“Once I attended the information session, I had no doubt this was the right fit for me,” said CASA volunteer Amy Martin.

Amy is approaching her third year as a volunteer advocate and, in that time, she has been a voice for three young children and an ambassador for CASA in the community, calling CASA her “passion.”

“The one thing I wish people knew about CASA is that, many times, as the CASA you will get more out of the experience than you expect,” Amy said. “You will get to know your child better than just about anyone in their life. You will enjoy and look forward to the time you get to spend with them.”

There will be some difficulties in dealing with children who are experiencing some of the hardest situations in their young lives, as well. But that’s why we’re here.

“The fact that you are there to help them through the tough times is really what it’s all about,” she said.

“The most important thing to be about being an advocate is for the child to truly understand that, as their CASA, I am there solely for them. I am not paid to do this, I do it because I want to, not because I have to. I want them to understand they can come to me for whatever reason, confide in me, and express to me their wishes as to where they’re safe and comfortable.”

Amy also understands that advocating takes time, but it’s doable.

“You arrange visits according to what works for the child, yourself, and the child’s legal guardian,” Amy said. “If you are truly interested in advocating for a child in need, you will find a way to make it work.”

If you’d like to change the story of an abused or neglected child, visit luzernecasa.org/events to sign up for an info session prior to the start of our spring training class which starts on March 10.

Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Bloomsburg University. She and her husband Matthew have three children and reside in Mountain Top.