By Sara Blake
“Honestly, CASA has brought more meaning to my life. To know that I can play a role in putting a child on the path to safety and happiness after seeing the danger and instability they were in is incredibly significant to me,” shares CASA Advocate Linda Salomon. “Even my kids can see the impact – my daughters now want to be CASA volunteers themselves!”
In March of 2020, Linda found herself immersed in 40 hours of CASA training at the same time that her adult children were moving back home due to COVID restrictions. “It certainly gave us all perspective! We all felt like our lives were being put on hold, from my daughter being sent home from college to my son moving back in with his parents from a New York apartment. But to me, the newly gained time on my hands meant more time to give my new role with CASA.”
When she applied to volunteer, Linda had been aware of CASA for several years and knew people who were involved, including a CASA board member and her husband who was a volunteer. “When one of my friends mentioned that she was thinking about volunteering, I knew it was finally the right time. So we decided to apply together.” Linda and her friend completed training together and still support each other on their respective cases today. “We both understand the nature of this work and can really put our heads together. I can see how deeply she feels for the child on her case and how she went above and beyond to be true support. The depth of attention and care that CASA provides for these children is truly remarkable.”
“I believe the time and attention that CASA brings to a case deepens the quality of advocacy and can often change the entire outcome for a child.”
In fact, as her own case closed, Linda found herself surprised by her ability to say what we at CASA call “a healthy goodbye.” “I honestly wondered how I would ever let this little boy go at the end of this case. But when it came time to say goodbye, it was surprising to me how easy it was – because I knew without a doubt that he was in the best possible place. I want him to have a normal, happy, healthy life without caseworkers and CASA and attorneys and judges. And as much as I would miss him, I knew that meant me saying goodbye so he could truly start fresh.
In Linda’s experience, the most important factor CASA volunteers bring to the table is simply time. “I have one case – the CPS caseworker I see at court – who is amazing at her job – has 24 other cases! There were areas I was able to dig deeper in because I had the time to do so. It ended up changing the trajectory of the case because certain things were brought to light,” says Linda. “I believe the time and attention that CASA brings to a case deepens the quality of advocacy and can often change the entire outcome for a child.”
Linda’s outlook on her work with CASA stems from a long history respecting individuality and not taking her own privileges for granted. “My family is very diverse and large,” Linda shares. “I have light skin and blond hair, but my grandparents were both Spanish. I have relatives living in a trailer who have issues with addiction, and relatives who are successful lawyers and doctors and artists. Whatever type of life we build for ourselves often has a lot to do with the opportunities we may or may not have access to. I am very aware that even the time I have to give back to CASA is in and of itself, a privilege.”
“It’s incredible to me the impact you can have on someone with some time and a little brainpower – especially when that person is a child with their whole life in front of them,” says Linda. “It really can make all the difference in the world.”
And Linda doesn’t only give her time to CASA. She has volunteered with Austin Women’s Shelter and El Buen Samaritano, and her family is a founding family of the Austin Anti-Defamation League – an organization that fights against anti-Semitism, racism, and all versions of intolerance.
Linda encourages anyone who is thinking about becoming a CASA volunteer to attend an info session. “And if you want to hear directly from a volunteer about their experience, I am a volunteer ambassador and I would love to share my experience!”
“It’s incredible to me the impact you can have on someone with some time and a little brainpower – especially when that person is a child with their whole life in front of them,” says Linda. “It really can make all the difference in the world.”
You can join Linda in being a source of hope for a child who needs you! Learn more about becoming an advocate on our Volunteer page, apply now, or RSVP for an upcoming Volunteer Info Session over Zoom!
Featured Volunteer Story Volunteer Profiles 2022
