CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocates

Nobody likes to talk or hear about child abuse or any type of domestic violence, but those damaging actions affect us all. Children raised in an abusive environment often grow up to abuse others as well as themselves with drugs and/or alcohol. These children also grow up to cause other societal havoc such as: domestic violence, robbery, murder... Abused children learn adaptive and defensive strategies to survive the abuse. Some survival techniques are more positive than others.

Fortunately, there are abused children who grow up to help families caught up in a cycle of abuse. One group (not all abuse "survivors") is comprised of CASA volunteers. People who volunteer their time to advocate for abused and neglected children.

In my small world here in central New Mexico, I had the good fortune to volunteer as a CASA. Through my volunteer work, I came to know gifted and giving advocates; even the pleasure of a good friend in Cody, Wyoming who is just completing her CASA training (Sarah, "You go girl!").

One friend I would like to introduce is Robyn.

Robyn was part of the first group of volunteers here in the 7th Judicial District. How do I describe Robyn?.... funny, charming, extremely intelligent, well read, good hearted, generous and sensitive. She and her husband, Tom, are even building their own straw bale home.

Another warm and wonderful friend is Lynnette. Lynnette just took the administrative lead for our CASA group besides continuing as a foster mom. Lynnette and her husband, Brian, provide a loving and supportive home for kids while they are in the foster care system. They are also adoptive parents. The photo below is of Lynnette during a recent swearing-in ceremony.

I have more friends who deserve to be mentioned, but due to painting and planting and cleaning and and and... Time does not currently permit.

Child abuse is an important issue. My hope is to continue my volunteer work in the great OZ and to never lose contact with the fun, kind and wonderful people at Rio Grande Valley CASA.