Area volunteers stick up for children in the court system - #lakewoodnews

The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties got started in 2001, and since then CASA volunteers have helped more than 2,500 children.

"When I think about all the children we've helped --; literally thousands --; I think, what if we weren't here for them?" said Leah Varnell, executive director for CASA Jeffco/Gilpin.

Still, she added, in the 15 years the organization has been in existence, only 30 percent to 40 percent of the children in the court system got advocates.

This past year, there were more than 1,000 open cases of child abuse and neglect in Jefferson and Gilpin counties. CASA volunteers were able to advocate for 416 of the children.

CASA is always needing volunteers, Varnell said, and volunteers come from all different backgrounds, professions and personal experiences. Just under half work fullt-ime jobs, and the rest are students, retired or work part-time.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and one way CASA spreads the word about the program is its annual Champions for Children Breakfast, which took place this year on April 6.

But it's not just a problem in April, Varnell said. It's every day of the year.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month, she said, is simply "an opportunity for all those involved in child welfare to collectively bring awareness to the public on ways they can get involved and help."

A glimpse into the life of a CASA

Linda Hartman has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for one year. She is just finishing up with her first CASA child.

Hartman, 67, a retired registered nurse who lives in Arvada, became a CASA because of her interest in children and experience as a registered nurse.

"I felt like I was equipped to be able to work with people in tough and stressful situations," she said.

Hartman's CASA child was a 4-year-old girl who would always run up and hug her when she visited. Hartman has grandchildren near the same age, so she knew about the "fun kid stuff" --; they did some learning games, and played with dolls and sticker books together. One of Hartman's favorite memories was in the fall when the two of them went on a walk.

"She just had the most delightful time playing in the leaves," Hartman said.

Hartman is looking forward to the interactions she will have with her next CASA child.

"It's been a real meaningful experience," she said, "for me, and I think for them, also."

Troy Hunsucker, 43, learned about the Court Appointed Special Advocate program through friends who live in a different state.

"It's something I've always wanted to do," he said.

Hunsucker, of Wheat Ridge, is a small business owner of a company that manages investments for local governments. He has been a CASA since October.

A CASA's role is important because it gives a voice to a child who otherwise wouldn't have one, Hunsucker said.

"Our job is to really get to know the kids," he said. "We get to sit down and spend quality time with them."

Hunsucker's CASA child is an 18-year-old boy who is in the process of going through job interviews. An outing will sometimes include shopping for new clothes he can wear to his interviews, Hunsucker said, but they "always get in a meal together."

The teen also has a passion for music --; he likes to download new music and share it with Hunsucker, which Hunsucker enjoys because he gets to listen to music he has never been to exposed to.

"I learn things from him, and he doesn't even realize it," Hunsucker said. "We're both benefiting."

Kassi Weathers, 24, believes it's important to stand by the children and give them a voice.

Weathers is a 9-1-1 dispatcher who lives in Wheat Ridge. She has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for almost two years.

"Everybody has something they can offer these children," Weathers said.

CASAs help the children get their needs --; and sometimes their wants --; met.

And there's plenty of resources within the CASA organization, so the volunteers are never going at it alone, she added.

When the children begin to open up to their CASA, it's rewarding to see them become joyful and happy during every interaction --; regardless of their situation, Weathers said.

Weathers' CASA child is a 15-year-old girl with whom she goes out for coffee, ice cream or smoothies.

"We just hang out and talk," Weathers said.

CASA does a Christmas drive where every child gets to ask for a gift. The community helps the organization so every child gets his or her requested gift, Weathers said.

Weathers' CASA child asked for shoes --; black winter boots with a wedge heel.

"The joy she had for getting her own Christmas present that she asked for," Weathers said, "that's one of the highlights every year."

Scott Jurgens has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for about seven years.

"It's not necessarily easy work all of the time," he said, "but that's part of what makes it so rewarding."

CASAs celebrate the small victories the children experience.

Jurgens, 58, read about the CASA program somewhere and got to thinking, "who is going to speak for the children?"

"It prompted me," he said. "I can do that --; and they needed somebody."

People often don't know what children in the system go through, Jurgens said. That's why it's so important for people to be aware of the CASA program, he added.

Jurgens lives in Arvada and works for a pipeline company. He spends time with his CASA children --; two boys who are 10 and 12 years old --; after work. They get dinner together, have "gone out to hit some golf balls" or will go to the park or for a hike.

"As a CASA, you're one of the few constants in their lives," Jurgens said. "When you spend time with them, they truly appreciate it."

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