What made you decide to become a CASA? Prior to becoming a CASA in 2018, I had listened to the CASA broadcast on the radio on many occasions making those listening of the need for volunteers. At first, I kept thinking to myself that I didn’t have the time to become a volunteer but when you hear about some of the tragedies that many kids face it makes you want to get involved. I also know that God put it on my heart to volunteer.
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? Since becoming a CASA, I have had only one case, I believe the most rewarding is seeing the joy on the CASA kids faces at their adoption hearing.
Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kids on your case. My special moment was when my CASA kids would run up to me smiling when I would visit at school or at daycare.
What is your favorite way to connect with your CASA kids? My favorite way to connect with my CASA kids is through educational practice. I would bring along educational lessons for each child to help re-enforce what each was learning in school or in daycare. It made my heart happy to see their faces light up when they got the lesson correct. I wanted to help build their confidence in themselves and that I want to help each one.
Why do you think having a CASA volunteer throughout such a chaotic time is important for foster children? I think having a CASA volunteer is essential for the wellbeing of a foster child. The CASA volunteer is that one person that a CASA child will see throughout the process of reunification with the biological parent(s) or adoption. It can give a sense of security that they are not alone and that no matter what the child is going through the CASA volunteer will be there with him or her through it all. It also allows trust so that the foster child can go to the CASA volunteer with issues they are having. They are so many children that need a CASA volunteer and I hope that it will be placed on the hearts of many to become volunteers.