CASA Nashville

I wanted to be a CASA volunteer because it made me realize that there are greater problems in the world – like an abused or neglected child who has no one to advocate for them. ” Gina first thought about becoming a CASA volunteer two years ago during a mission trip to the Appalachian Mountains. As I was playing with the children and listening to their fears, concerns and wishes, I learned more about myself and realized I wanted to make a difference in a child’s life. My first reason for becoming a CASA is because I genuinely want to help kids and want to be a voice for them.

Having been exposed to and around people throughout her life who have suffered from job loss, addictions, and tough times, Jackie feels that she can “relate to situations where unfortunately a child is put in a less than ideal situation,” and she wants to use that relatability to advocate for the best interests of children in these situations. After moving to Nashville, Jackie had a non-CASA related conversation with a friend that knew one of the people on the National CASA’s Board of Trustees. Now, armed with her life experiences, knowledge of the foster care system, a strong desire to serve others, and a desire to put her training to the test, Jackie is ready to step into the role of a Court Appointed Special Advocate and be a voice for neglected and abused children. The best advice I can give,” says Jackie, “is to realize that the CASA volunteer – albeit very important and mighty – is one small piece of the big picture, and to not go in assuming that we can fix everything and everybody and every piece of the entire picture.

Eager to get involved in ways to serve others here in her new city, Whitney was drawn to the CASA Nashville program with a strong desire to live her life for others. She acknowledges her own fears as she takes on this new role of CASA volunteer, but doesn’t want that to stop her or anyone else who is thinking about becoming a volunteer. We were all children once, we know what they need, even if you don’t think you can relate to a child, you were once a child.” ” Whitney also encourages others to get involved in other volunteer opportunities for at-risk children, like after-school tutoring, if CASA is too much of a time commitment at the moment.

Children have been a part of my life for a long time and will continue to be,” says Kristie. Once I have graduated,” Kristie says, “I want to work with children and adolescents that are involved in the juvenile justice system. Becoming a CASA volunteer can be a daunting new responsibility, but Kristie says, “If you want to make a difference in a child’s life, even just one, then CASA is the place to do that. Thank you, Kristie, for investing your time in these children and being willing to make a difference in their lives!