CASA Child Advocates
During the last 12 years as a teacher and counselor I have worked with thousands of children. While I love them all, my heart has always been troubled when I meet a child who can not answer the question, “Why try?” in their life. I have found that the children who cannot answer this simple question are often victims of abuse or neglect. Many times I have sat quietly, my insides wrenched with sadness and anguish, as a student shared with me their history of abuse or neglect and then trusted me to help them. I have listened to many, many stories of abuse, yet each time I am shocked by the details and shake my head in disbelief. As a school crisis counselor I walk with each child as far as I can in their journey of healing, but then I must let go and trust another to guide them the rest of the way. Oh, how I pray that person is a CASA advocate.
Every Child Deserves a Voice
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) advocates are volunteers that are the one constant adult presence in the life of a child who has been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect. Each volunteer greets the child on the first visit with an amazing gift - the gift of hope. Last year nearly 240,000 children in the United States were served through 954 CASA program offices. I start every year with the hope that I will not have a single case of abuse or neglect to report, but sadly that has never happened. In fact, this year I have seen more cases than ever before and the percentage of reports across the nation has grown by 5%. My heart breaks for the children I know suffer throughout my community, my state, and my nation and so I choose to act as a voice for those who can not advocate for themselves by being a CASA volunteer.
In the five years I’ve been involved with CASA I have filled a variety of roles. I am a member of the CASA CHAMPS group, serve on the GALA Committee which plans the fundraising event that provides funds for both staff salaries and training programs for CASA Advocates. This year I have made nearly 50 appearances to raise awareness about CASA and recruit volunteers and child advocates. I speak at women’s groups, community events, fundraisers, village meetings, and other events across the state of Texas. I also continue to walk with children on their journey to healing by working one-on-one with children. One student who could not answer the “Why Try” question a few months ago now says, “Why Try? Oh, that’s easy! I try because… I know you care.” Now is the time to join me in the nationwide effort to hold the hand of a child who would otherwise walk alone. Get involved, donate, volunteer at a CASA event, or become a CASA advocate today… because there’s a child out there who’s life will be changed because you care!