Theta Alum Makes a Difference in Her Community by serving as a CASA Volunteer

CASA Volunteer and Kappa Alpha Theta alum Kelly King

As a Kappa Alpha Theta at the University of Kentucky, Kelly King was more aware than most people of CASA services for abused and neglected children. Her sorority has made CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) its national philanthropy, and the UK chapter is very active in supporting and promoting the local CASA program.

“I always knew CASA was special,” King said. “Once I became a working adult, I knew I could make a difference at CASA in a way I wasn’t able to in college.”

King now enjoys traveling, cheering on the Wildcats, exercising and spending time with family and friends. But she still makes time to be a CASA volunteer and make a difference for children in her local community.

Because of her hard work on behalf of abused and neglected children here in Lexington, King has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for February 2023.

King’s Volunteer Manager Cara MacLeod, who nominated her for the honor, said King is an excellent advocate who has stuck with her case over the course of years, even when things got more complicated.

“Kelly stands out as a CASA volunteer due to the changes that have occurred on her case and her go-with-the-flow mentality through it all,” MacLeod said. “She takes in all the information and continues to look at the facts.”

CASA volunteers contribute five to 10 hours a month on average, visiting children, talking to adults involved in their lives and writing reports for the judges on the children’s cases. Children who receive a CASA volunteer often do better in school, get moved less often and are more likely to find permanent, safe and loving homes.

CASA volunteers must be at least 21 years old, complete a 30-hour training class and commit to serving for at least two years, in order to ensure consistency for the children served. Many Thetas work to promote CASA while they are too young to serve as volunteers. Some are able to complete training and become volunteers while they are still in college.

Kelly said she aims as a CASA volunteer to keep open, honest communication with everyone involved on her cases.

“I try to put myself in the children’s shoes and keep their well-being of the utmost importance,” King said. “I truly hope my impact is to increase the children’s sense of hope, to know they have someone on their side. Whether it be a constant monthly contact, or someone that can be an advocate for their wellbeing behind the scenes, I put the children’s needs first – always.”

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 Julia Lee.