April CASA Volunteers of the Month: Bonnie Savage and Maquel Sarantakos

CASA of Lexington has named Bonnie Savage and Maquel Sarantakos its Volunteers of the Month for April.

Sarantakos has been a voice for 10 children in the family court system over the course of nearly two years as a CASA Volunteer. Savage has advocated for three children since she began volunteering almost a year and a half ago.

"There are many special memories I have from serving as a CASA volunteer," Savage said. "One that stands out was when I brought presents to give the children for Christmas. The excitement while opening each gift and the appreciation each child expressed was very rewarding."

Savage also helped a child who was struggling with reading, and got to watch as his test scores increased thanks to her help.

"As one of his reading tutors, his increase in confidence was worth all the hard work," she said.

Savage's Volunteer Manager Liz Noffsinger said Savage has helped her CASA children discover a love of reading they didn't know existed before.

"Bonnie is a retired teacher and has been instrumental in helping her CASA kids," Noffsinger said. "She visits weekly and reads with them. They look forward to her visits and getting to spend time with her, and she makes it enjoyable for them."

Sarantakos is also retired from teaching and said serving as a CASA volunteer has been a great way to keep interacting with kids.

"Volunteering with CASA has allowed me the opportunity to spend time with kids who need encouragement, love, and support," she said.

Sarantakos' Volunteer Manager Rebecca Brereton-Farr said she goes above and beyond for her CASA children.

"She baked brownies and homemade mac and cheese for one child on their birthday and provided books the child had been wanting to read," she said. "The family's mother told me she felt overwhelmingly blessed that Maquel was going to be part of their life story."

CASA volunteers like Savage and Sarantakos complete a 30-hour preservice training, then spend 5-10 hours a month volunteering on cases of children who have been abused or neglected. They visit monthly with children, speak to adults involved in the children's lives and provide reports to the judge that help keep the focus on what the children need. Kids who receive a CASA volunteer are more likely to get services that help with their education or the effects of trauma. They're also more likely to return to safe, permanent homes faster.

"To be a good CASA volunteer, you have to have a real love and heart for children," Savage said. "It is important to learn as much about their background as possible. I think it is necessary to be involved with the children in their academics, socially, and on all levels. Really listening to the children and learning their interests enhances your understanding."

Sarantakos said empathy, listening skills and the ability to be nonjudgmental are all important for serving as a CASA volunteer.

"Kids do not have many choices when their lives become unsafe, violent, scary, or chaotic," she said. "As a volunteer, you can imagine yourself at that age and put yourself in their shoes. My greatest advice is to love them, guide them, and be patient with the court process."