Former social worker has helped countless children as a CASA volunteer over 20-year span

CASA Volunteer Jennifer Dishman

Jennifer Dishman worked in social services for more than seven years. She saw what families involved in family court went through and even did removals of children who were in harm’s way. 

“I saw that turmoil and what it did to the kids,” she said. 

After she left the field, she couldn’t sit by knowing kids still needed help. 

“I wanted to continue to be a voice and give back.” 

So, she signed up to be a CASA volunteer, someone who visits with abused and neglected children and advocates for their best interests. 

Dishman took her first case as a CASA volunteer 20 years ago this year. She has advocated for countless children over the years in Kentucky and Virginia. 

“I’m there on a consistent basis for the kids,” she said. “The social workers can change. The kids might go to different places. But I’m the consistent person for them.” 

This January, Dishman has been named a CASA Volunteer of the Month in CASA of Lexington’s seven-county service region. 

“Jennifer always goes above and beyond on her cases,” said Madi Hoyt, Dishman’s Volunteer Manager. “She always manages to build amazing connections with the children on her cases. I know I can always count on her to show up for the children she serves.” 

Dishman said she loves giving her time as a CASA volunteer because she gets to see the results of her work as children’s situations improve and they get their childhoods back. 

CASA volunteers typically give 5 to 10 hours a month, including visits with their CASA children, gathering information about the children’s lives, and providing information to the judges on the children’s cases. The information a CASA volunteer gathers can prevent children from slipping through the cracks and ensure they return to safe, permanent homes faster. 

“The judges see that this is essential for these kids,” Dishman said. “I wish every case had a CASA.” 

Dishman said she remembers one little girl who shouted, “I remember you!” when she came for a visit. 

“It just warmed my heart to know that I’m making a difference,” she said. “I might not move the earth, but I was there for her.” 

CASA of Lexington volunteers served more than 675 children in 2025, but that likely represents less than 20% of all the children with open family court cases. Dishman said she hopes more people will see the need and choose to do something about it. 

“Sign up to be a CASA volunteer ASAP. And bring everybody with you,” she said. “It is life-changing – for you, for the kids, for the system.” 

LEARN MORE ONLINE 

You can apply to be a CASA volunteer, donate to CASA of Lexington or learn more about what CASA volunteers do at www.casaoflexington.org. New CASA volunteers complete an in-person or virtual 30-hour training class before they are matched with children.