As part of National Volunteer Week, we are highlighting another courageous volunteer: Debbie Michell. Debbie says, “The longer I have been a CASA, the more I have enjoyed it, and the more I realize how many wonderful people it takes to make this organization work. So I am very honored to be recognized this month!”
What made you decide to become a CASA? After being a stay-at-home mom for 20+ years, I found myself with lots of time on my hands and still wanting to have children in my life. I thought that being a CASA would be a natural fit.
What is your professional/ volunteer background? I taught high school English, then I stayed at home raising my two children. During that time and since, I have volunteered for many organizations including the Americans Red Cross during the Hurricane Katrina aftermath, Operation Enduring Response, Tarrant Area Food Bank, Puppy Rescue Mission, Don’t Forget to Feed Me, Houston Pet Set, and Catholic Charities.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about becoming a CASA? I would encourage anyone who is thinking about becoming a CASA to just attend an information session, and you will be hooked! It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
What has been the most challenging part of being a CASA? The most challenging thing about being a CASA has been working on cases during quarantine.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? There are so many rewarding aspects of being a CASA, but right now I’m in awe of the wonderful people I have met through my cases. I am so inspired by people who choose to become foster parents and give so much of themselves to children in need. I have also really enjoyed working with my supervisor, Emily who has helped me tremendously.
Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case?Recently, while having a conversation with an exhausted foster mom, she said that she was so glad to have someone on the kids’ side, someone she knew would fight for them, even when it seems like no one else is. Those are the times when I realize that my presence really has the ability to change lives for the better.
Is there anything else you would like to add about yourself or the CASA experience? I know that as a CASA, I am supposed to be the one helping the children, but I believe that my life has been enriched in so many ways by every one of the children on my cases.
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? Like with everyone, quarantine has affected my cases and my children. I ended a case during lockdown, and began a new case as well. It was difficult because I did not get to say goodbye to my kids in person. And meeting the girls on my new case over the computer was challenging as well. It was more difficult to establish a relationship over Zoom. I did discover that they loved to see my dogs during our Zoom calls, so we spent a lot of time in the beginning following my dogs all over my house and talking about them. We talked about my dogs’ different emotions and likes/dislikes. It was a great way to segue into talking about the girls’ feelings. Now when I see them, I show them pictures of my dogs, and I give them updates. I think the hardest part of quarantine for my children has been school. They struggle with paying attention all day.