Why did you decide to come work for CASA? Prior to coming to CASA, I worked behind the scenes in the Legal Unit of Child Protective Services, processing court documentation. I decided to make the switch to CASA knowing that I would be able to have more of a hands-on approach in impacting the lives of the children currently in foster care.
What is your professional and educational background? I worked for Child Protective Services- Legal Unit for 12 years. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management.
What first caused you to get involved with CASA? I had some knowledge of CASA from working at Child Protective Services. I realized that this organization plays a vital role in the lives of foster children, and I wanted to be a part of that.
What keeps you coming back every month in helping CASA? Hearing the mission moments that my coworkers share every month regarding the wonderful outcomes of their cases, shows that this work is not done in vain. There are many cases that may not have started off well, but once an advocate was assigned, the case turned around for the children, who now have a voice thanks to their advocate.
What has been the most rewarding part of being on staff at CASA? I am often overwhelmed by the support and generosity by members of our community, ensuring that each child has what they need, even in a time of uncertainty that we are facing due to the pandemic.
Please share a special moment with us about your work with CASA volunteers or supporters. In the summer, we held a drive-thru pick up where the advocates could come and grab some items (toys/games, books, clothing, shoes) for their kiddos. One of the advocates was so excited to be able to get some things for a sibling group on the case that she was assigned to. She was almost in tears just knowing how happy the children would be upon receiving the items. Those are the moments that remind me of the good work that CASA is doing and the impact that it has on the lives of the children in care.
What would you say to a potential supporter?
Every child deserves a chance. These children were put in situations that they didn’t ask for and have no say in what happens to them or their siblings. They are voiceless. By supporting CASA, you are providing resources that will help give these kids a fighting chance to overcome these obstacles. Right now, their lives are anything but normal and because of this, CASA strives to provide the tools to help them with their educational needs as well as their personal needs. CASA has been able to provide birthday and Christmas gifts as well as school supplies annually. We have given gift cards to graduates and even purchased some household essentials for youth transition out of care, due to aging out of the system. We are only able to do this with YOUR support.
Why do you think it’s important for your local community to support CASA and what they do? It is important to have the support of the local community to ensure that the children in foster care are provided safety, stability and most importantly, provided a voice. They need to know that they have someone in their corner rooting for them and who will make sure that their needs are being met and their voices are heard.
Do you want to share some encouraging words to our volunteers? Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in ensuring that these children are heard, safe and cared for. You play such a vital role as you are the only constant thing in their lives during this difficult time. You being involved is helping them in ways you may not be able to imagine. Thank you for having a heart to serve and to protect those who can’t protect themselves.