Young-Bergman resigns from CASA

Nancy Young-Bergman has resigned from her position on the Court Appointed Special Advocates board of directors.

Young-Bergman was one of the founders of the Merced County chapter of CASA, which helps foster children and abused or neglected youths navigate their way through the court system. She could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

The CASA board of directors accepted Young-Bergman’s resignation during a Feb. 24 meeting, according to its agenda. The resignation came to the board three days before a Sun-Star article uncovered that the county used state funding intended for child welfare programs on a food truck operated by Young-Bergman and her husband.

One state official said it was an “inappropriate” use of money because the truck, which sells fruits and vegetables around Merced County, is not targeting youths in child welfare programs, specifically foster care or group homes. County officials promised that a committee would oversee the state funding, but it quickly dissolved.

Shar Herrera, executive director of CASA of Merced County, said Young-Bergman’s resignation was unrelated to the food truck issue. She said Young-Bergman resigned because she was busy with other projects.

“She was actually looking at stepping back for a while,” Herrera said Wednesday. “She said it’s because she’s started some other projects, including a major project with Merced County senior citizens and training volunteers.”

Another board member, however, said he believes the food truck controversy was a factor in Young-Bergman’s decision to step down.

“I’m guessing it had something to do with the Sun-Star thing. It’s my opinion that she didn’t want anything negative reflecting on CASA,” said John Carlisle. “She said she was busy doing other things, but I’m sure she was figuring that she didn’t want bad publicity to reflect on CASA and its mission.”

One of the longtime supporters of CASA is District Attorney Larry Morse II. He said CASA helps children in the criminal justice system get the mentorship and advocacy they need to succeed.

“She was one of the catalysts for its creation and its expansion,” Morse said. “We’ve been so grateful for everything she has given to the organization. I think she’s just wanting to focus on new challenges.”

Morse said he doesn’t believe the resignation is related to the recent scrutiny of the Make Someone Happy food truck. “Nancy wouldn’t shrink from any challenge or controversy, and I’m not aware of there being any connection between the two,” the district attorney said.

Herrera agreed that the negative attention related to the food truck has no bearing on CASA or the good work it does. “I don’t think any of us have thought it would create controversy for us,” she said.

Young-Bergman will be remembered for her efforts in forming the local CASA chapter in 2010, Herrera said, and sharing her knowledge with remaining board members.

“She’s done a great job with setting the program up,” Herrera said. “I think she felt comfortable with the people on board.” But she added, “We still call her when we need to.”

This story was originally published March 11, 2015 at 9:17 PM with the headline "Young-Bergman resigns from CASA."