1. What made you decide to become a CASA?
I decided to become a CASA because I have a love for children and a love to help them. I have wanted to become a CASA for quite some time when I finally emailed and asked how to sign up. I am a volunteer at heart, and I knew I wanted to be a helper for those in need. I love being a CASA and it is the most rewarding choice I have ever made.
2. What is your professional/ volunteer background?
I work as a Director for a Child Care Center in White Settlement and have been in the business for over 18 years now. I love to volunteer and give my time to my community. I am on our Parade Planning Committee and I am also Place 3 on the White Settlement City Council. I am the Treasurer for two local Police Support Groups.
3. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA?
Just go for it. This journey has been so amazing and eye opening for me. If you have the time and ability join this wonderful group. There are so many children in need of our help. You will not regret it.
4. What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA?
The most challenging part has been not being able to go visit my kiddos during the COVID-19 pandemic. I love getting to visit my kids and play with them. I am a hugger and I miss being able to hug my kiddos.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?
Being able to see “my” kiddos finally being happy and feeling wanted. These guys have been through a lot and are finally in a place where they feel like they are part of a real family. When I ask them if they are happy and they say YES, there is nothing better than that. Being apart of CASA is so rewarding to me.
6. Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case.
My Kiddos love to play games. The last actual visit I was able to make went longer than normal. I had brought the card game UNO over for the family and we all sat down and played probably 4-5 games together. They are very competitive and so we just had a great time playing cards and being silly. They even started using silly accents! We just had a great time playing together.
7. Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or the CASA experience?
Becoming a CASA is one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I have a 19-year-old daughter that attends college in New York so now I have more time on my hands. I love using that extra time to give to those in need. The children we advocate for need all the love and support we can give them. I am so glad I can help bring a positive difference in the lives of these children.
8. 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?
During quarantine we began using Skype for our visits. It has allowed us to have more visits as they live about an hour or so away from me. I call as often as I can, sometimes we will talk for 30 minutes or more and sometimes we can only get a 5-minute call in. But even the shorter calls show them that I am still here for them. I always make sure to ask about them and their interests and listen to what they have to say. The quarantine has made it difficult for us all especially with virtual classes and not being able to visit. My older kiddo’s birthday was recently so I made a quick Happy Birthday Video for him and sent him a birthday present. I want them to know that even though I cannot physically be there, I am always there for them.
CAS Chelsey Statham said, “Amber has done an amazing job jumping into a long ongoing case and quickly building rapport with the kids. After spending nearly 4 years in foster care and in multiple placements, the children will likely be adopted soon. She is consistently FaceTiming them now that they’re placed out of region and due to COVID-19 restrictions. She has provided a familiar face and sounding board in these times of uncertainty!”