How do CASA Worcester County volunteers describe their experiences? Let them tell you themselves:
"I first decided to volunteer with CASA because I saw it as a way to make a difference in someone’s life. My experience has been very positive".
"When the work gets confusing or overwhelming, I know that my case manager will help keep me on track, focused on my responsibility to the child I’m helping. It is, however, extremely challenging work. You need to be ready for that."
"Even so, I treasure the moments that have made the commitment worthwhile. The child I’m working with often begs me not to leave our visits and to come back as soon as possible. This child is so hungry for love, guidance, and acceptance that I just want to do everything I can to help make that a reality every day. I feel very fortunate to have this opportunity to advocate on this child’s behalf."
-- AH , CASA volunteer
"My overall experience with the program has been very positive. I too was abused as a child and belonged to a very dysfunctional family, and had there been a program like this to intervene on my behalf, I believe I may not have had to put up with the abuse as long as I did.So when I heard about CASA I felt it was something I had to do. I thought, may be I could be of some help to someone who wasn't capable of helping him or herself".
"From the very beginning, my perception of everyone at CASA was that their number one concern was for the children, which made me feel proud to be a part of something so important. "
"I observed that people in these families are excellent at telling you what you want to hear. It can be hard sometimes to pull facts from stories. You have to assume that most parents/guardians don't want to lose their children, so they will do and say whatever they need to. Families know that the CASA reports are seen by the judge, and they are very careful to say the "right" thing. But part of what is meaningful is the challenge of getting to the bottom of things. One of my most valuable volunteer experiences was when the kids finally opened up to me and told me how they really felt. That is what the CASA volunteer is for—to listen and to discern the best solution for each child’s situation."
-- TA , CASA volunteer
"I thought that working as a CASA Volunteer would be a great way to gain some experience in the field, seeing how I am currently attending school for social work. I feel that I learned so much about the system, at the same time the work was very rewarding.
"Everyone works together, so the end result is hopefully a positive one. In fact, the very best moments are when cases are dropped because parents are doing a better job at parenting."
"I have had a few cases so far, and I am very proud of what I do. I take pride in knowing that I can work independently and help to improve the welfare of kids. And if there’s ever a doubt about what to do,I can ask my supervisor for advice. They are always there for you."
-- HS , CASA volunteer