CASA Talk

From left to right are local musician Chris Seibert Noyes; Robin Davenport, Executive Director of CASA of the Mid-Shore; and professional speaker, Jennifer Field, at the annual holiday luncheon for CASA of the Mid-Shore on Thursday, Dec. 3, at the Tidewater Inn in Easton, Maryland.

I was lucky enough recently to speak at CASA of the Mid-Shore’s annual Celebration of Children Holiday Luncheon in Maryland. This organization trains and supervises Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers who speak up for the best interests of children under court protection due to maltreatment. CASA works to ensure that every victim of child abuse and neglect in their region grows up in a safe and permanent home.

Robin Davenport, CASA of the Mid-Shore’s Executive Director, told me that she felt that my message was a gift to the volunteers, and it would encourage them to always have hope and to keep moving forward. Davenport said victories with the children they serve are measured in “very small increments.” What seems like a little or insignificant action to most people — listening to concerns, meeting for a meal, and offering trust, safety and respect — is a big deal for the children CASA serves, because those actions let them know they matter and are not forgotten.

One of the most important responsibilities a CASA volunteer has is to give a voice to a child’s fears, wishes, best interest and hopes. “By fulfilling their responsibilities to the children and to the court, CASA volunteers help to identify pathways of hope for these children,” Davenport said.

I gave my audience five lessons that I have learned through my recovery:

(1) Never Give Up or Give In; (2) Find your own Path; (3) Focus on Progress, not Perfection, (4) Lives are precious and through tragedy can come transformation; and (5) Be aware of blessings in disguise. It is easy to take everyday actions for granted; eating, talking, sleeping and walking. However, we should all be thankful for these gifts and to make the most of blessings in disguise.

During my time in Maryland I learned that CASA volunteers are encouraged to pay attention to the small victories in their children’s cases. Any action, no matter how small, that CASA takes to help a child move closer to safety, better health, and a loving family is progress. A child’s smile alone is often celebrated as a victory by CASA.

Giving children the opportunity for a better tomorrow, and making communities aware of the needs of children who are maltreated, gives communities the opportunity to come together with one goal — to raise healthier, happier youth. Intervention can stop the cycle of child abuse and children, who have had no one speaking for them, now have CASA volunteers giving a voice for their needs.

I was so honored to deliver my speech to CASA supporters and volunteers at this holiday time of giving. For more information about CASA of the Mid-Shore, please go to www.casamidshore.org.