March Advocate Spotlight
Theresa Matlock
1. How long have you been an Advocate and when did you realize you wanted to become one?
I completed my training in July 2020 and took my first case in August 2020. The pandemic made me feel isolated, so I joined CASA to become connected back to the community. I wanted to help after hearing that child abuse and neglect was increasing during the pandemic.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of being an Advocate?
I enjoy seeing the huge changes in the children as they opened up and became comfortable in a safe and loving environment. I also enjoy being an emotional support person for both the biological parents and the foster parents. I feel like I can really help by just listening and letting them vent or getting clarification and reassurance from me.
3. If you could offer some words of encouragement to your fellow and incoming Advocates, what would they be?
Sometimes progress on the case moves slowly. Sometimes it’s hard to feel like you are making a real difference. Those times, I just try to connect with the children. If I can have a few good minutes playing with them or making them laugh, I feel like I’ve done some good.
Theresa Matlock (Jennifer Butanda’s Advocate)
Brittany Coppage
CASA Volunteer Advocate, Christina Albert, was appointed to the case. She immediately contacted CPS, then reached out to the grandparents and traveled to visit the children.
