Advocates in the News

Lynne's Story

One night in early 2000 opportunity knocked while I was preparing dinner. That night on the television news they highlighted the mission and work of CASA of Lane County. I listened to them talk about abused and neglected children and the work CASA volunteers do to help these children find safe, permanent homes.

At the time I was preparing to retire from teaching elementary school. During my many years as a teacher, there had been children – troubled children – who I suspected were suffering neglect or abuse at home. For those children I was able to provide respite, support and nurture in the classroom. I was able to refer them to the school counselor, and for some I placed an alerting phone call to child welfare. But I knew that at the end of the school day when those children went home I was powerless to intervene on their behalf. Usually those children continued to be troubled, and my thoughts were haunted by my inability to achieve a lasting solution for them.

So, when opportunity knocked that evening, I was eager to embrace learning the skills I needed to become an advocate for troubled children who were powerless to speak for themselves. Since becoming a CASA, I have advocated on 5 cases for a total of 13 children. Two children were successfully returned home, seven were adopted into loving, safe homes, and four siblings are still under the protection of the Court. I have seen first-hand the positive difference my work has made in the lives of each of these children. It is true that as a CASA I see, hear, and encounter conditions that are sad or disquieting. But I also get to be part of the solution for children who critically need someone to help keep them safe. That is the impact of the work of CASA, and the opportunity offered to those who take on the challenge to become a CASA volunteer.

I recommend becoming a CASA volunteer to anyone who wishes to help children in need. Attend the next informational night at CASA to learn more.