June Member Spotlight

Born in Brownfield , Texas, Ann moved to Andrews in third grade where she graduated from Andrews High School. She attended Hardin-Simmons University at Abilene for three years and completed her accounting degree at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas.

Ann worked at Watson Truck and Supply for about five years where she met Cary Murdock who later became her husband. With the birth of their first child, Ann opted to stay home for a while. Shortly thereafter, she then became the Children's Minister at First Baptist Church and continued in this position for 11 years. In September 2005, Ann began working at CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Lea County as the Volunteer Coordinator, where she has become an instrumental part of the organization. In her position, Ann's intense workload includes recruiting and training CASA volunteers, managing case files, and coaching all of the volunteers on their case loads.

CASA is the only volunteer organization that empowers everyday citizens as officers of the court. In an overburdened social welfare system, abused and neglected children often slip through the cracks among hundreds of current cases. CASA volunteers change that. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time-and commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive.

Ann is passionate about CASA. "I not only enjoy the work I do, but I believe our program makes a huge difference in the lives of abused and neglected children."

Ann stays active in her free time, spending time with her family as well as reading, watch movies and traveling. She also is active volunteering in the community as a teach third grade Sunday School at Taylor Memorial Baptist Church, a member of the 2-1-1 Advisory Council member, a LCWN member, and a CASA volunteer.

Her husband of 28 years, Cary, remains an employee of Watson Truck and Supply where he currently is the IT Manager and Purchasing Agent. Ann and Cary have two children. Jeff is 24-years-old and a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a major in music. He will graduate from Indiana University in August 2009 with a Master's Degree in Library Science and Information Systems. William is 20-years-old and is a junior at New Mexico State University majoring in Digital Film Making.

Ann is one of the most compassionate and kind women you will ever meet, which shows in her career choice and the important work she does. When you see Ann, be sure to thank her for all she does to make a difference in Lea County.

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For more information on CASA or becoming a volunteer, contact Ann at 393-0015 or via the website at: www.casofleacounty.org