Meet Sharla, a CASA volunteer for the past year. Learn about why she continues to serve as an advocate.
I have just completed my first year as a CASA. I must admit that I was a bit intimidated by the application and initial training process! But now I see the need for the in-depth process, as our role as a CASA is very important to our children. As each child and each case is unique, making the guidance and support of the CASA supervisors is invaluable for successful navigation of the complex legal system. Thanks Barbara for answering my many questions and guiding me through my first year!
Becoming a CASA advocate had been on my volunteer to do list for many years. As I approached my retirement, I decided it was now time for me to make that commitment. I have worked with special needs children and their parents for many years in the educational and medical environments. I thought my work experience would be a good segue into being a CASA volunteer. And it has helped but believe me when I say I have learned so much from my CASA children! They have each grown in so many areas, developmentally, emotionally and mentally to name a few. They have learned to find their own voice and to advocate for themselves. I was so proud of my older CASA children when they spoke to the judge, advocating their own wants and needs. I am now on the second leg of my journey with these children and I know it is as important or more so than the first leg of the journey.
I must commend the dedicated foster moms that were such wonderful role models for my CASA children. And I must commend the parents and their drive to complete their services plans. I must also commend the staff at CASA of Galveston County for their dedication to the children. Mostly, I commend my CASA children for their tenacity and resiliency. It has been an honor and privilege for me to be part of their lives.
“SOMETIMES WE NEED SOMEONE TO SIMPLY BE THERE. NOT TO FIX ANYTHING, OR TO DO ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR, BUT JUST TO LET US FEEL THAT WE ARE CARED FOR AND SUPPORTED” -UNKNOWN