Two CASA Volunteers Helping Children Named Volunteers of the Month

Barbie Carter, left, and Kristie Epperson are CASA of Lexington’s Volunteers of the Month for March 2021.

Both of CASA of Lexington’s Volunteers of the Month for March got involved out of a desire to make a real difference for vulnerable children in their communities.

“CASA is such a real way to help,” said Barbie Carter, one the Volunteers of the Month. “We get directly involved in the system and get to know the families and children we are helping. And, as a side benefit, being a CASA volunteer helps you understand how our social services and the legal system work for our kids and ways we can get involved to help make it better.”

Carter is a three-year veteran CASA volunteer who has advocated for the best interests of eight children in the Fayette County family court system. She is one of many CASA volunteers who work at Lexmark.

“Barbie is an absolute joy to work with,” said Volunteer Manager Cara MacLeod. “Her passion for her CASA children shines through. Barbie is kind, patient and compassionate. She collaborates well with others to understand what services are available for her CASA children. And she is persistent in making sure they receive the services they need for success.”

Kristie Epperson is also a Volunteer of the Month for March. Epperson was sworn in as a CASA volunteer in October and has already jumped in to make a difference for a child on her first case.

“I was searching for a way to help children in our community outside of my job as a teacher,” Epperson said. “A woman in my Bible study had just finished training to become a CASA volunteer and she was encouraging some of us to sign up. I talked to her about it and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did!”

Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger said Epperson’s attention to detail and well-written court reports have really made a difference for the child on her case.

“The judge said because of Kristie’s court report, she feels as if she knows this child on a more personal level,” Noffsinger said.

CASA volunteers visit with abused and neglected children on a monthly basis. They also interview adults involved in the children’s lives and have access to records concerning the children. They compile reports for family court judges, providing them with a level of detail about the children’s lives that others do not have the time to produce. As a result, judges are better able to order services that benefit the children, and children are half as likely to re-enter foster care after obtaining permanency.

“It is a time investment and some things can be sad to see. But it is also very rewarding because of the people you meet and the ability to make a positive impact in someone’s life,” Carter said. “And these amazing people will definitely make an impact on your life as well!”

Epperson said becoming a CASA volunteer is a great opportunity for someone looking to make a real difference for children.

“You will be an advocate for the best interests of the child. Don’t worry about your abilities,” she added. “You will receive excellent training and will have great support throughout. Do it!”