Volunteer Spotlight - 
Linda Goddard

​“Get involved with something bigger than yourself.”  Advocate Linda Goddard once heard former First Lady Barbara Bush speak those words.   That quote inspired her and effectively helped change a child’s story several times over during the past few years that she has been a CASA.  As with many of our volunteers, Linda’s journey of advocacy began with a postcard in the mail encouraging her to attend an Information Session.  “I thought why not check it out. I’m the mother of four grown children and two grandchildren. My kids had a stable upbringing but not all children have that. These kids are going through crisis…..so I went and listened to the testimonials and it tugged at my heart and I thought - I can do this.”   

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“People often ask me about volunteering for CASA and I tell them that I get to know the child in foster care personally by visiting with them once or more each month….spending time with them and really just connecting with them and talking to anyone associated with the child (parents, resource parents, therapists, teachers, law guardian). Then I report my observations to the court, make recommendations based on what I’ve seen and heard.  I’ve worked on three cases previously and was just assigned my fourth……they’ve all been very different.”   

 

On her first case, Linda advocated for two sisters. After the first few months, the pandemic started and they had to shift to virtual monthly visits, so Linda got creative.  The older sister had many struggles both in school and at home. Linda learned that she liked to draw so they started to play the game “Pictionary” during their virtual visits. Linda encouraged her interest in art and when the youth was finally placed with her grandmother, she was eager to show Linda her art table and supplies.  Linda recalled, “That was rewarding for me to see her excel in something which gave her confidence.”   

 

Another case involved a young girl whose parents had passed away. When Linda first met her, she was very scared and rarely smiled. By the time she was adopted by her aunt, she had turned into a confident, bubbly child. Linda shared how she feels grateful to have played a part in that process.  

 

Regarding the aspects of volunteering she enjoys the most brought a quick smile and an easy answer: “Getting to know the kids, playing with them, falling in love with them, every one of them, you just can’t help it.  They’re vulnerable and scared but once they open up its wonderful!”  She also was happy to be a listening ear for the parents and resource parents. She enjoys getting to know the families.  

 

Linda knows having a CASA makes a difference in a child’s life. “I think it’s just that child knowing that somebody else really cares for them, at a time when they’ve been taken out of what’s familiar for them and everything is different and scary.  Having someone who wants to play with them, see them, come and be with them – that makes a big difference.”  Now, back to in person visits, Linda brings a big bag of fun for each visit stocked with playdough, markers, sidewalk chalk, and board games to enjoy.     

 

For all those who are thinking about becoming a CASA, Linda shares this advice: “Be well informed. Get all the information you can so you understand the role and the commitment.  Talk to someone who is a CASA. And if you have the heart and the time to invest….I say – go for it! Being a CASA is a great way to get involved with something bigger than yourself.”