Courtney Fuller helps victims of abuse by serving as a CASA volunteer
CASA Volunteer of the Month Courtney Fuller
Courtney Fuller knew she wanted to help victims of abuse. But she didn’t know where that passion would lead her.
“I originally wanted to be a lawyer to represent victims of abuse. But as I dug deeper, I realized I wanted to be someone’s voice and advocate for them in another way,” Fuller said.
Fuller was working on her criminal justice degree. She asked her career advisor for suggestions, which is how she discovered CASA volunteering.
Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers speak up for abused and neglected children more like a caring parent than a lawyer. Each volunteer like Fuller is matched with a child in the family court system. They visit the child monthly, gather information about their life and advocate for what the child needs to thrive.
Fuller completed the free 30-hour training class for new CASA volunteers and was matched with a set of neglected siblings.
“When I got my first case, I was nervous and unsure if I’d make a good connection,” she said. “But from the first visit, everything came naturally. Now, I look forward to hearing about all of their accomplishments and exciting things going on in their lives.”
Fuller has done such a good job building relationships with her CASA children, visiting them regularly and advocating for them that she has been named a CASA volunteer of the Month for October.
“Courtney has built great connections with everyone on her case,” said Madi Hoyt, Fuller’s Volunteer Manager. “She has taken the time to get to know the likes and interests of each of the children.”
Volunteer Managers are paid staff members at CASA of Lexington who support the volunteers like Fuller every step of the way.
Fuller said Hoyt’s support is a big piece of why she has been successful.
“Having my Volunteer Manager work with me and being able to answer my questions gives me the confidence that I can do things I once thought I wouldn’t be able to do,” she said. “I know that I am making a difference in these children’s lives.”
Fuller said after seven months of serving as a CASA volunteer, she has seen how much light she can bring back into the lives of children who have suffered trauma and may not have much hope.
“In a world that is so loud and messy, I have that opportunity to be the person that can make it feel quiet,” she said. “It is such a great opportunity to be there for those in need.”
CASA of Lexington offers in-person and online training classes for new CASA volunteers regularly throughout the year. To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, visit www.casaoflexington.org.