Sara Knepper
Every time a child in foster care moves to a new home, their world is turned upside down. From the obvious changes – new schools and new ‘parents’ – to the less obvious – the smell of their shampoo and the type of foods they eat. As a CASA, I am one constant in their life; the face they know, the person who knows where they came from. I believe this made a difference in the lives of my three CASA kids. The hardest part about being a CASA? Seeing the kids who don’t have an advocate and knowing what a difference it would make for them. It is truly one of the most worthwhile ways you can spend your time – giving a voice to a child in foster care and being a face that brings comfort and friendship.
Jim Jamieson
I considered becoming a CASA volunteer for 10 years after learning about the organization through Rotary. I finally started CASA training in April 2010, two months before retiring from my job of 23 years as principal of Willamette High School. I have been assigned to advocate for a teenage boy. I expect the experience to be interesting, educating, frustrating, rewarding, and requiring a lot of perseverance. Similar to being a principal, my role will be to keep a focus on what is best for kids and figure out how to get the most out of the system to serve their best interests.
Joel and Twylla Miller
We are passionate about kids and feel that children, especially children in the system, often do not have a voice. We are proud to help them be heard and to be a consistent presence in their lives. We both work full-time, have children and other commitments that keep us busy – often times apart from each other. Volunteering for CASA as a team fulfills something very important to both of us – service to our community and children, and also something we can do together. We both bring different strengths to our case. At times one of us may be more involved than the other but we’re always both engaged. CASAs are often the ones asking the tough questions and challenging the easy road. Hopefully we’ve made a difference in the lives of our CASA kids!
Jeanine McGraw
I volunteer as a CASA because I cannot think of a more worthwhile commitment than an adult standing beside a child in crisis. I recently closed my first case with a family of four children ages 4 to 9. After several foster situations, they are now with their adoptive family and are beautiful, thriving, happy, safe and loved. By advocating for the necessary changes that are in the best interest of a child, we are protecting them now and giving hope for the future. The impact of a CASA volunteer’s work is clear: always life changing and sometimes life saving. Volunteering as a CASA is very rewarding and I encourage anyone who is interested in the idea that all children deserve a safe and loving environment to try it…you will not regret it for a moment.
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