Volunteer Spotlight -
Carrie & Joe Iwanowski
“Working with four children has reminded me of raising our own two, especially our instinct to always try to make the kids smile.”
Joe and Carrie’s story begins in a familiar place: work. The two met years ago in the hallway of an electric company, both working in tech. More than four decades later, they are still finding meaningful ways to grow together, most recently as CASA volunteers.
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When asked what they admire most about each other, their answers reveal a deep sense of partnership. Joe describes Carrie as the more social one, the person who pulls him into conversations and community. Joe, in turn, is Carrie’s sounding board—someone she can always talk things through with. Together, they believe they can conquer just about anything, especially when they’re side by side.
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The idea to volunteer with CASA came from Joe. As retirement approached, he knew he wanted to stay engaged and give back in a meaningful way. Volunteering wasn’t new territory for the couple—they had previously served at a food bank and a homeless shelter, and Joe often came up with new service ideas to try.
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As they navigated this new experience, Joe and Carrie found ways to support each other while respecting the structure of the program. They do all visits together, but they divide responsibilities carefully. Before each visit, they decide who will document the notes, alternating roles each time. While they aren’t allowed to read or edit each other’s reports (they leave that to their Peer Coach!), they talk constantly—learning as they go and leaning on one another’s perspectives. Together, they strike a balance that serves both them and the children they advocate for.
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After so many years together, they joke that they haven’t learned anything new about each other—but the experience has still been eye-opening. Working with four children has reminded Carrie of raising their own two, especially their instinct to always try to make the kids smile. They’ve gained insight into a world they weren’t previously familiar with: learning about other people’s children, families, and challenges in a much deeper way.
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For couples considering volunteering with CASA together, Joe and Carrie offer thoughtful advice. Be prepared to put in the time—it’s more time-consuming than they expected. Stay together in the work, because splitting it up could mean missing pieces of the full story. Two heads really are better than one, and having someone to talk things through with is essential.
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Self-care remains a priority for them. They hike or walk every day, love to travel, and enjoy babysitting their grandbabies. They are always finding new things to do together, keeping lists of future adventures and making space for joy alongside the hard work.
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Joe and Carrie’s CASA journey is a reminder that volunteering doesn’t just change lives—it can deepen bonds, too. When shared with intention, empathy, and teamwork, service becomes another chapter in a long and meaningful partnership.