Serving as a CASA gives Susan Bukowski a volunteer experience with depth and impact

CASA Volunteer Susan Bukowski

It took a while before Susan Bukowski was in the right place in her life to become a CASA volunteer. But now that she is, she has discovered a volunteer experience with depth, which enables her to have a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children.

Bukowski first learned about CASA volunteers years ago, when a volunteer spoke about their experiences at a local trivia night event.

“I listened to the volunteer who spoke, but I couldn’t see myself in court,” she said.

CASA volunteers are matched with abused and neglected children in family court cases. They visit and develop friendships with the children, then provide a regular person’s perspective on the child’s life for the judge and others on the case. CASA volunteers help ensure their children’s needs are being met and that everyone is focused on getting them back into safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible.

Fast-forward to 2022 and Bukowski had more free time on her hands and was looking for a meaningful volunteer position.

“My faith is what truly pushed me to move forward with this,” she said.

As she began CASA volunteer training, Bukowski said she was unsure how she would build relationships with the children. But after the training and with the support of her Volunteer Manager, she has found success repeatedly in connecting with the kids she serves.

“I have built relationships with three teens while serving for the past 16 months,” she said. “As a CASA, you start caring about these kids and want the best for them despite difficult circumstances. I love being an advocate for them, hoping for their best futures.”

Heather Porter was Bukowski’s Volunteer Manager on her most recent case. She nominated Bukowski to receive a Volunteer of the Month honor this September because of her hard work.

“Susan’s honest, direct approach and continual presence has helped her build trust and connection with teens. She meets the kids where they are and encourages them according to their needs,” Porter said. “This direct but empathetic approach has also helped her collaborate with social workers and foster parents to effectively advocate for the kids’ needs in court.”

Bukowski said she loves the support she receives from Porter and the rest of the CASA staff because it has helped her be effective in her volunteer role.

“This volunteer position is so much more than filling backpacks or working at the local food pantry — not that those aren’t volunteer-worthy. I was looking for something with a little more depth,” Bukowski said. “If you are an adult and want to make a difference in a child’s life, this is the place to volunteer. You will receive training and will always have a Volunteer Manager as your resource. It is truly a rewarding experience and so many kids need us!”