Like many CASA volunteers, Mt. Shasta resident Annie Moore has a busy full-time career and an active family life, yet finds time and energy to give back to her community in significant and enduring ways. She has been a CASA for over four years.
How did you originally find out about CASA?
I saw an ad in the local newspaper. My daughter had just left for college, and I was at a slow time with my job; I was looking for some sort of volunteer work to do to help take my mind off my daughter being gone.
Why does CASA and its mission appeal to you?
Because CASA was an organization focused on children and the needs of children. Before I started CASA, I thought I was brought up in a fairly dysfunctional family; since my involvement with CASA that prospective has changed. The past history and dysfunction in most of these kids lives is really heartbreaking. If a CASA can help even just a few children it is well worth the time and effort.
Your challenges as a CASA?
Lately my biggest challenge is time; my job is now full gear and I find it difficult to find the extra time needed. Another challenge would be my level of confidence in dealing with some of the problems that come up with behavior / attitudes. It’s hard to compare it to your own children and their upbringing because it is such a totally different situation.
The rewards of being a CASA?
When your CASA child smiles, laughs, or reaches out to you.
Advice you would pass on to new CASAs?
Be patient; change and positive feedback comes slow. It takes a while for a child that has been in and out of numerous foster homes to establish any kind of trust. It’s not always “warm and fuzzy”, but even the small rewards are well worth the time and effort.
Anything else you’d like folks to know about you?
Please tell your friends and relatives about CASA. Many more volunteers are needed to help the children in this community.
