For CASA volunteer Maureen Harkins, kindness and empathy are character traits instilled from an early age. Since July 2019, she has used those traits to advocate for a young man who has come to know that his advocate is someone who will be there for him through thick and thin.
“My CASA youth has multiple intellectual and emotional issues with no family support,” Maureen said. “As a CASA volunteer, I have been able to offer some continuity despite his various placements. He seems to know that I listen to him and follow his progress and hopes. He knows I am vested in his success.”
Growing up, Maureen’s family would open their homes to children from St. Michael’s School for Boys which opened Maureen’s eyes to the fact that there are children who are without support systems or places to go for the holidays.
In college, Maureen volunteered her time to an after school program where many of the children experienced challenges similar to the ones our CASA kids often face.
“Those young ones taught me a lot about resilience,” Maureen said.
Maureen’s experiences and kind heart have proven to be exactly what her CASA child has needed in his life. She continues to be a constant source of support for a child who had none.
“When I retired from finance in 2018, I knew I wanted to get back to working with children and draw on my training in education and psychology,” Maureen said. “CASA was the perfect fit at the perfect time.”
Maureen also understands the importance of patience and dedication toward advocacy itself.
“Although I haven’t had extensive experience working with support services in our area, I am climbing that learning curve,” she said. “I would remind others who are considering becoming an advocate to accept that you don’t have to be perfect to contribute something worthwhile. But you do have to be there, even when it’s complicated.”
That mindset has allowed Maureen to continue to change this child’s story, which is what advocacy is all about.
If you would like to join Maureen and CASA of Luzerne County in this mission, we would love to hear from you. We’ll be hosting an online info session on Monday, January 11 at 1 p.m. and we hope you’ll join us.
Maureen is from Forty Fort and holds a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee and a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin.
