CASA Volunteers of the Month for October 2021: Brandi Damkier and Traci Irvin

CASA of Lexington has named Traci Irvin and Brandi Damkier as its Volunteers of the Month for October. Both have been advocating for abused and neglected children for about four years.

Brandi Damkier

"When I moved to Lexington 4 years ago, my cousin recommended that I become a volunteer," Damkier said. "Prior to that, I knew very little about CASA. Having prior personal experience in family court prompted me to want to help others navigate a system that can be overwhelming and scary."

A CASA volunteer visits regularly with the child on their case, often getting to know that child better than anyone else involved in the courtroom. The CASA volunteer serves as the eyes and ears of the judge on the case, leading to better outcomes for some of Kentucky's most vulnerable children.

"As a CASA I have been able to connect with children, teens and families that have desperately needed someone to guide them through the emotional and confusing path of foster care," Damkier said. "My reward is simply knowing that I am making a loving impact in their lives."

Traci Irvin

Irvin said she got involved as a CASA volunteer after she and her spouse closed their third adoption.

"My husband said, 'You have to find another way of helping kids besides bringing them all home,'" she said. "CASA has been the perfect fit!"

Irvin and Damkier were nominated for Volunteer of the Month by their Volunteer Managers, full-time staff who train and support CASA volunteers every step of the way.

"Traci Irvin demonstrates dedication in the time she spends communicating with her CASA kiddos throughout each month, and great love in how she advocates for them," said Gudrun Allen, Irvin's Volunteer Manager. "She does not hesitate to speak up in court and is not intimidated by the difficulties that may come up in a case. I admire her passion for this advocacy!"

Dennis Stutsman, Damkier's Volunteer Manager, said none of the cases she has worked have been easy.

"She digs into her cases and works relentlessly to achieve the best interests of her kids," Stutsman said.

One case involved an infant born to a severely addicted mother. She watched out for the child's needs as it was cared for first by a loving foster family, then with the child's biological father.

"Brandi worked professionally everyone — foster parents, maternal grandparents and the child's dad — to ensure that the child found a safe, supportive and permanent home with family," Stutsman said.

Both Volunteers of the Month say they would encourage anyone interested in helping children to look into becoming  a CASA volunteer.

Irvin said her faith plays a big role in her decision to serve.

"Allow the Lord to lead you, and if or when he does, never stop praying over which CASA case to take, praying over your CASA kiddos, as well as yourself as a CASA volunteer," she said.

Damkier said serving as a CASA volunteer can be a life-changing experience.

"You will become empowered and impassioned to help these children," she said. "Your heart will be opened and although you are serving them — you will get so much more in return. I encourage everyone I meet to consider becoming a CASA!"

As Volunteers of the Month, Damkier and Irvin will each receive a free session at the Lexington Salt Cave and a Volunteer of the Month magnet.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, the next 30-hour training class begins Jan. 11. CASA volunteers must pass a background check and be at least 21 years old. They volunteer for 5-10 hours a month and commit to at least two years of service.

You can learn more at www.casaoflexington.org/learn, by emailing info@casaoflexington.org or by calling (859) 246-4313.