Volunteer Highlight |
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CASA Highlights Volunteer Advocate Robyn Whyte
CASA for KIDS of Paris, would like to highlight Robyn Whyte for the volunteer advocacy she has performed for the children of Lamar County. Robyn moved to Paris after retiring in 2012, she began her volunteer work with CASA shortly after. Robyn has advocated for 15 different sibling groups as they made their way through the foster care system. Robyn appeared at every court hearing, giving her recommendations and informing the judge of the child’s current situation.
When asked, what made her want to become a CASA volunteer, Robyn replied:
“The idea of advocating for children in the court system appealed to me…a voice for those too young to speak up for themselves. I also appreciated that CASA advocates are beholden to no one but the child/ren. Lawyers and CPS workers must follow strict rules and guidelines, while a CASA has really only one guideline…perform to the best of our ability, after following a child’s situation, what do we believe is in the best interests of that child given the available options.
Being a volunteer advocate is a very rewarding and important service that we need the community to help us provide. Robyn realized this and stated her fondest memory of volunteering with CASA.
“Generally, my fondest memory of my service as a CASA is how often things turned out well for the children—certainly not always—but more often than not. I learned that there are an amazing number of caring, loving people in our community who when they see a child in need of a home step up and volunteer to provide that home. I was deeply touched by the sacrifices so many people make to insure a child is brought in from the cold.”
CASA for KIDS would like to personally thank, Robyn Whyte for her years of volunteer advocacy. CASA is saddened to announce that Robyn will be retiring from her volunteer role, but wishes Robyn great success with her next adventure. CASA needs more volunteers like Robyn, who will take the time to make a huge difference in the lives of so many children and the community.
CASA for KIDS of Paris, would like to highlight Robyn Whyte for the volunteer advocacy she has performed for the children of Lamar County. Robyn moved to Paris after retiring in 2012, she began her volunteer work with CASA shortly after. Robyn has advocated for 15 different sibling groups as they made their way through the foster care system. Robyn appeared at every court hearing, giving her recommendations and informing the judge of the child’s current situation.
When asked, what made her want to become a CASA volunteer, Robyn replied:
“The idea of advocating for children in the court system appealed to me…a voice for those too young to speak up for themselves. I also appreciated that CASA advocates are beholden to no one but the child/ren. Lawyers and CPS workers must follow strict rules and guidelines, while a CASA has really only one guideline…perform to the best of our ability, after following a child’s situation, what do we believe is in the best interests of that child given the available options.
Being a volunteer advocate is a very rewarding and important service that we need the community to help us provide. Robyn realized this and stated her fondest memory of volunteering with CASA.
“Generally, my fondest memory of my service as a CASA is how often things turned out well for the children—certainly not always—but more often than not. I learned that there are an amazing number of caring, loving people in our community who when they see a child in need of a home step up and volunteer to provide that home. I was deeply touched by the sacrifices so many people make to insure a child is brought in from the cold.”
CASA for KIDS would like to personally thank, Robyn Whyte for her years of volunteer advocacy. CASA is saddened to announce that Robyn will be retiring from her volunteer role, but wishes Robyn great success with her next adventure. CASA needs more volunteers like Robyn, who will take the time to make a huge difference in the lives of so many children and the community.
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Spotlight on Our Advocate by: Misty Ricks
This month CASA for KIDS would like to shine a spotlight on Charlotte Coyle’s career as a volunteer advocate. Charlotte has been an advocate for four years, during this time she has advocated for sixteen different children as they made their journey through the foster care system. Charlotte gave each child a voice in the courtroom, and made a difference in each child’s life. When asked what made her want to become a CASA Advocate, Charlotte replied; “My husband is an attorney who is often appointed to represent CPS clients and I have been watching his work for several years. A good friend of mine was a CASA volunteer and I heard her talk about her work and how much she loved "her" children. So, when I retired a few years ago, I decided to sign on to CASA. Since I have been a minister, I've seen firsthand how important this one-on-one work with families can be. And as a minister, as a mom, as a grandmother, I recognize how crucial it is for all of us to find ways to advocate on behalf of all "our" children. I appreciate the good work CASA does and I'm glad to be a part of this important effort in Lamar County.” CASA would like to applaud Charlotte for her contribution to the children of our community. Charlotte has made such a huge impact in so many lives. When we asked her to describe one of her proudest moments, she had this to say; “I am proud of my CASA families when they step up. I've seen grandparents, great grandparents and other relatives take in their family's children and sacrifice their own convenience for the good of these little ones. They support the children financially and emotionally. They figure out how to work their jobs and how to find the resources necessary to raise another generation of children that they didn't sign up for. Some of these extended family members also step up to help mentor the parents who are still pretty much like children themselves.” “There is nothing that will fix the heartache and replace the loss children experience when their parents fail them, but the village that steps up to surround them with love, compassion and hope provides a lifeline. The work we do reminds me of the starfish story: a child rescues starfish stranded on a beach and the grown-up scoffs. "Look at all these struggling starfish. You can't make a difference for all of them." "I can make a difference for this one," says the wise child, tossing one starfish back into the life-giving waves. |
Go to www.texascasa.org and watch the video to find out how CASA speaks up for a child or call us at 903-737-4346!
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Make a Difference in a Child's Life
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Online Training Sessions Available To learn more about our online or classroom
training sessions, contact Sharon Eubanks or Rose Kernell at 903-737-4346 or come by 2021 NW Loop 286 More information on becoming a volunteer is also available here: 1. must be 21 or older 2. 30 hours training, 10 hours court and face to face training, 40 total 3. must pass 3 records checks 4. must have three references 5. be willing to give your case time as needed |
ADOPTION dAY AT CASA for KIDS
