Garrard Man Earns Volunteer of the Month Award for Work as a CASA Volunteer

Garrard County CASA Volunteer Terry Huffman

Terry Huffman has been serving at CASA of Lexington for seven months, but his interest in the program started long ago. In 2018, Huffman was watching the Dr. Phil show and CASA was featured, which eventually led to Terry to do more than donate.

Huffman lives in Garrard County and advocates for abused and neglected children in the local family court system. As a CASA volunteer, he visits children monthly, talks to adults involved in their lives and provides reports and recommendations to the judge on the children’s cases. CASA volunteers like Huffman typically invest 5-10 hours a month to give the children they serve brighter futures.

Huffman said he sees CASA as his chance to give something back to his community.

“I wish there was a CASA for every kid out there,” he said. “I think this is the grandest thing that ever was.”

Huffman said after he learned that the social workers in his community had overwhelming caseloads, he stepped up to give his kids the attention they deserve.

Because of his hard work and dedication, he was chosen as a CASA Volunteer of the Month for February.

“Terry is an all-around CASA volunteer star,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of the CASA program serving Garrard County. “He truly embodies the characteristics we look for in a CASA volunteer.”

“The judge would have had little to no information at the last hearing if not for Terry’s report,” said Jennifer Lamb, the Garrard County Volunteer Manager who nominated Huffman for Volunteer of the Month.

Lamb said Huffman provides a sense of calm for kids who have led unpredictable lives.

Huffman said he considers it a privilege to serve as a positive male role model for his CASA children. He said serving as a CASA is so rewarding that he encourages everyone to consider becoming a CASA volunteer, as well.

“I’m really enjoying it,” Huffman said. "It doesn't take up a whole lot of time and we really need more people to do this.”

CASA Volunteer Training Begins April 6

The next training for new CASA volunteers begins April 6 at the CASA of Lexington office, 3245 Loch Ness Dr. in Lexington. In-person and virtual trainings are scheduled regularly throughout the year. To apply to become a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org/apply. To see the full schedule of classes and learn more about CASA volunteer training, visit www.casaoflexington.org/training.

About CASA of Lexington

CASA of Lexington’s trained and supervised volunteers advocate through the family court systems in Bourbon, Fayette, Garrard, Jessamine, Lincoln, Scott and Woodford counties to ensure all victims of child abuse and neglect are safe and thrive in a permanent home. Changes such as where the child lives or goes to school, changes in social workers, teachers and friends, as well as the uncertainty of what life holds, can be very overwhelming for these children.  The CASA volunteer is there to help recognize what the child needs, work to minimize these detrimental changes, and advocate for positive changes for the child’s future. Learn more by calling (859) 246-4313 or by emailing info@casaoflexington.org.

Story by Riley Stull.