CASA of Lexington Names Two Retired Educators Volunteers of the Month for October

Lexington, Ky. (Date) – CASA of Lexington is honoring a pair of retired educators as Volunteers of the Month for October: Vicki Ritchie and Ute Keathley.

Vicki Ritchie

Vicki Ritchie

Vicki Ritchie began serving as a CASA volunteer this year and has already made a difference for her CASA children.

"Her case is complicated," said Mary Beth, Ritchie's Volunteer Manager. "It involves different out-of-county placements and a complex history. But to Vicki, that's just her case. She is persistent, dependable and just plain likable, which goes a long way with the children we serve and the families we work with."

Ritchie is a retired principal, which she said has served her well on her particular case. CASA of Lexington often matches volunteers with cases where their individual skillsets will be helpful.

"I think people in the community have all different kinds of skills and talents and experiences that could come to bear in working with children and families that are going through tough situations," Ritchie said. "And there's a very flexible schedule. In case you have a busy life, it fits really well. I would encourage anybody that's looking for a volunteer opportunity to look into CASA and learn more about it."

Mary Beth said Ritchie's reports to the judge are thorough and have had an impact on the trajectory of the case.

"They not only provide the judge with a vivid image of the children and their needs, but also their interests and the things that are important to them," she said.

Ritchie said she appreciates how servign as a CASA volunteer allows you to use whatever talents you have to support children and families in what may be "the toughest moment of their lives."

"Not only are you helping a family that's in need, but it contributes to your own knowledge," she said. "It's a growing opportunity for the volunteer, as well."

Ute Keathley

Ute Keathley

Ute Keathley has been a CASA volunteer in Fayette County for more than two years and is serving on her third case.

"The most rewarding thing is that you get to stay in contact with kids at a time when they need some stability in their lives," she said. "You are the one that gets to see them regularly, so you provide stability even if the current placement doesn't work out for whatever reason. Overall, you leave a great, positive impact for children who need it."

Cara MacLeod, Keathley's Volunteer Manager, said as a former preschool teacher, Keathley understands family dynamics and is able to easily connect and build relationships with her CASA kids.

"She is such a joy and a bright light to be around, always ready to take on a new case no matter the difficult circumstances," MacLeod said. "Through building relationships and advocating in the court system, Ute has already made a huge difference in the lives of her CASA kids."

Keathley learned about CASA of Lexington at Run The Bluegrass, an annual half marathon held in central Kentucky. Helping abused children appealed to her, but like many eventual CASA volunteers, she had a busy schedule that prevented her from taking on the job immediately.

"It took me a while to feel like I actually had the time in my life to commit to it," she said.

When she had time later, she came back and was trained as a CASA volunteer.

"It is less of a time commitment than I thought it would be," she said, noting there is a good amount of work when a case starts.

But after the initial assignment, Keathley pointed out much of the work CASA volunteers do can be done on their own schedules, not at preset times like might be required for other volunteer work.

"It is a little intimidating to think you'll be in court and you have to represent these kids. But it is totally doable," she said. "I think if I can do it, anybody else can totally do it, too. There's great support from your volunteer manager and CASA staff."