Meet Bill Pollard. Both authentic and welcoming in spirit, it does not take long to understand why Bill became a CASA. Having two girls of his own, one in chiropractic school and another who is a freshman in high school, Pollard is certainly versed in understanding the needs of children. After graduating college with an Associates Degree in Electrical Management and another in Electrical Engineering, Pollard was quickly drafted by PPL Utilities.

Watching his daughters become young adults, Bill began to focus on a passion that he carried with him since he was a young boy. That strong feeling was the desire to be a supportive role model for children in need. In 2015, as fate would have it, while watching TV one night, Pollard saw a public service announcement for CASA of Luzerne County. Within no time he applied, passed the interview process, completed the mandatory 30-hour training, and was proudly sworn-in. To date, Pollard has advocated for 2 children.

When asked if any of his experiences as a CASA have been life altering, Bill provided very optimistic insight. He explained that, "It's truly inspiring how many people out there are willing to help kids. I've seen a single dad foster multiple children and not just provide a home for them but provide building blocks for a better future. I've felt the warm inviting feeling of foster homes and witnessed adults working hard to provide for these children in ways they've never experienced before."

When discussing advice for future advocates, Pollard reminisced on how he may have approached his past cases a little differently now that he has experience. He suggested that advocates be approachable, open, and friendly. Be sure to get to know the caseworker by establishing rapport and becoming a resource for them. At times, this field of volunteerism can take a toll emotionally, but the positive outcomes and inspiring progresses along the way make it worth every minute of it.

At the conclusion of our interview, Bill and I spoke in depth regarding his most recent case. The child's mother was incarcerated for the abuse that she inflicted on her newborn son. Not only did Bill fulfill his duties as a CASA but he personally went over and above to fulfill the mission of making the child's voice heard, since the child was in a vegetative state and could not speak. Pollard attended the mother's parole hearings. When given the chance to speak on the child's behalf, Pollard would explain the difficulties that the child would experience every single day because of her abuse. Both times, she was denied parole: an unfortunate situation but a significant impact.

We are grateful and extremely proud to have Bill Pollard as a CASA. Both his motivation and dedication are inspiring and are what makes this program vital to our community. Stay tuned for next month's Advocate Spotlight and read on to view upcoming events and training opportunities!

*(Left-Right) Sandy Serafin and Donna Vrhel*

Within minutes of talking to both Sandy and Donna, it was clear that helping kids is not something they do in their spare time, but something they do every single day. Both women were part of the first group of advocates that CASA of Luzerne County recruited, trained, and Appointed by the court back in 2013. It is fitting that they were part of that first founding class, as they exemplify what it means to be a CASA (court appointed special advocate).

The military took Serafin out of the area for 30 years. While serving the country overseas, she was regularly introduced to communities in need. Her passion for changing futures came naturally and she enjoyed helping children the most. It was fitting that upon her return, she quickly became a CASA. Sandy has been appointed to her fifth case.

Like Serafin, Donna also has a long history serving the needs of neglected or impoverished children. Vrhel spent 10 years in NY state CYS (Children and Youth Services) and then moved to Pennsylvania, serving another 27 years in the Luzerne County CYS office. Vrhel has remained working with the children from her first case: two sisters, split by their childhood traumas of both abuse and neglect. Four years after becoming their advocate, Donna displays the consistency and stability that a CASA provides for children who need it most.

Both women agree that being a CASA provides consistency for a child amongst so much instability. They have learned to ‘listen with their eyes as well as their ears,’ as body language can reveal so many things about a child’s situation. When asked if she had any advice for future and pending Advocates, Donna summarized in an impactful statement, “CASA is a great launching pad for people looking to serve children. The initial training takes some time but just a little time dedicated to the child can change their future forever.”

Advocate Spotlight: Bill Pollard

Advocate Spotlight: Sandy Serafin and Donna Vrhel