Amanda has been a CASA in Jasper County since August of 2022. Since becoming a volunteer, Amanda has served 5 children, including 4 teenagers.
Why did you become a CASA?
I originally became a CASA in Jackson County over 15 years ago. I was a part of a grassroots organization with the mission of connecting every child in the greater Kansas City area with a mentor and CASA was one of our partner organizations. CASA seemed to be the best fit for me at the time. A couple years ago I saw a friend’s social media post about Jasper County CASA and to be honest I didn’t know we even had an office, so of course I had to explore what opportunities were available! It is exciting to know CASA is expanding to serve more kids across the nation. And it remains the best for me today!
What was a moment you realized CASAs make a difference?
In my first case a school concern threatened consistency for one of my kiddos. I voiced my concerns and halted this disruption. That was the first time I realized my voice mattered a lot. I can’t imagine how much trauma that disruption would have caused long term, honestly probably for all of the kiddos in the family, and I am glad we were able to protect my kiddo from that.
What would you say to someone considering being a CASA?
You don’t have anything to lose exploring your interest in CASA. Set up a time to talk to Ericka, ask all the questions, explore the materials, and trust the process. You will only be better from the experience.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?
There is a place for you at CASA! Whether your gift is advocacy or a marketable skill you can share with our CASA teens, as a tutor for our kiddos, through a monthly donation or whatever (be creative!), I promise there is a place you will fit in this work!
Alexa has been a CASA since October of 2023. She currently advocates for 2 young boys.
Why did you become a CASA?
When I first learned about CASA, I was inspired by the organization’s mission to advocate for children in foster care. Learning that there are hundreds of kids in Jasper County that are in foster care was a huge eye opener for me, and I wanted to help lift their burdens in any way I could.
What was a moment you realized that a CASA makes a difference?
When I was still brand new to my first case as a CASA, a tragedy took place that dramatically changed the children’s lives. Very difficult decisions were being made, and there were times that I had to raise safety concerns and advocate for the opposite of what was being suggested. In the end, my advocacy helped them end up in situations where they are thriving now. Watching them overcome hard things and grow since I first met them has been so incredibly rewarding.
What is something you would say to someone considering becoming a CASA?
There are so many children in our community that need someone to advocate for them. As a CASA, you get to know these kids better than most, which allows you to speak up for them when decisions are being made… and I cannot overstate the impact that this can make in a child’s life. Becoming a CASA volunteer has just been the most profound & fulfilling experience for me.
Kim has been a CASA since February of 2024. She currently serves on a case with 3 children.
Why did you become a CASA?
I became a CASA because I realized the need for such volunteers after attending a few of the events supporting the CASA House. I was at a point in my own life where I had more “free time” and I wanted to invest in other children’s lives and help make a difference.
What was a moment you realized that a CASA makes a difference?
One of my kids asked if we could always stay in contact even when their case closed – I knew at that moment that my role in his life was pretty special.
What is something you would say to someone considering becoming a CASA?
Carving out time and spending time with a child is the best way to make a child feel special. If you have extra time in your life that you can spend with a child that needs a positive influence, become a CASA.
Jana has been a CASA since May of 2022. Since becoming a CASA, Jana has served on a case with 4 kiddos.
Why did you become a CASA?
I wanted to become a CASA because I’ve always loved being around children of any age. They make my heart smile. I am amazed at their resiliency through hard things in life. As a nurse recovering from an autoimmune disease, and knowing I was no longer able to do most nursing jobs, I still had that calling to help others. I needed to take baby steps as I worked on improving my health. So, I decided I wanted to do volunteer work involving children. CASA seemed like a perfect fit! At the time, I was having difficulty getting to class. I met many great friends during training.
What was a moment you realized that a CASA makes a difference?
Although there are many situations I realized CASAs make a difference the first time four little happy, smiling faces ran up to me with hugs and “I love you’s”. These kids went from neglectful, harmful homes to now being surrounded by people who wanted to see them thrive. My CASA kids have been fortunate to stay together in a stable foster environment surrounded by relatives, however, not all foster children are afforded that option. A CASA is a committed court-appointed advocate who is there to support their CASA kids, be their buddy, be their friend, show up for them, listen to them, and know when they just need to be kids.
What is something you would say to someone considering becoming a CASA?
If someone told me they were considering being a CASA, I would use that opportunity to tell them that it is very rewarding volunteer work. Not only do the children benefit but so do you. You feel that little pat on the back or smile from God knowing you are serving with a good heart. Although court appearances might be daunting, you may not need to appear in court at all. Written reports suffice.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?
We use numerous community locations to have fun, eat a meal, have parties, and provide educational opportunities.
Elaine has been a CASA since February 2024. She currently serves on 2 cases with ages ranging from 1 year to 14 years old.
Why did you become a CASA?
While researching ways I could become involved in helping victims of trafficking, I came across CASA. I didn’t realize how many children were in the system because they have been removed from their parents for various reasons. There are so many children who need someone who is on their side, advocating for them, supporting them, and helping them achieve their goals despite the circumstances they find themselves in through no fault of their own! The more I researched it, the more I became convinced that this was the place that I could make an impact.
What was a moment you realized that a CASA makes a difference?
I have had several moments where I realized CASAs make a difference, but one that happened recently just melted my heart. I had been attending football games of one of my teenagers. After the game, he came up to me and hugged me and thanked me for coming to his games!
What is something you would say to someone considering becoming a CASA?
It is not something to take lightly. It does take some work and can be challenging at times. But the difference you make for the children in the system makes it all worth the effort. It is very rewarding to see the children’s faces light up when you come to visit them.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?
If you have a heart for kids and want to find a way to volunteer that can make a difference and is also rewarding, then I urge you to research CASA. Call and talk to someone in their office. They would be more than happy to help with any questions you might have.
Tiffany became a CASA in October 2023. She currently serves on a case with 6 kiddos ranging from 6 months to 10 years old.
Why did you become a CASA?
It was always my dream to volunteer and give back to the community after I retired from teaching. Being a CASA seemed like a natural choice since I love children and I knew I wanted be a voice for the most vulnerable of them.
What was a moment you realized that a CASA makes a difference?
One moment when I realized that a CASA makes a difference was when one of my foster parents texted me and said, “Thank you for seeing the kids today! They were both super excited about their surprises and “sis ” has been having a rough week so it seemed liked it helped boost her morale by seeing you today.” That text meant everything to me! I have worked to build relationships with all my children, and it makes my heart overflow to see them light up when I come for a visit. Another moment that I realized a CASA makes a difference was after I took my four-year-old, who loves fire trucks, to the fire station and his foster parent told me later that he shares his memory book of that trip to anyone and everyone who will listen. He was also a fireman for Halloween.
What is something you would say to someone considering becoming a CASA?
Don’t wait, jump in and do it! The children need you as much as you need them! You will be incredibly blessed to serve these children. Also, the staff at CASA is the BEST! They will help you every step of the way.