Brenda Brooks
What made you decide to become a CASA?
I first heard about CASA while serving on the allocation committee for a United Way organization. I was so impressed by the work that the CASA organization was doing. I decided that once I retired, I would become a CASA volunteer.
What is your professional/volunteer background?
Prior to retirement, I was the Director of Corporate Communication for a multi-national company based in the U.K. Prior to that, I was the Director of Community Affairs for URENCO USA. I have served on a number of boards including Big Brothers/Big Sisters of SE New Mexico; United Way of Lea County; The College of the Southwest and the Office of African-American Affairs for the State of New Mexico.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA?
JUST DO IT! It is such a rewarding experience.
What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA?
Going to court and seeing those piles of folders stacked on the judge’s desk and knowing that each folder represents a child in foster care.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?
Knowing you are making a difference in the life of a child.
Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case?
The day my CASA child trusted me enough to want to share his feelings with me.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or the CASA experience?
All it takes to be a great CASA volunteer is a few hours per month, and a desire to advocate for what that child needs.
How have you been able to connect with your CASA kids during this time of quarantine? How are you advocating for them during this time? How has it impacted the children on your case?
I conduct Zoom calls with my CASA Child. I maintain contact with the other parties through email/text/phone calls. His court hearing was also conducted via Zoom. Unfortunately, my CASA Child did contract COVID-19 as well as his foster parent.
CAS Tracy Williams said, “Brenda Brooks is deserving of this honor because she gives every ounce of herself when interacting with her CASA child. This child does not have to wonder if Brenda will be there because he knows she always will. She never forgets his birthday or his accomplishments and she makes sure that anyone involved in his life knows how important he is to her. Brenda is an amazing Advocate and I can’t imagine her not being in this child’s life let alone mine.”
Hank Williams
What made you decide to become a CASA?
I wanted to give back after I retired, and my wife's coworker was a Dallas CASA. She told my wife that I would make a good CASA, so I looked into it and the rest is history.
What is your professional/ volunteer background?
I spent 30 years as an Aerospace Engineer at Bell Helicopter in Ft. Worth. I have volunteered all my life. I was President of Texas Alliance for Engineers (Promoted STEM to school age kids before it was hip), former Hurst Parks and Recreation Board member, Big Brother Big Sisters and several other volunteer activities.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA?
If you have a heart for our most vulnerable kids, please sign up because you will get more out of it than you give the kids.
What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA?
COVID-19!
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?
We almost had my kid placed with his Aunt and sister. To see his face light up was priceless, but unfortunately it did not work out.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or the CASA experience?
I really enjoy it so far and I am glad I chose to commit to this cause.
How have you been able to connect with your CASA kids during this time of quarantine? How are you advocating for them during this time? How has it impacted the children on your case?
We have connected by phone or Zoom. It has been hard because I have never personally met my kid, so that has been tough. I have not met the foster parents, teachers and so on.
CAS Zed Blackshire said, “Hank is always trying to find a way to impact a child's life and is not intimidated by challenges that may arise. He searches and seeks solutions and he advocates and expresses what is needed in the best interest of the child.”