CASA Volunteer helps children navigate ‘an ever-changing landscape’

CASA Volunteer Nicole Creech

Nicole Creech first heard about Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers in 1994. The possibility of advocating for neglected children intrigued her, but she had too much else going on at the time to make the commitment.

Later, Nicole learned about the “loss of a child in my own family to the system.”

“I found out after the fact … it was too late to step in and try to help,” she said. “It left me shocked and heartbroken.”

But in 2019, a friend shared about the local CASA program and Nicole’s interest was reignited.

“I immediately signed up for the training,” she said. “Being retired also afforded me even more time to dedicate to this wonderful cause.”

Because of her excellent volunteer work over the past two years, Nicole was chosen as a CASA Volunteer of the Month for July.

“Making a positive difference in a child’s life should be everyone’s mission,” she said. “It may not be easy at times, but it’s always worth it.”

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children in the local family court system. They visit them monthly, talk to people involved in their life and review records. They write reports for the judge on the case that focus solely on what actions would be in the best interest of the child.

CASA volunteers prioritize reunification with parents whenever it is safely possible, or placement with relatives if reunification is not possible. They can also advocate for adoption when it is the best option available for the child.

Nicole has been a “constant in an ever-changing landscape” for the children she serves, said Sarah Fightmaster, Nicole’s Volunteer Manager.

“She continues to fiercely advocate for siblings who are placed in separate homes. She is a voice for them to return to the same placement so they may grow up together,” Sarah said. “Nicole has developed a sweet and caring relationship with the children on this case and remains a positive and stable fixture in their lives.”

In addition to serving as a CASA volunteer, Nicole serves on the board of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, advocates for legislation that affects people with rare diseases and helps raise awareness about sickle cell disease as a blogger for WebMD.

“What I’ve found to be rewarding as a CASA is having the opportunity to help children in our community who need it,” she said. “Children who are not often considered and who need assistance with major life decisions, which may be difficult and beyond their control. I enjoy being their voice so they can be heard, effecting positive outcomes in their lives.”

Nicole said she recently met someone who told her how they had received a CASA volunteer at one point in their childhood, and how it had an “extraordinary impact.”

“That’s exactly why I do this,” she said. “We need more people to help make that kind of impact for children. They are our future.”