Volunteer Spotlight -
Tara Corsi

Parent, teacher, small business owner, non-profit co-founder and CASA volunteer, Tara Corsi knows how to stay busy!   First introduced to CASA for Children by her sister Lauren who has volunteered for CASA for several years, the sisters share a common goal in advocating for children in our community.  Tara has 26 years of experience in education and currently teaches 5th grade in Cherry Hill.  Her passion has always involved helping children and now as an advocate for a young girl in Camden County, Tara has found yet another way to make a difference through her role as a CASA.

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While she admits juggling these many components of her life can at times be challenging, she shared that when it comes to helping children, you just find the time.  Visiting the child twice monthly always begins with being welcomed with a big hug.  During the time they’ve come to know each other, Tara has become a trusted presence, someone who the family members know volunteers her time and they value her contributions as an advocate. 

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When she’s not in school or out on a child visit, Tara can be found helping place dogs into their forever homes through All Mutts Matter Rescue. Co-founded by like-minded dog lovers, the organization has placed over 140 pets in just 9 months since their inception. 

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In addition to advocating for a child, parenting, working, running the rescue, Tara also owns Quoits USA – a family business that sells the traditional ring toss game.  The company is derived from Tara’s grandfather’s business, Harry’s Army Navy Store of Trenton, which opened in the 1950’s.  Tara continues the legacy online after the original store closed.  

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While constantly moving, Tara is centered by the impact of her volunteer work. When asked what difference having a CASA makes in a child’s life, she shared, “It makes a huge difference. She has someone she can depend on, someone she knows is there for her, someone who is showing up because they want to.”

To those thinking about becoming a CASA volunteer, she offered these words of encouragement, “You might be nervous at first, but you will have all the support and then some….the training is so helpful, there is so much that is covered that is useful. You’re not alone, you will do this with support, there is always someone there to help with anything you need. And I can’t say enough about the training, it was extremely beneficial.”

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Tara is eager to visit her CASA child this month as school begins for them both. “My favorite part of volunteering has been seeing the child’s face when I get to the home she’s living in.  She lights up. I didn’t know what to expect but she enjoys our time together.  She looks forward to the visits and that makes me feel good knowing that she likes our time together, that she trusts me and that we’ve developed such a nice relationship.”