Each of the 17 CASA volunteers at the recent Oath ceremony collected their certificate from Judge Frank Sullivan and shared why they became a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Family and friends were on hand to witness the momentous occasion. The CASA volunteers’ loved ones gushed with pride as they said a few words on behalf of the new volunteer who they came to support.

A young man named Anthony came with his Dad to support his mother Sharonda as she took her oath. “She has a lot of love to give,” said Anthony. “I am very happy for her and very proud to be her son.” Judge Sullivan asked Sharonda why she became a CASA. “I love children,” she responded. She added, that her goal is “understanding children and being there for them.”

Gail is a businessperson who has considered volunteering as a CASA for 25 years. She recently got a more flexible work schedule and decided that it was a good time to become a CASA volunteer. Gail said that she was a little nervous since she never had kids of her own. She credited the CASA training and support for getting her excited to volunteer. “I just want to be a voice and make a difference in kids’ lives,” said Gail. “For me, it just might really be the purpose I’ve been looking for in my life.”  

“Think about the trauma of being removed from your parents,” said Judge Frank Sullivan. “Maybe they’re at a different school. They have all these people telling them what to do in their lives. They may go to a foster home. There is all different types of food that they never heard of,” added Judge Sullivan. “They are remarkable, they are resilient; all they need is that one person, and many times a CASA is that one person.”

The CASA Program is a very special volunteer opportunity with an impact that is profound even beyond the current generation. Those who volunteer get admiration for their intense desire to help others and really make a difference. Visit casalasvegas.org or call 702-455-CASA to lean how you can Change a Child’s Story.