How CASA makes a difference

CASA Makes a Difference in the lives of children, parents, social workers, attorneys, and judges everyday in the United States.

Joshua’s story

In the five months that I have known Joshua, he has had four different social workers and two therapists. He has lived in three homes, and attended two different schools. All of the adults in his life have exited in the past nine months, only to be replaced by another well-meaning crew. Joshua also turned twelve in May.

Right away, as a rookie CASA, I was extremely impressed by Joshua’s ability to roll with these punches. I thought he was an amazing young man, and sought to provide him with all the extra touches that I could think of. I met with his teachers, I helped him set up his own computer, I enrolled him in special summer camps, and I got him a library card. I was one busy CASA. Unfortunately, Joshua was pretty busy too. First he decided to skip school for three or four days at a time. Next, he was caught shop-lifting. When we finally got him to show up to his new school, he was suspended. Twice.

The lesson? I had yet to scratch the surface with Joshua, and should never have expected to do so within a few short months. Here was a little boy who had no reason to trust anyone. He knew that his chances of being part of a "normal" family were pretty grim, and he had no reason to expect that I won't exit his life as quickly and quietly as most of the other adults he has known.

Herein lies the lesson. My biggest impact on Joshua is not going to be in the "stuff" that I arrange for him. Instead, my biggest impact lies in merely continuing to be around. Sure, while I'm hovering about, I'm going to seek out interesting things for him to do. Of course, if he gets into trouble, I'm going to help him get out of it. After all, Joshua is not only a kid, he's my kid.

The good news? I think that he's beginning to trust in the fact that I'm going to continue to be around. The better news? He just finished up two whole weeks of a summer camp with absolutely no problems! A small victory. On the way home, out of the blue, he said, "Kevin, I'm pretty happy right now."

A huge victory.

Emily’s story

Emily was born positive toxicity for cocaine and abandoned by her mother at the hospital. A few days after her birth, she entered the foster care system. Soon, it became obvious that she was not a typical baby. At the age of two and a half, Emily was diagnosed with autism.

Autistic children are the most difficult to place in adoptive homes, but that didn’t stop the CASA assigned to Emily’s case. She visited her every week, observed her in the classroom, initiated, then monitored her Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and described the small, but significant steps Emily made, to the Judge overseeing her case. The CASA requested special services to facilitate her development, and, ultimately, asked that a national search be made for an adoptive home. A couple from the Midwest, who had previously adopted special needs children, expressed an interest in Emily. The CASA flew Emily to her new home.

Without the love and care of a Court Appointed Special Advocate, Emily’s future would have been dim indeed. However, with the specialized services she received through the CASA’s advocacy, Emily began to make enough progress for her to be placed with a family who would continue to help her advance. A national search for that family was the ultimate gift the CASA could provide.

Jeff’s story

When the staff member of a group home leaned over to tell Jeff goodnight, she felt a lump in his bed. Jeff started crying. "I didn’t steal it, I didn’t steal it," he said. She reached under the sheet and pulled out an old, shriveled potato. When she asked why it was there, he said, "When I was young, I was hungry every night. I put the potato in my bed so I would always have something to eat."

Jeff, age 7, was diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). He wasn’t able to remember anything about his past until that potato was found. When he became upset, he acted out violently because his feelings were too painful to vocalize. These behaviors were so extreme he couldn’t go to school or interact with other children. Remembering why he had taken the potato to bed – as poignant as that story is – was a significant breakthrough in therapy for this youngster who had nearly starved to death as a little boy.

Jeff’s CASA began this case as a student with a major in social work, her chosen vocation. By the time graduation rolled around, this dedicated individual knew accepting a job as a social worker would mean she’d have to give up her work as a CASA. So she put her dreams on hold to help this little boy. Then she researched and ultimately became an expert in RAD. She located a therapist who specialized in this illness, convinced her to take the case, then convinced the judge, through many placement changes, to keep Jeff with that therapist. Thanks to his Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Jeff now remembers what his painful past was like and his violent outbursts no longer occur.

Update: After remarkable advances in Jeff’s behavior, he was placed in a loving adoptive home. However, following a bitter divorce, his foster mom told him that he might have to go to a different place to live. On his 8th birthday, Jeff asked if he could take his new toys with him when he moved. The foster mother told him she would adopt him instead. After a joyous outburst, he called his CASA to tell her that he had found his "forever home." When he went to therapy with his foster mother the next day, the therapist asked him if he was going to change his name. Confused, Jeff shook his head. "Well, I’m going to change my name," the foster mom said. Jeff thought for a minute, and a smile lit his face when he said, "Your name will be Mom!"

How volunteers make a difference in their communities

More than 73,000 volunteers painstakingly work to better the world of children who lack a voice in their own lives and yet CASA volunteers remain unknown heroes to many. These stories provide a glimpse into the work and devotion of the volunteers around the county.

Adele James, Maricopa County CASA Program, Mesa, AZ
I believe in the CASA mission and what it means to abused and neglected children. Through no fault of their own, they have wound up in a place where I never had to go as a child. I don't like to see our children suffer, and whatever I can do to relieve their suffering is my goal. There are many African American children who do not have anyone speaking up for them: those children need me and others like me. While letting them know that I'm there for them; I make sure to emphasize that life means being able to be proud of who you are. I tell them to soar above their circumstances. Because that's getting them to understand that the picture of their-what it is all about life is not defined by their present circumstance.

Angela Lane, Spokane Tribal CASA, WA
I am motivated to do volunteer work with children because there is a huge need in our local communities. Many children don’t have the love and they deserve. I have known so many children who were-as children-care that abandoned, neglected and unloved, through no fault of their own. It just inspired me to help. Becoming a CASA volunteer gives me the ability to help, and to also have a better understanding of families and children. Helping families and children receive the services and tools they need to assist in recovery gives me an overwhelming sense of goodness. I have nine children of my own and know that true joy is to help children get to be children. I work hard to do everything within my reach to help ensure the best interest of the child. And I love it!

Ann Beckerman, CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties, Brighton, CO
Having just retired as a registered nurse, I soon found sitting at home not what I wanted for a lifestyle. Although I had never considered volunteering before, I noticed an article about CASA. What a serendipitous find it turned out to be! Being a CASA volunteer over the past ten years has allowed me to witness the differences that I can make in a child’s life. And the 50 CASA cases I have had have been so different! Each child and each family has had different challenges and goals. Their challenges have in turn challenged me to do my best in my role as a CASA. In doing so, I have grown immeasurably. I can’t think of another volunteer experience that would ever have provided this wonderful feeling!

Ann Pace, CASA Services, Inc., Denham Springs, LA
As a high school teacher, I remember seeing so many young people obviously in crisis at home and feeling helpless. Reading about the CASA program in our area, I saw an opportunity to affect change in the lives of children who are both victims of abuse and victims of our legal system. In some cases, I know I was a life-changing force in an abused child’s life. Sometimes, while I did my best, abusive parents beat the system with the help of clever attorneys. Sometimes, a young person would reject the opportunities we offered. There were times when I saw no light in the end of our tunnel. My first case (involving a frightened child with severe behavior and attachment problems) was particularly long and frustrating. But today she is a woman on grade level in high school, with a bright future ahead of her.

Billie Waymer, Lucas County CASA Program, Toledo, Ohio
Nine years ago, a newspaper ran a series about children falling through the cracks of the system, followed by an article about the CASA program. Although working at the time, I applied to the program thinking of my grandchildren who were all loved and very wanted: I wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who needed help. I try to keep in mind what is in the child’s best interest. When I look back over the years and find several children who now have a better life because I was part of it, then I am content. All the children I meet always hold a special place in my heart; many of them contact me years later to tell me how they are doing.

Bob & Barbara Benjamin, Garland County CASA, Inc., Hot Springs, AR
When we retired, we knew we wanted to “give back”. Barb had volunteered with a children’s shelter before retirement, and found fulfillment in working with children in need. So, when we heard there was a new CASA program in Garland County, Arkansas, we decided to find out what CASA was about. When we did, we were hooked! We feel this is an opportunity to be instrumental in improving the lives of children who have no one “to speak for them”. We hope that we can make a change in the cycle of repeating generations of child abuse by making a difference in this generation. We have been volunteers since 2001, and were very much humbled to be honored as Arkansas State CASA Volunteers for 2002.

Bruce Morrison, Maine CASA Program, Portland, ME
I have volunteered with the Department of Education, served as a surrogate parent for special-needs children, and participated in the Youth Mentoring Program through the Muskie Institute. I became a volunteer for CASA because I felt the need to repay the good that I have received in my life. As I see it, we must help abused and neglected children to regain self-confidence and know that people do care for them. Since I began to volunteer for CASA in 1987, thirty-five cases have passed through my hands, involving more than 100 abused and neglected children. My expertise lies in working with older teenage boys. Connecting with them is essential in preventing young men from becoming angry and alienated from society. I attend CASA team and case management meetings, and spend time educating and guiding other volunteers. I believe that truly it takes a village to raise a child.

Claudia Brown, CASA of SW Missouri, Springfield, MO
As a mother, former teacher, and long-time volunteer with community outreach programs, I have always been an advocate for children. When alerted to CASA’s work, I found CASA is a highly successful program undergirded by the integrity, authority and support of the American court system. This is advocacy with “teeth!” The cases I have served on illustrate the role CASA volunteers play as the principal players for the “best interests of the child.” By integrating data and observations through contact with the children, I have found evidence unseen by the caseworkers and even the judge. The strength of my personal observations has impacted the judge’s decisions, sometimes in opposition to the inclinations of other case participants. That made the difference. I often feel like the sturdy selvage of the woven fabric that is the children’s lives. Some “threads” might snag, pull out or run, but the selvage sturdily binds the fabric together and holds despite all!
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David M Wall, Clayton County CASA, Morrow, GA
Service to others is part of our faith. It is also common sense and good investing: you always get back what you give and more. I became a CASA volunteer five years ago, a graduate from the first class given here. Although I have volunteered elsewhere over the years, CASA spoke first to me due to my involvement as fire chief with a clearly disturbed child arsonist. I insisted a follow up by the courts and learned much about the system. One of the great things that a CASA can do is to be able to give the judge that extra information that could make a difference in the placement, treatment or future family relationships. There are moments when it is frustrating, especially when a situation is not within your own power of influence to fix. But there are enough positive instances and outcomes that make this a valuable program.

Emogene Pye, Wayne County CASA, Troy, MI
I’m a proud great-grandmother. But I’m also a proud CASA volunteer and have helped eight children so far return home. I must say that I cannot find anything better to do than to save a child. I love children and it hurts me so much to see parents abandon and abuse their children. I think there is something special about a CASA child. Perhaps, like in my paintings, it is their eyes: the plea for help in their eyes that makes me do all I can to help the child. It is rewarding to me to see children reunited with their parents. Sometimes, the mother needs our help to reconstruct her life and become more committed to rebuilding her family and staying together. I worked at Ford Company for 32 years. But now, as a volunteer, I find that no work is more rewarding than to speak up for the children.

Gayle Bennett, Sunflower CASA Project, Manhattan, KS
I left a teaching career because my work had become frustrating. Already, engaged in volunteer activities, I became intrigued with CASA after reading about it in my church bulletin. Who could have guessed what a fascinating journey this would become? When a judge thanks a CASA volunteer for his or her efforts, I am reminded how seldom I heard words of appreciation as a classroom teacher. People wonder if a CASA volunteer becomes discouraged working with abused children: I know that, to the contrary, by doing a thorough investigation and acting as an informed advocate, I can be a truly positive force in a child’s life. With all of this interaction, how could a CASA volunteer not know more about a child, and its family, than any one else involved in the case? This is why being a CASA volunteer is so amazing: who would have thought that an average person like me could be granted the power and privilege to so directly impact so many lives.

Gayle K. McCoy, Erie County CASA, Erie, PA
Children motivate me. They challenge me and the system at times, but this is what life is all about: giving back. While working as a Volunteer in Probation, which brings me face-to face with juvenile offenders in our court system, I read a two-line article in a newspaper looking for adults to become advocates for children. After attending the 12-week informational, eye-opening, heart-breaking classes, I was hooked. A CASA volunteer since 1999, I helped establish our local CASA as an independent agency, thus enabling us to grow and serve more children. I have a very close bond with each child I advocate for. They each have their own personalities, troubles and thoughts, and I deal with them as such: individually, with respect and honesty. Children have opinions, and they don't usually get to express their fears and questions to the correct people. We are their voice, their campaigner; we are CASA.

Gloria Ladove, CASA Williamson County, Marion, IL
As a Hispanic, I am aware of the need of strong and caring advocates for the vulnerable children within the Hispanic communities. When a child needs help, somebody must speak out for them. As a mother of three and grandmother of two, I have had much experience with my own children and I want to do more for other children. Thus, I became a social worker three years ago and an intern at the Department of Children and Family Services. Working there, I saw a need for advocates who care for children. I first became interested in CASA when I saw a “Casas for CASA” playhouse fundraiser in a mall. I then got to know a board member of our CASA program. Soon after that, I decided to volunteer with CASA, using skills developed through my past experience and education, because I know there are abused and neglected children across the nation who need our support.

Jan Masenthin, CASA of Shawnee County, Topeka, KS
My motivation to become a CASA volunteer was the mountain my husband and I had to climb in order to rescue and finally adopt our niece and nephew. If they had a CASA volunteer, it wouldn't have taken my Annie and Ernie 13 years to get the permanent home that our other children have had from the day they were born. NEVER turn your back on a child in need. Number one is always a child's safety. Without freedom from abuse and neglect, a child cannot reach beyond fear and hopelessness. I believe we can achieve amazing things for these kids if we keep up the one-on-one work that gives us the opportunity to make a difference -- and it has to be a good difference! Then we must do it over and over and over until all the starfish are back in the sea.

Jutta K. Young, Richland County CASA, Columbia, SC
Children are our greatest gift and most beautiful blessing. They need to be protected because they do not know how to protect themselves. I grew up in an alcoholic home; I survived because people, other than those who were supposed to, cared about me. I turned out okay, and it is my desire that all children who are victims of abuse and neglect know that they can be okay too! Working with children is what I have been called to do. The one thread that we as adults have in common is that regardless of background, education, career, or finances, we were all a child at one time. Children do not need much, only love and attention. Neither of these costs anything and requires only that we give of ourselves. And, when we do, we receive so much more in return. Seeing the world through the eyes of a child, what a difference we can make!

Kenneth Christian, Cherokee County/ Cherokee Nation CASA, Tahlequah OK
Although I am not Native American, I have a number of Native American friends, who I grew up with near Palm Springs, California. As a relative of mine was a foster parent for many years. I was already sensitive to both Native American and foster child issues. Sometimes you never know what life has in store for you until years later. It all came together one day when I walked by a Cherokee Nation CASA flyer looking for volunteers. That was two years ago. Although I had never worked with children or teenagers before, I can now work with them as a CASA volunteer, and I find it truly an inspiration. The court process, placement changes and lack of a family support system would knock any adult down. But the teenagers I have worked with continually pick themselves back up. As a CASA volunteer, my presence is supposed to give them inspiration and hope. But it’s the other way around when I see their courage.

Melinda Stotts, 13th Judicial District CASA, Grove, OK
Two things inspired me to become a CASA volunteer. Although my youngest daughter was four when diagnosed with leukemia, she is now 13 and doing great! This experience taught me that when blessed in your own life you should find a way to reach out to others. The other motivation is expressed in a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr.: “It is not the strident clamor of the bad people that will be the downfall of our society, but the appalling silence of the good.” How can we see the problem of child abuse and neglect in our communities and not do whatever we can to help? I try to help them and as a CASA volunteer I make a real difference in the lives of the children I serve. I have been so blessed by the children I have met, and given so much more than I could ever give.

Mike Don, CASA for Children, Inc., Portland, OR
Lucky enough to have a good life with three great children, I have always been concerned for their safety and welfare while they were growing up. Yet I was keenly aware of the needs of so many other children who did not have able, available parents, and were often “lost” in the system that was supposed to protect them: I wanted to help in a meaningful and direct way. CASA became that avenue. The children we help today are going to define what our lives look like over the next few decades. If we abandon the most vulnerable, they will repay us with high costs of care, treatment, crime, and corrections. If instead every person reduces television time by two hours-per-week or has one less latte per week, and donates these saved resources to help children when they can still be affected, we can make a difference.

Mindy Beck, CASA of Morris & Sussex Counties, Denville, NJ
I have been a volunteer since my last child left for college. It was a commitment I had made almost a decade before. At that time, I was chairman of the National Council of Jewish Women’s New Project Committee in Morris County and helped to bring CASA to our community. As a working mother who never felt she had enough time for her children, I first limited my involvement to financial support. But I always promised that, when my own kids did not need me, there were others who would. I have met the most amazing people as foster parents and am in awe of their commitment to these children around the clock. I take my responsibility as a Financial Advisor very seriously; but my work with CASA keeps me totally grounded. I never forget that our greatest assets are in the form of our children, and our greatest responsibility as well.

Norma Reusser, Kay/Noble County CASA, Blackwell, OK
I have been working with children for 30 years. The last year I taught kindergarten, I had 50 children and many of them came from homes where they were neglected and deprived. Because of the numbers, it was impossible for me to give the individual attention these children needed. With CASA, I feel I can give the children I work with the attention and help they deserve. Thus, after retiring from teaching, I became a CASA volunteer three years ago. Being a CASA volunteer provides an excellent opportunity to work with each person involved in each unique case. Of course, working with the biological parents, foster parents, and other involved parties is quite a challenge. But the children are number one, and the hugs and smiles you get when you see them are impossible to describe with words. The one question I had when I began my training was, "Will I really do some good?" My answer is an unqualified “YES, you do!”

Patricia Mastagh, CASA Program of St. Joseph County, South Bend, IN
I have served as a CASA volunteer for four years. My motivation for volunteering and, specifically for CASA, came as a result of my work as a foster parent. My foster child had a CASA volunteer. Seeing her advocate for my foster child, I became interested in the program and, after I adopted my foster child, I also became a CASA volunteer. My work with the children I advocate for is very rewarding. My favorite motto is, "A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove ... but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

Roger Neal, Montgomery County Juvenile Court CASA Program, Dayton, OH
Although I come from a broken home, my mother and grandmother gave me a wonderful childhood. I knew that abuse was happening all around me, and I had always planned on volunteering after retiring. Still, I was shocked one day by reading in the newspaper about a child foraging through the garbage looking for food. I decided then to become a volunteer for children. After reading about CASA in the newspaper, and then visiting a black cultural festival where CASA had a booth, I became a CASA volunteer. Five years after joining CASA, I retired as postmaster here in Dayton. Now a CASA volunteer for eight years, I’ve had 15 cases so far, besides supervising other CASA volunteers. The one thing we cannot forget is that we were at one time the same age as those children that need our help. Thus, we must have compassion for those children, walk in their shoes so that we can understand them.

Sue Snyder, Voices for Children, San Diego, CA
I never envisioned retirement as a time to spend the day sitting on the beach or rocking on the front porch. I wanted to find a way in which, using my past experiences with children and the disadvantaged, I could feel I was making a difference. Hearing about the CASA program, it seemed like a good fit. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, and here were those whose needs cried out for help. As a CASA, I have worked with two different families. Although our training was outstanding, and I felt prepared to deal with the routine issues, nothing could have prepared me for the challenges, heartbreaks and rewards of dealing with the children themselves. To be able to build up a child's self confidence, to help them to develop to their full potential, to let them know that they're lovable and can trust people enough that they can love in return, is for me what the work of a CASA is all about.

Suzy Smercina, Erie County CASA Program, East Huron, OH
Frustrated at not being able to work more intimately within the oft-times abusive and negligent family life of my students, I considered becoming a child and family psychologist when I retired as an elementary school teacher. CASA was the answer for me. It became the place where I could influence the courts and institutions whose decisions are so definitive in what happens in the life of a child who is helpless and victimized. These children are no different from the rest of the kids in the world. What they need and want most of all is a loving family, a safe place, care and intimacy on a daily basis. They are heroes of resilience! They ask for so little really, and appreciate so much. We must passionately persist in our search for truth in the nuances of every case, and daily provide that which is in the best interest of each child for whom we have the privilege of advocating.

Suzanne Harrison, CASA, Inc., Nashville, TN
While going through a divorce, I saw how helpless and angry a daughter could become because she could not tell the judge what she wanted, nor have a say in her own life at a time when her life was scary. So, I was delighted later when I ran across CASA, an organization that would speak for children, giving them a feeling of having some say in the court. I immediately wanted to be a part of that. Now, after six (soul-satisfying) years with CASA, when I first meet the children -- Adrian, Jehoshua, Kevin, Marrell, Leshonda, Zach and others -- it’s still like falling in love. I see awesomely wonderful things in each of them. I want to be a part of making their life good for them. I want them to feel my respect for them and thus respect themselves, to acknowledge their fears so they can be dealt with, to love whomever they choose guilt-free.

Mary Jo Warren, CASA of the 2^nd Judicial Circuit, Jonesboro, AR
Mary Jo’s advocacy efforts for a seven-year-old girl helped encourage the girl’s mother to complete Alcoholics Anonymous, get a stable job, attend counseling, attend visits with her daughter on a regular basis, and stay drug free. Mary Jo worked diligently in locating a residential drug rehabilitation facility for this family and with DHS approval, the mother and daughter now reside at the facility.

Jan Miller, Child Advocates of Los Angeles, Monterey Park, CA
Rolanda is a 16 year-old teenager diagnosed with cancer in the advanced stages. After her initial diagnosis, she was removed from her long-time foster home due to state policy requiring her placement in a specially licensed medical care foster home. Jan was appointed to Rolanda’s case and within two weeks, the foster mother was granted a waiver and Rolanda returned to the foster home she had grown up in.

Sandie Skinner, Orange County CASA, Orange, CA
One of Sandie’s assignments was Amy, a young woman who took over care of her younger siblings while still a teenager. Sandie was instrumental in helping Amy subsequently adopt her siblings, including assisting her in getting a van and insurance as required by social services. Amy’s family can identify 102 separate social workers assigned to them over the years, but their one CASA volunteer Sandie has always been there.

Carole Leffler, Voices for Children, Inc., San Diego, CA
Six-year-old Brian and five-year-old Kathy had not seen each other for almost a year. Removed from their home due to domestic violence and neglect, they were in separate adoptive placements, both of which eventually failed. Carole reunited the children and followed them through five more placements. Due to her efforts, both children are now settled in long term placements that specialize in working with children with their distinctive psychological needs.

Charlene Boulais, Child Advocates of Santa Clara & San Mateo Cty, San Jose, CA
More than eight years ago, Charlene became a CASA volunteer for a family of four young boys. The boys had suffered extreme neglect, emotional and sexual abuse. She saw the two eldest boys through transition out of the juvenile dependency system and she followed the two younger boys through two placements, helping them through the tragic loss of two close family members in the process. Charlene’s supervisor estimates she has spent more than 6,000 hours working with and for these boys.

Charlotte Lindon, CASA Lake County, Inc., Deerfield, IL
Charlotte was assigned a case involving two young boys in foster care who were neglected and sexually abused. The father of one of the boys entered back into the situation and although he was keenly interested in gaining placement of his son, he was discouraged with little hopes of making it happen. Charlotte spent time with the father’s new family and encouraged another look into the family. The day the father was granted custody, he said if it had not been for Charlotte, he might have given up.

Nancy Malek, CASA Kane County, Geneva, IL
Nancy Malek holds the honor of being the longest active CASA volunteer in the state of Illinois. Her first case involved two young girls who had been living with an abusive parent. For six years, Nancy met with both girls every month, as they moved from foster home, to jail, in and out of the pysch ward of three different hospitals, group homes and finally into a locked residential placement. Throughout all this, Nancy was the person they knew they could turn to – and they frequently did. Today they are on their own, and still in touch with Nancy.

JoAnne Swafford, CASA of Williamson County, Marion, IL
Upon recognizing Native American traits in her "CASA child", JoAnne immediately made the court and social services personnel aware of it. She attended seminars on the Indian Child Welfare Act and spent several months researching the legal interpretation of this law. Due to her efforts, many CASA-related professionals and other volunteers are now aware of the need for sensitivity to our children’s heritage.

Sally Garrett, CASA Program of St. Joseph County, Indianapolis, IN
Sally has advocated for 68 children. In 1993, Sally was the CASA volunteer assigned to "J", a tiny fragile four-year-old boy who reached out to take the hand of the advocate who would stand by his side for the next six years. When she began her investigation, she wrote to literally every hospital and doctor in the area requesting medical records. She was able to document 150 medical interventions regarding "J".

Betty Doss, Youth Service Bureau CASA Program of St. Tammany, Slidell, LA
One day, the mother of Betty’s "CASA kids" unexpectedly showed up at school to pick up her two little girls. The mother said she was taking them on an extended trip out of town along with her husband. But the school knew this man was not allowed contact with the girls and the mother did not have custody of the children. So school personnel called the person who would make sure those who needed to respond to this problem, would. They called Betty, the CASA volunteer.

Patricia Clark, Kalamazoo County CASA, Kalamazoo, MI
In Pat’s first case, her persistent advocacy provided a tutor skilled in sign language for one of the children who is deaf. Pat often spoke with the children’s teachers and the school principal, so when things blew up at school it was generally Pat who got the first call. Pat mediated the situation so the girls were able to stay in school.

Deborah Radasch, CASA of St. Louis County, Inc., St. Louis, MO
Debbie’s most recent case involved two young boys now under the care of their godmother. The godmother had financial stress in caring for the two young boys so Debbie reached out to the community. The result? Two full bedroom sets, bed sheets, pillowcases, towels, washcloths and a grocery store gift certificate were all donated to help get the boys settled in their new home.

Helen Wilson, Chaves County CASA Program, Roswell, NM
Helen was appointed to advocate for a six week-old baby in 1996. During the life of this case, she did a thorough job investigating the circumstances leading to the child’s placement. She fiercely advocated for termination of parental rights when it became clear the parents were not going to work to get their daughter back. When the parental rights were terminated and the relative foster family was in the process of adopting the baby, Helen was the person they called first for everything.

Janet Bouweraerts, Washoe County CASA Program, Reno, NV
Janet was appointed to one case where domestic violence was occurring in the family. Janet helped the family by not only advocating for the five-year-old boy’s best interests, but providing support to the woman living in the home to gain the courage to leave the abusive relationship. The woman has since become a source of help to others.

Nancy Marino, ProKids, Cincinnati, OH
Nancy first met 12 year-old "Ketra" in 1996. She helped Ketra not only change her promiscuous and substance abusing behavior, but got Ketra placed in a safe, permanent home. Her advocacy continued in helping Ketra transition into a young adult. Nancy searched for an appropriate education program and upon locating the perfect school, Nancy obtained nearly all the private school’s tuition by getting sponsors and running a marathon.

Sally Brown, PARACHUTE: Butler County CASA, Hamilton, OH
As a brand new volunteer, Sally was appointed to a case which ended up involving four children, and three different caseworkers, judges and court timelines. As soon as she became aware of the lack of continuity, Sally diligently worked to bring all the cases together. Through her advocacy, all four children are now in stable permanent homes with the appropriate educational and support services in place.

Dee Riddles, Tri-County CASA, Inc., Claremore, OK
After tireless research and thorough investigation, Dee became the first to advocate in a case that three children should not be placed together; the eldest child had severe psychological behavior problems which were affecting the younger siblings. The children were placed together anyway and then the placement failed. DHS psychologists, the children’s attorney and other professionals later agreed with Dee and now a loving family has adopted the oldest child.

Bonnie Chavez, Canadian County CASA, El Reno, OK
Bonnie is outspoken in her endeavors to get what is needed for her CASA children. She promotes CASA by talking to civic organizations and the Chamber of Commerce, resulting in the Canadian County program being the only one in the state to start from scratch and grow to 21 volunteers in five months.

Bob Madrall, Canadian County CASA,,Yukon, OK
Bob is currently advocating for two teenagers removed from their home. Bob tried to get the children’s father to release their green cards and birth certificates so the children could pursue employment and obtain driver licenses. Despite a court order, the father refused so Bob contacted both his local Congressman and Immigration officials. The children now have their documents.

Shirley McCoy, CASA of Highland Lakes, Burnet, TX
Shirley has been advocating for a family of three girls for more than six years now. She not only attends all court hearings and all other meetings for the kids, but she volunteers at the girls’ local school so she can assist them and their foster parent with lessons. She even arranged for an orthodontist to provide braces for the oldest girl.

Victoria Mason, Child Advocates of Montgomery County, Conroe, TX
Victoria has been a CASA volunteer since 1999. She is known to give her all when she takes on a project, and will work with families until the best possible solution is discovered. She even spent many hours as one of Santa’s helpers for CASA, leading her to shop at Wal-Mart at 4:00 a.m. for the Christmas program.

Anne Marie Caulkins, Alexandria CASA Program, Alexandria, VA
Anne’s second case required advocating for an infant who was reported abused due to his family’s religious Rastafarian beliefs. The family practiced a strict Rastafarian diet – one which left the child severely malnourished. Anne spent countless hours discussing and researching the child’s medical condition with various doctors at Children’s Hospital, family members and social workers. She finally identified alternative medical treatment that did not conflict with the family’s religious beliefs.

Terry Finn, Chelan-Douglas County CASA, Wenatchee, WA
Give Terry a child with a need and he will find a community resource to meet that need. He seeks out community groups and leaders to educate them about the CASA program. He has written McDonald’s Restaurant grants two years in a row and the program was just awarded funds to buy teddy bears for new CASA kids and to purchase name-brand athletic shoes for them to wear.

If you would like to make a difference for children in your community you can learn more about volunteering with CASA of Stanislaus County by going to the GETTING INVOLVED page.