Jessamine CASA Volunteer of the Month finds advocating for children rewarding
CASA Volunteer Charlene Floyd
Charlene Floyd stays busy in a lot of different ways — she enjoys hiking, painting, photography, live music, sharing delicious dinners with friends and her monthly book club. But one of her most rewarding activities is serving as a CASA volunteer.
“I heard about CASA through a volunteer a number of years ago and have always been interested in volunteering,” she said. “Since my family and I moved frequently, I wasn’t able to make the time commitment needed. Now that I am settled, I decided to investigate the volunteer opportunities more seriously.”
After being sworn in as a CASA volunteer a little more than a year ago, Floyd was assigned to her first case, advocating for abused and neglected children in Jessamine County. This month, she was recognized as a Volunteer of the Month.
“Charlene is a steadfast advocate. She embodies the skills and attributes that make a successful CASA,” said Cara MacLeod, Jessamine County’s CASA Volunteer Manager. “Charlene works collaboratively with partners on the case, remaining open-minded and compassionate. She is an active listener and consistently sets up and attends home visits, building rapport and trust.”
CASA volunteers spend about 5-10 hours a month visiting with children, speaking with adults involved in children’s lives and advocating for the children’s best interests in family court. CASA volunteers help improve communication and fill gaps in knowledge for the judge on the case. Research has shown children with a CASA volunteer receive more services, do better in school and are far less likely to re-enter the foster care system after their cases close.
“What I have enjoyed most about being a CASA volunteer is spending time with my CASA child,” Floyd said. “You are there to help a child, to be a voice for that child in the courtroom, a voice for that child through a period of time that may be one of the most frightening times of their life.
“These children need to know that there is someone in their corner, who will show up for them time and time again. If you want to help children who so desperately need help, consider becoming a CASA volunteer.”
A training for new CASA volunteers in Jessamine, Garrard and Lincoln counties begins Oct. 11 in Garrard County and a winter training for volunteers in Jessamine, Garrard, Lincoln, Bourbon, Fayette, Scott and Woodford begins Jan. 10. You can view schedules of the trainings and apply to be a CASA volunteer at www.casaoflexington.org. Call (859) 246-4313 or email jessaminecounty@casaoflexington.org for more information.