

Her light continues to shine, and the legacy of hope she has created will endure for years to come.

Kathy Lower: 2026 Outstanding Advocate of the Year

For some people, volunteering is something they fit into their schedules. For Kathy Lower, advocating for children has become a calling that touches nearly every part of her life.

After more than 30 years in the corporate world, Kathy followed her faith and passion for helping children into a new chapter of service. She spent more than five years working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and became deeply involved in supporting children in foster care and their families.

Her volunteer journey included Project Zero, the Foster and Adopt Support group at That Church in Sherwood, and service on the board of Holiday Hope Tree, an organization dedicated to bringing help, hope, and joy to children in foster care.

Through those experiences, Kathy discovered CASA and recognized the unique opportunity to advocate for children navigating the court system.

On April 4, 2024, she was sworn in as a Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Since then, she has become a remarkable example of what dedicated advocacy can accomplish.

Kathy is known for her meticulous court reports, consistent communication, and tireless attention to the complex needs of the children she serves. Whether attending therapy appointments, advocating for educational services and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), participating in family visits, or collaborating with caseworkers and attorneys, Kathy approaches every responsibility with determination and compassion.

Her Advocate Supervisor, Tara McCain, describes her as nothing short of phenomenal.

“Kathy can fiercely advocate for a child while remaining tactful and compassionate to everyone,” Tara shared. “She has made a tremendous impact on the cases she has been assigned.”

Her work has earned praise from attorneys ad litem, parent counsel, DHS caseworkers, and the courts. She has even been personally requested for additional cases because of the trust and respect she has earned.

During the awards presentation, Executive Director Angie Jones shared that Kathy’s husband jokes she has turned her volunteer work into a full-time job.

And anyone who knows Kathy might agree!

But behind that lighthearted observation is something truly extraordinary: a woman who recognizes that children deserve someone willing to invest the time, energy, and persistence necessary to help them thrive.

Kathy reminds us that advocacy is not simply about speaking for children in a courtroom. It is about showing up consistently, understanding their individual needs, and refusing to settle for anything less than the support they deserve.

We are honored to recognize Kathy Lower as one of our 2026 Outstanding Advocates of the Year.

Donna Broyles: 2026 Outstanding Advocate of the Year

When Donna Broyles retired after nearly 40 years as an educator and administrator, she could have settled into a well-deserved season of rest.

Instead, she found a new way to pour her heart into the lives of children.

Drawing on her extensive experience in education, particularly working with children with special gifts and challenges, Donna became a CASA volunteer two years ago.

And she hasn’t slowed down since.

What began with one CASA case quickly grew to two, then three, and eventually five, the maximum number of cases our organization permits a volunteer to carry at one time.

To date, Donna has served on 10 cases, supporting 21 children.

Her commitment goes far beyond the courtroom. Donna is known for visiting the children she serves every week, developing meaningful relationships with them and their families, and working tirelessly to ensure their needs are understood and addressed.

In fact, no volunteer in our program makes more visits than Donna.

Her dedication is matched by a remarkable combination of warmth, wisdom, creativity, and determination.

As Executive Director Angie Jones shared in Donna’s award tribute:

“Donna is truly a bright light in the lives of the children and families she serves. She brings compassion, creativity, a wealth of knowledge, and a genuine spirit of collaboration to the table every single day.”

And while Donna is known for her gracious Southern charm, those who work alongside her know she is also a powerful and persistent advocate who does not shy away from a challenge.

“I do not doubt that if we let her, Donna would personally advocate for every child in Pulaski County who needs someone in their corner,” Angie added. “Her heart for this work is simply that big.”

For Donna, however, the blessings of advocacy go both ways.

“Advocating for children in foster care allows a chance to share my love with them and to let each child know they have been created for a special purpose,” Donna shared. “Serving as an Advocate has been a true blessing to me.”

Donna’s remarkable service demonstrates how experience, compassion, and a willingness to keep learning can create powerful opportunities for children.

We are delighted to recognize Donna Broyles as one of our 2026 Outstanding Advocates of the Year.

Jacob Broyles: Junior CASA Award

Sometimes, the desire to make a difference begins early in life, especially when a young person has an extraordinary example to follow.

That is certainly true for Jacob Broyles, son of Outstanding Advocate of the Year Donna Broyles and recipient of our special Junior CASA Award.

Jacob has become a familiar and welcome presence at Pulaski County CASA events and outreach activities, frequently accompanying his mother and lending a helping hand wherever he is needed.

But Jacob’s involvement extends beyond volunteering at events.

During CASA at the Capitol Day, Jacob joined his mother at the Arkansas State Capitol, where they met with Representative Karilyn Brown to discuss the important work of Court Appointed Special Advocates and the needs of children in foster care.

It was a wonderful example of a young person discovering that his voice, too, can help make a difference.

Jacob’s willingness to serve alongside his mother reminds us that compassion is often learned through example, and that the next generation of advocates is already finding ways to make our communities stronger.

We are proud of Jacob’s growing commitment to CASA and excited to see where his heart for service will lead him.

Congratulations, Jacob, on receiving the Junior CASA Award!

Aaron Gimblet: The Starfish Award

There is a beloved story about a little boy walking along a beach covered with thousands of stranded starfish.

As the boy carefully picks them up, one by one, and returns them to the ocean, a passerby points out that there are far too many starfish for him to save.

Surely, the boy cannot possibly make a difference.

The little boy bends down, picks up another starfish, and tosses it into the waves.

“I made a difference for that one,” he replies.

It is this simple but powerful message that inspired Pulaski County CASA’s Starfish Award, recognizing individuals who understand that changing the world often begins by changing the world for just one child.

This year’s recipient, Attorney Ad Litem Aaron Gimblet, embodies that philosophy.

A North Little Rock native and graduate of Hendrix College and the William H. Bowen School of Law, Aaron began his legal career in private practice, primarily in family law.

He later served in state government, including representing the Arkansas Department of Human Services in dependency-neglect cases.

Through that work, Aaron found himself increasingly drawn to the children at the center of those proceedings.

When asked during an interview why he wanted to become an Attorney Ad Litem, his answer was wonderfully simple:

“I want to be able to talk to the kids.”

And perhaps even more importantly, Aaron listens.

Since becoming an Attorney Ad Litem in July 2025, Aaron has earned the admiration of CASA staff and volunteers for his compassion, legal knowledge, collaborative spirit, and determination to go beyond what is required to help the children he represents.

He is known for treating everyone involved in a case with respect, listening carefully to the perspectives of others, and searching for additional resources and opportunities to support children.

Light of Hope Chair Xanthoula Groom shared that CASA staff frequently sing Aaron’s praises.

“Aaron is never content to simply do what is required. He is always looking for ways to do more, to find additional resources, and to ensure the children he represents have every opportunity to thrive.”

His commitment to children and his collaborative approach to advocacy earned him multiple nominations for this year’s award.

Aaron recognizes that behind every court case is a child with a story, a voice, and a future worth fighting for.

And just like the little boy on the beach, he understands that the magnitude of the need should never diminish the importance of helping the person standing in front of us.

Congratulations to Aaron Gimblet, our 2026 Starfish Award recipient.

Every Light Matters

As we reflect on this year’s Light of Hope Breakfast, one truth stands out: there is no single way to make a difference in the life of a child.

Judge Warren has spent a lifetime strengthening the systems that protect children and mentoring those who carry that work forward.

Kathy Lower brings extraordinary attention, persistence, and compassion to the individual needs of the children she serves.

Donna Broyles demonstrates that retirement can be the beginning of an entirely new chapter of meaningful service.

Jacob Broyles reminds us that a heart for helping others knows no age.

And Aaron Gimblet shows us that listening to one child and advocating for that child’s future can change the course of a life.

Each of these remarkable individuals brings something different to the work. Yet they share a common belief: Every child deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and supported.

At Pulaski County CASA, we know that the challenges facing children in foster care can sometimes feel overwhelming. The needs are great, the systems are complex, and the road to permanency is not always easy.

But we also know that one caring, committed person can make an extraordinary difference.

Sometimes, that difference lasts a moment.

Sometimes, it changes the course of a childhood.

And sometimes, as Judge Warren’s remarkable legacy reminds us, it continues illuminating the way for generations.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to all five of our 2026 Light of Hope honorees. We are also grateful to the sponsors, supporters, volunteers, judges, and community partners who joined us to celebrate their contributions and who continue to support the CASA mission.

Because hope is not simply something we wish for. It is something we create, together, through every act of compassion, every voice raised for a child, and every commitment to making a difference.

To learn more about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate or supporting the work of Pulaski County CASA, we invite you to connect with our organization and discover how you can become a light of hope for a child.