(Gila County, Arizona –) CASA in Gila County recruits volunteers from the community to participate in the program as court-appointed special advocates. For young people in foster care.
“Our local children in foster care are kept out of their homes because of abuse and neglect.It is not their fault. In the meantime, they deserve to have an adult by their side who is primarily focused on their needs.” Emily Nader, CASA Coordinator in the Globe CASA office, explains.
She also said that the volunteer role is not a place for children to live together, is not a legal representative, and only requires a few hours a week. is the voice of Currently, her CASA in Gila County has only four volunteers from the south of Gila County, but she has appointed volunteers to help her more than 60 children, who do not have a court, stand up in court. .
“If we can get at least 20 volunteers from Grove, Miami, San Carlos, Hayden, or the surrounding area, we can make a big impact in the lives of the most vulnerable children.”
“Our volunteers are great community members and most have no experience in child welfare, the legal system, or even first-hand parenting experience.” nader said“They know they want to make a difference in their community and they know every child is worth their time!”
CASA volunteers play an important role in a child’s life while the child is in foster care. Her CASA in Gila County is in urgent need of volunteers in southern Gila County. A volunteer does not need to reside in Gila County to act as her CASA for a child, as many of the children cannot live locally.
These children have been kicked out of their known homes due to abuse and neglect and need someone to listen to their needs and advocate for them while they are in their temporary living environment. and
Monthly shifts are typically 10-15 hours, most of which are completed around the volunteer’s schedule.
“Being a CASA volunteer has been a true blessing and mission for me. Even though I work full time, am a single mom, and have been in nursing school for the past two years. I still made time to volunteer. ” CASA Volunteer Breanna, mother and nurse, explained: “Volunteering for these children has made my heart so happy. Knowing that I have made a difference in the lives of these children gives me the greatest joy.” It has helped me appreciate being a mother myself and appreciating my life for what it is. I wanted someone to be there for me because I was going through life and going through things my kids shouldn’t be going through, so I wanted to be there for my kids. Someone to help me, someone to help me move forward.As a CASA, I can do this for another child!”
No special background or education is required to become a CASA volunteer. CASA Volunteers are a caring and generous group representing a wide range of cultural, professional, educational and ethnic backgrounds. A CASA volunteer must be 21 years of age or older, have completed the required background checks, submitted a letter of recommendation, and be willing to attend an interview. Once accepted into the program, CASA volunteers receive all required training free of charge. While working as a CASA volunteer for her child, she will have ongoing support and assistance from her local CASA coordinator.
To learn more about how you can become part of the CASA team and improve the lives of abused and neglected children in your community, call CASA of Gila County Program staff or call 928-402-4427. Call us or visit our website. : www.CASAofGilaCounty.org
