What made you decide to become a CASA? I decided to become a CASA because I wanted to give back to my community in a way that centered around children and families in need. I have always wanted to do volunteer work and found that being a CASA is a perfect fit for me.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? The most rewarding part of being a CASA is experiencing how much love the children have to give and the ways in which they show it. Every one of my CASA children are different in their own, unique way and melt my heart every day. There is no other feeling like it. A bonus for me was the opportunity to become part of CASA's Family Finding team. Through focused and intensive research, Family Finding volunteers work to locate relatives and/or supporting adults who might be willing to step in and provide permanency or help care for kids in need. This is an important part of CASA's focus on familial bonds and cultural awareness.
Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case. I have had so many special moments with my CASA kids but developed a special bond with an eleven year old girl who came to me a year ago. She was guarded, smart beyond her years, and had trouble just being a kid. While the world shut down because of COVID-19 we started having weekly Zoom sessions where I held virtual cooking classes (she, with adult supervision). We baked or made something different every week --- our specialty was "Baked Flaming Hot Cheeto Crusted Chicken." Slowly, I gained her trust and we became fast friends.
What is your favorite way to connect with your CASA kid(s)? My favorite way to connect with my CASA kids is in person, although sometimes a quick call or online visit works just as well, especially with my eleven year old since she is so comfortable with electronics. She loves watching puppy videos on YouTube. Technology also makes it really easy to connect with my kids when a face-to-face visit isn't possible.
Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children? I think having a CASA volunteer during this chaotic time is important for foster kids because they may be experiencing added concerns about COVID-19. A child may have been unable to visit with mom/dad because someone has COVID. This is where CASA can step in and make sure someone is there to listen.