Georgetown woman named a CASA Volunteer of the Month
CASA Volunteer Bev Chandler
A Georgetown woman has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month for her advocacy on behalf of abused and neglected children.
Bev Chandler has served as a CASA volunteer in Scott County for just over a year. She has been the voice for two children in the local family court system during that time.
Chandler, who works at Toyota, said she learned about what CASA volunteers do over the summer of 2022 and her interest was sparked.
“I felt like I had a lot to offer a child and could commit to the monthly visits and regular court hearings,” she said. “Toyota gives me the flexibility to support my kiddos in-person or at court.”
Chandler was nominated for CASA Volunteer of the Month by Sarah Fightmaster, who served as her Volunteer Manager.
Bev is a wonderful mentor and role model for the children she serves. She is a fierce and passionate advocate and I’m so thankful that two children have her as a CASA volunteer,” Fightmaster said. “Her detail-oriented approach was essential to moving forward her children’s cases. Her CASA children now have more security knowing they’re closer to permanency in a safe, protective home.”
Chandler said one child she has advocated for was moved between six different placements within a year.
“I have been a consistent presence for her, which has helped her trust me enough to open up about her past challenges and future goals,” Chandler said. “I am so proud of her progress!”
Each CASA volunteer completes a 30-hour training class prior to being assigned a case. Once their training is complete, they are matched with a child who has suffered abuse or neglect and they visit the child every month.
The CASA volunteer also talks to adults in the child’s life and reviews medical and educational records. They provide reports to the judge on the case that identify unmet needs and advocate for the best interests of the child.
CASA volunteers can help reunify or keep together families whenever it is safely possible. They can also spur action to get kids educational services or medical treatment, preventing them from falling through the cracks.
“Being able to build a relationship with kiddos who have not had a good start in life has been so rewarding,” Chandler said. “Seeing them enjoy extracurricular activities for the first time or talk to me about their plans makes every second of my time worth it.
“They have gone from being neglected to thriving in safe places where their needs are being met. I have volunteered with many organizations in my life and CASA has been the most rewarding volunteer experience I’ve ever had.”
Anyone interested in becoming a CASA volunteer can view upcoming training schedules at www.casaoflexington.org/training.