bettie larson

Bettie recently retired as a CASA volunteer advocate after serving the children of Barry County since March of 2017.  Three years ago, Bettie heard about CASA’s mission to advocate for children in the Barry community who are under court jurisdiction due to abuse and neglect.   Bettie says, “Becoming a CASA Volunteer Advocate was one of best decisions I’ve ever made!”   She continues, “I feel blessed to have been able to step in these children’s terrible lives to make a difference. I knew drugs and Meth can destroy families, but never knew there were so many children impacted by drug addicted/using parents.”  Bettie explains, “Often, the children experience numerous changes - several foster homes, multiple case workers and/or therapist’s changes, moving school districts and sometimes have parents who don’t show up for visitations.  She continues “I’ve been able to provide stability for a child whose world has been turned upside-down.  I visited the kids each week and they knew they could always count on me to support them in whatever they needed.”  Bettie explains, “I was able to see things that the case worker did not just because I was able to spend more time with the children. With my support system I was able to help a foster mother get quicker reimbursement for things like eyeglasses, encourage those involved to get ADHD testing and medication for the children that needed it, work with teachers and help with homework, and communicate the child’s needs to those who could make a difference.”  Bettie wanted to help make a difference in a child’s life and she certainly has!  THANK YOU so much for your advocacy for children, Bettie!

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