“There are so many children who could use an advocate to help them.”

Bill Leandri made the decision to become an advocate after hearing CASA’s executive director speak to The Luzerne Foundation. It was in that moment, Bill said, that he knew he was ready to help positively impact the life of a child in our community.

One look at Bill’s advocacy and it’s easy to see that he’s succeeding.

“On a recent visit, he just latched on to me and wanted me to play with him,” Bill said, noting how the two had achieved that close and trusting relationship.

Bill says that it’s in the giving that he’s able to make that impact.

“Be ready to give of yourself,” he said. “Your time, energy, and compassion. You will get much happiness in this giving relationship.”

There are still children who are waiting, though, for someone to be that person for them.

“I feel good being able to help this child,” Bill said. “But I also know there are so many more children out there who could use our help. I hope we can bring new advocates to this program. I also have to add that the CASA staff was so incredibly helpful throughout training, answering questions, and overall support which has helped me in so many ways.”

There are currently more than 500 children in foster care in Luzerne County. Of those, 85% are without a CASA volunteer.

CASA’s fall training class starts on Monday, September 27. If you want to know more about what advocacy looks like and what would be expected of you as a volunteer, we invite you to attend our final info session of the season on September 8. Click here to register.

Bill holds an MBA in finance from Wilkes University and lives in Lehman with his wife Christine. They have four daughters and six grandchildren.