CASA Volunteers of the Month: Heather Padilla and Brittney Thomas
Heather Padilla and Brittney Thomas have been named CASA of Lexington's Volunteers of the Month for February. Both are among a group of 10 CASA volunteers receiving either Silver or Gold awards through the President's Volunteer Service Award program.
CASA of Lexington volunteer Brittney Thomas
Thomas has been a CASA volunteer since 2015 and advocated for 45 children, often serving on multiple cases at the same time. In 2021, she volunteered more than 750 hours, earning the Gold VSA by a wide margin.
Thomas said she first learned about CASA seven years ago at a community fair.
"I called the number on the informational flyer to learn more about the program and within seconds I was hooked!" she said. "Over the years my kiddos have taught me how to be brave and how to rise strong. ... While we as CASA volunteers cannot change the circumstances that brought these kids into the foster care system, we can change how their story ends."
Thomas' Volunteer Manager Dennis Stutsman said she always works her cases efficiently and thoroughly and has worked 13 different cases since 2015.
"I can always count on Brittney to be the most informed and objective person in the courtroom and know that her valuable volunteer work will be clearly documented," Stutsman said. "And she somehow still has plenty of time left to explore historic homes at Christmas, Break Out games with friends and experience what homelessness is like spending a cold night with police!"
Thomas said she is a big fan of the Kentucky Wildcats and loves getting outdoors for hiking, kayaking or Geocaching.
"When not outside, I am most likely being bossed around by two spoiled rotten dogs who sleep in my bed and believe they are tiny humans!" she said.
Padilla became a CASA volunteer in August 2020 and has advocated for two abused or neglected children. She volunteered more than 200 hours in 2021 and will be receiving a Silver VSA medallion, along with a signed letter of thanks from the U.S. president.
CASA of Lexington volunteer Heather Padilla
"My favorite part of CASA is the kids," Padilla said. "Being a small part of their journey, even just to be a smiling face or a listening ear — that means the world to me."
Padilla's Volunteer Manager Liz Matherly said Padilla works hard to engage people involved on her cases to ensure the children get the best possible outcome.
"She makes regular visits, checks in with both foster and biological families and ensures all information is gathered," Matherly said. "Her position has differed from others at different points in her cases, but she has worked hard to create open lines of communication regardless of differing opinions and treats all parties with the utmost respect and professionalism."
Besides being a mom to her daughter, Padilla said she has started a flower business called Wren and Rose Flower Co. with a friend.
"I am excited for spring and the farmers market," she said.
Padilla said she thinks it takes "a heart of service and a spirit of excellence" to serve as a CASA volunteer.
"You have to go in knowing it's 100% about the child and how you can positively improve their situation — both presently and long term."