At the 85th Annual Ruby Awards Gala, hosted by Soroptimist International of El Centro at The Loft, Nancie Rhodes was recognized for her extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of foster children and her lifelong commitment to service - both locally and abroad.
A pioneering advocate and founder of CASA of Imperial County (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Rhodes moved from Contra Costa County to the Imperial Valley more than 30 years ago with a clear purpose; to give foster children a voice. With no initial funding, staff, or resources, she approached local judges and worked relentlessly to establish an organization that would provide individualized advocacy for the county's most vulnerable youth.
The evening was filled with heartfelt tributes, including remarks from Gloria Granillo, a longtime CASA Volunteer. "Nancie didn't just create an organization-she built a lifeline for children," Granillo said. "Her vision and courage have changed lives in our community, and her legacy will continue through every child we serve."
Since its founding, CASA has provided over 114,000 volunteer hours and served more than 9,000 children in the dependency court system. Rhodes developed a unique philosophy - that children in foster care should live as normally as possible, with access to education, recreation, and stability, despite their challenging circumstances.
Her leadership extended beyond Imperial County. Nancie engaged in global humanitarian efforts, including projects to bring clean water to underserved communities and sewing dresses out of pillowcases for young girls in Uganda. She has also served as a mentor to emerging nonprofit leaders, including CASA's current Executive Director, Alex Cardenas.
"Nancie was Dr. Frankenstein," Cardenas said during the gala "And I was her monster. She built me - taught me how to lead a nonprofit with integrity, purpose, and a servant's heart."
Nancie Rhodes' impact remains visible in every corner of Imperial County's foster care system, in the empowered volunteers she trained, and in the children whose futures are brighter because of her work.
