Volunteer Voices

Maria Alvarenga-Watkins, Volunteer, CASA of Central Texas, San Marcos, Texas

Why did you become a CASA?

I volunteer for CASA because I love children, especially now that I am a grandmother. I try to do my best for the children I advocate for as a way to "pass on the care and love" I have for my own grandchildren that I can't be with more often. I want all children to have the best now so they can be productive adults in the future. I want to know that I have lived to help at least one child.

What would you tell someone considering volunteering for CASA?

There is always a child that needs your voice. CASA volunteers are regular people like you and me, and that's all it takes to be a good advocate for a child. With the training and support a volunteer gets from the CASA staff, it is easy to navigate the court system. Moreover, the necessary skills for this job are the willingness to help and the love you have for children. That's all.