I serve National CASA/GAL because I care about children and the world where my grandchildren will live. The organization helps children in foster care at a time when they need support, stability and a sense of their own worth by providing judges with a perspective of what will shape a better future for them.

Engagement at CASA/GAL, for me, means at the most vital time in their lives, providing deep and meaningful help to children who have experienced abuse or neglect, within a fully integrated platform. Like all things that are worthy, CASA/GAL presents an important challenge, and I love challenges.

I serve on the CASA/GAL board because I believe that kids in the foster care system are some of the most vulnerable in our society. They need support and advocacy from a consistent and caring adult in their lives. I believe CASA/GAL volunteers provide that support and consistency and play a crucial role in helping children have safe, permanent, and loving homes.

At this time in my life, I have an intrinsic desire to “‘pay it forward.” This is essential fuel for my spirituality and function as a unifier. I serve on the CASA/GAL board because I would like my legacy to be that because of my efforts, I left the world in a better place.

My service on the CASA/GAL board is rooted in the belief that each child is entitled to a network of caring adults to support them through life. CASA/GAL volunteers play a role in building such a network for children to help them achieve the future they deserve.

I believe I can be of service in helping to broaden the effectiveness and reach of National CASA/GAL. I believe that no child should go to sleep fearful of tomorrow; this should resonate not only in the confines of each regional program location, but should inform our work at the national level.

As a former social worker in the foster care system, I’m dedicated to supporting children and families who are struggling by connecting them with services to be healthy and united. It’s an honor to serve CASA/GAL’s commitment to the well-being of all children.

I serve to give kids a chance. It is important that I share some of my blessings with those who can benefit from them. Helping kids in need can make a huge difference to them, their families and our communities.

“I am because we are” is an African proverb that has guided my work with under-served youth for many years. I cannot separate my life and my success from their lives and their challenges. I am compelled to take action and serving on the National CASA/GAL board is one of the ways I can have a significant impact.

It is said that “the test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children”. Every child deserves a safe and loving home, and, when that is not the case, our society should ensure the help of a trusted and caring adult. I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve CASA/GAL and its remarkable network of local organizations and volunteers who help hundreds of thousands of child victims of abuse and neglect across our country.

As a judge, I have seen first-hand the valuable impact that CASA/GAL volunteers have on the lives of vulnerable children. They make a difference in ensuring that children overcome difficult challenges and lead fulfilling lives. They are indispensable partners for judges, court administrators and everyone who works in family courts throughout the country.

The CASA/GAL mission to support children who have experienced abuse or neglect and ensure they have a safe, permanent home is an essential goal for every child. CASA/GAL programs have transformed the lives of so many children and families in the U.S., and I want to be a voice to support and improve the well-being of our most vulnerable.

I can think of no population in our society more needing and deserving of support, of caring, of advocacy than children who have experienced neglect or abuse. I have seen firsthand the impact a CASA volunteer can have on the lives of these children, and I am serving on this board to do my part to ensure every child who needs and can benefit from the advocacy that CASA/GAL programs provide has the opportunity to do so.

As a former CASA executive director and current President & CEO of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, I am keenly aware of the critical need for advocacy, awareness and action on behalf of our most vulnerable children and families. I am looking forward to being a champion, advocating for the well-being and bright future of each and every child.

I serve because an organization like National CASA/GAL that instills hope in our youth should never be diminished. I want to be that voice for children whose only option may be to live life one day at a time overcoming challenges. I serve to open doors and lower ceilings for children who may not realize that futures exist beyond what they may have seen or imagined.

We have a multitude of societal challenges, many of which find their source and solution in how we care for our children in the formative years of their lives. My service to National CASA/GAL perfectly aligns with our common desire to serve children, their families and communities so that our youth will grow up to be effective and functioning citizens in our society.

I have engaged with my community by advocating for social justice for as long as I can remember. I am inspired by the many positive stories I have heard from the CASA community; it has helped me focus my volunteer interest and am I’m excited to help National CASA/GAL meet its goals and build for the future.