1. What made you decide to become a CASA?
I joined to support my wife since she thought this would be a great opportunity to become involved more with the community but didn’t know much about CASA. The training really opened our eyes. We realized how much good we could do for these kids that needed so much.
2. What is your professional/ volunteer background?
I worked in water supply/irrigation extension and research for Texas A&M University for a little over a decade before moving to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality as an investigator in the Public Water Supply section.
3. What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA?
Becoming a CASA can be very fulfilling, but there will be very frustrating times and situations in which are out of your control. However, focusing on your CASA kid and ensuring that you continue to be voice for them during this difficult and uncertain times makes it worth it and your child will appreciate it as well.
4. What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA?
When the child becomes frustrated and does not understand why they are still in foster care and back with their parents, they look at you for answers. You know your answers will never be enough. But seeking input from your supervisors can help provide the you need to help provide guidance to the kids. A lot of times, they just want to be heard so just listening them helps out a lot.
5. What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA?
The best times are those visits or moments when you have really connected with your kids. It could be that you were able to help talk them through a very emotional situation, or as simple as seeing them smile when they realized you are truly there for them.
6. Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case?
On one of my outings with one of my CASA kids, I brought ice cream as a nice change of pace. My CASA kid was having a bad day emotionally and there’s nothing like ice cream to help cure the blues. We sat together and ate ice cream and I was just able to be there for her and talk her through the situation. That made me realize the impact that we CASA volunteers have.
7. 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’ve been able to speak and see them by phone and video chat. My three kids are at two separate foster homes, so I’ve tried to ensure that they are either getting to see each other and are at least communicating with each other once a week.
CAS, Megan Edge said, “Eric has been on his case since February 2019. He and his wife were partnering together on a multi-placement case, but due to life circumstances Eric has mostly been doing the work of two on his own! Eric has a great bond with his three CASA kids, and he works hard to ensure that they have sibling contact by checking in with OCOK and speaking up for them in court. Pre-COVID, Eric even arranged a sibling day at the movies, where the foster families brought them to the theater and they all saw a movie together with Eric. Recently the case has been at a standstill, and Eric constantly reminds us all to keep pushing; asking what’s next for finding permanency. He is a spectacular advocate!”