After retiring from the Army, Lexington man finds a new way to serve — as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer Nick Luddy

Nick Luddy spent 24 years in the U.S. Army, including a 10-year stint doing anti-terrorism work. He has traveled the globe for his job, serving in multiple countries across the Middle East and Africa.

Today, Nick is retired from the Army, but he has found a new way to have an impact: He serves as a CASA volunteer, advocating for vulnerable children in the local family court system.

As a military police officer, Nick said he saw some unfortunate situations involving domestic violence and child abuse. Nick would work with social workers to find a family member or another safe placement for the children who were harmed.

After he retired, a family friend told him about the Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program, and its purpose resonated with Nick because he knows about the challenges some kids can face.

“Once I heard about CASA, I thought maybe I could try to make a difference in a few kids’ lives,” he said. “I enjoy getting to meet the children and their families, seeing their struggles and being able to offer some help.”

CASA volunteers are matched with children who have suffered abuse or neglect. They visit the children monthly, talk to adults in the children’s lives, review records, and write recommendations and reports for the judge on the case.

Fayette County family court judges have praised CASA reports for containing a far greater level of information and detail about children’s lives than would otherwise be available. The judges say CASA volunteers bring an ordinary perspective focused on the child’s needs rather than legal requirements, which helps ground decisions in what’s best for the children.

Nick has been a CASA volunteer with CASA of Lexington for more than two years, and he has now been named a Volunteer of the Month for November 2023.

“Nick is always willing to learn. He has done a great job navigating language barriers in his cases, and he has become a great support for a dad,” said Kyrsten Adkins, a Volunteer Manager who has supported Nick in his volunteer role.

Kealy Griffin, who also served as a Volunteer Manager for Nick, said he would do anything to be a great CASA volunteer for the kids on his case.

“As a newer volunteer, Nick has grown a lot over the last year, but one thing that has remained consistent throughout his case is that he always makes his CASA kids a top priority – no matter what,” Griffin said.

Nick said one of his favorite parts about being a CASA volunteer is seeing his CASA children’s eyes light up when he arrives for a visit. He said he knows there are many more children who still need a CASA volunteer right now.

“We need more CASA volunteers. And we really need more male CASA volunteers,” he said. “I think every CASA volunteer should try to help get the word out about this.”