fERN GRIESBACH

Fern has been a CASA volunteer advocate since November 2017.  She shares, “I learned about CASA through the Capital Region Community Foundation.  I serve on the Foundation’s Grants Committee, and CASA applied for a grant to open an office in Ingham County.  I was impressed with what I learned about CASA from the grant application as well as positive comments from a Committee member who worked for the court system.  I was looking for an additional volunteer opportunity, in particular one where I could impact individuals in a hands-on way.  CASA was a perfect fit!  I am currently assigned to my third case.  The first two cases resulted in reunification, and the third case is moving to adoption.  In total, I was/am an advocate for five children.  These children found themselves removed from their homes, through no fault of their own, with their lives being managed by the child welfare system.  CASA provides a way for children to have their voices heard by the system and the courts.  As an advocate, I am in a unique situation, different from any other person on a case, to communicate what is in the children’s best interests and what they wish for their futures.  The court has shown enormous respect for the input from CASA advocates during court hearings and trials and sees CASA as bringing the children’s voices into the decision-making process.  I have found my CASA experience to be enormously gratifying, challenging – in a good way - and very impactful on the lives of the children in my cases.  Two of “my” kids had significant medical issues, and I was able to help the court to understand the needs and risks these children faced and what was required of the parents to keep their children safe upon reunification.  A third “kid” is now a teenager, and I still see her as a “supportive adult” in her life, even though her case closed about two years ago.  I’ve never had a volunteer job with as much responsibility as CASA, but I also have felt very well prepared from the beginning.  The amazing CASA staff works hard to make sure that there is a good match between a potential volunteer and the advocate role.  The training provided to new advocates is incredibly good.  The staff is highly competent, always available and helpful, and shows appreciation for the volunteers in many ways.  They provide ongoing development opportunities to broaden advocates’ knowledge and growth, and a support network of dedicated and experienced advocates to share best practices.  If you are looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of children who find themselves in traumatic and uncontrollable situations of someone else’s making, consider becoming a CASA advocate.  You will find it to be one of the most incredible experiences you will ever have!”

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