Lexington woman makes a difference for 16 abused and neglected kids as a CASA volunteer

CASA Volunteer of the Month Gretchen LaGodna

Over the past seven years and counting, Gretchen LaGodna has changed the lives of 16 abused and neglected children.

That may not sound like something the average person could do. But LaGodna is not a social worker, or an attorney, or any kind of professional working with vulnerable children. She is a CASA volunteer.

“No one should hesitate to become a CASA volunteer because they think they don’t have the right experience or background,” LaGodna said.

LaGodna has made a difference for so many kids by giving 5 or more hours a month to visit the children, gather information about their lives, and advocate for their best interests.

Kids who receive a CASA volunteer have usually suffered numerous traumas in their life — each one has suffered abuse or neglect and has an ongoing family court case. Many of the children do not have anyone who is consistently showing up.

“CASA volunteers can become that consistent person who gives a kid hope, who tells them they matter,” said Melynda Jamison, Executive Director of CASA of Lexington. “Most importantly, CASA volunteers keep everyone else on the case focused on the child’s needs. That helps get better outcomes for kids.”

LaGodna’s Volunteer Manager Kyrsten Adkins said LaGodna has advocated for a lot of different kids in a lot of different situations over her seven years as an advocate.

“She shows up and visits kids all over the state. She has built truly long-lasting relationships with her CASA kids,” Adkins said. “Some have been adopted, some have returned to their parents, some have gone to live with relatives. A few have aged out — turned 18. She has maintained contact with nearly every one of those families and kids.”

Adkins said at the end of a recent case for LaGodna, her CASA child got adopted. At the adoption, the child told LaGodna, “You’re not going anywhere! You’re going to be in my life forever.”

LaGodna said it is a privilege to be able to share in her CASA children’s lives and help them overcome the challenges they face.

“I urge anyone with an interest in children and a loving heart to consider becoming a CASA volunteer,” she said.

If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer, a regional in-person training class begins on Jan. 9, with classes on evenings and weekends in Lexington. Online training classes can also be planned around participants’ schedules. For more information, email info@casaoflexington.org, call (859) 246-4313 or visit www.casaoflexington.org.