Ryan Weatherholtz finds the meaningful volunteer experience he wanted with CASA of Lexington

CASA Volunteer Ryan Weatherholtz

Ryan Weatherholtz was looking for a truly impactful volunteer experience. He found it with CASA of Lexington.

“Serving with CASA is an excellent way to give back to the community in a way that allows you to see a real and direct impact,” said Weatherholtz, a UK graduate who works for Valvoline Global. “I’ve loved every minute of CASA and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

CASA volunteers like Weatherholtz give 5-10 hours a month on average to improve outcomes for abused and neglected children in the family court system. Each CASA volunteer visits their matched child monthly, gathers information about their life, and provides reports that get the child more services and help the judge on the case make more informed decisions.

“I had previously explored (a different volunteer organization) but decided it wasn’t for me. CASA seemed a lot more structured and aligned with my abilities,” Weatherholtz said. “Getting to know and connect with my kiddo has really opened my heart and given me a new outlook on the people around me and the people I encounter every day.”

Weatherholtz has been a CASA volunteer since November 2024. The work he has done for his current CASA child has earned him the honor of CASA Volunteer of the Month for August.

“Ryan does a great job of supporting his teen child in pursuing his interests and steering him toward college,” said Dennis Stutsman, Weatherholtz’s Volunteer Manager.

Weatherholtz is grateful he has Stutsman available to help whenever he needs him.

“The support from Dennis just reinforces these experiences and helps me learn how to think through these situations from a variety of angles,” he said.

Weatherholtz said CASA volunteering isn’t something to jump into lightly, but “there are real kids depending on your support and stability. If you choose to join, be ready for a life-altering experience.”