By Sara Blake
“I’ve volunteered since I was a child. I grew up with parents who were very involved in their community. They were always serving and giving back, but never sought acknowledgement or credit. It was just what our family did,” begins CASA Volunteer Jessica. “For me, volunteering with CASA felt like a natural way for me to continue living out that legacy.”
“For me, volunteering with CASA felt like a natural way for me to continue living out that legacy."
Jessica was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. She received a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry from the University of Texas-Pan American, (now called the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley). “When I first graduated, I actually became a CPS worker before using my degree. That experience opened my eyes to the desperation of the child welfare system,” Jessica remembers. “One of my more difficult cases was assigned a fantastic CASA volunteer, and I was so impressed by the help they brought to the case.”
“When I first graduated, I actually became a CPS worker before using my degree. That experience opened my eyes to the desperation of the child welfare system,” Jessica remembers. “One of my more difficult cases was assigned a fantastic CASA volunteer, and I was so impressed by the help they brought to the case.”
Five years later, Jessica was working for the state as a medical food, drug and cosmetic inspector. “I was grateful for the chance to use my degree, but I couldn’t shake what I had seen during my time working in the system.” Jessica applied to a CASA program in the Rio Grande Valley, where she volunteered for several years before moving to Austin, meeting her husband and having her daughter.
Today, Jessica is celebrating her five-year anniversary with CASA of Travis County. She has worked with children of all ages, but particularly enjoys the chance to work with teens. “I think people are nervous to work with teens because they aren’t sure how to relate to them,” Jessica says thoughtfully. “But in my experience, the teens have been so fun and special. This generation of young people has such a unique perspective on the world.”
“I think people are nervous to work with teens because they aren’t sure how to relate to them,” Jessica says thoughtfully. “But in my experience, the teens have been so fun and special. This generation of young people has such a unique perspective on the world.”
Jessica has also found ways to be a support to parents in her role. “So many times, the biggest issue for these families is poverty. On one case, a kinship placement almost fell through because the guardians couldn’t attend parenting classes due to their work schedules. It just seemed like everything was working against them instead of for them!” Thankfully, Jessica and her supervisor brought it to the judge’s attention and they agreed with CASA’s recommendation to keep the children with their family.
One of Jessica’s most inspiring characteristics is her humility. She admits that she “honestly would rather not be featured, because I don’t think service should be about recognition or attention. It’s just about doing the right thing.”
“But CASA’s influence is powerful. There’s nothing more amazing than receiving calls from kids, now adults, who have aged out and just want to update me on how well their life is going. It’s just been an amazing experience.”
Thankfully though, Jessica’s supportive family and friends convinced her to say yes.
“I hope this encourages people to think about applying to volunteer. Yes, this is emotional work. We need our own support systems, and it’s also okay to take breaks between cases if you need to process. I encourage everyone to be open-minded, but to know your own limits,” says Jessica. “But CASA’s influence is powerful. There’s nothing more amazing than receiving calls from kids, now adults, who have aged out and just want to update me on how well their life is going. It’s just been an amazing experience.”
