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Larry Michel, one of our newest advocates, served as a CASA in Multnomah County for three years before moving to Bend. He says, "I was raised by two caring parents and had a storybook childhood. My parents took the time, made our family a priority, and made untold sacrifices on our behalf. Sadly, many children are not as fortunate as I was. Kids don’t choose the situation they are born into and many need help. I became a CASA to give a voice to the best interests of a child who desperately needs it. No regrets." |
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Pam Spencer has been advocating for local children in foster care for almost four years. She says, “I love my kids. It takes time to build a relationship, and I have that with each of my kids. I get joy out of spending time with them in a variety of ways; painting nails, helping in their classroom, going to eat lunch with them, visiting at Boys and Girls Club, etc. Sometimes a foster parent needs to vent; if I listen, it gives them energy to be a better foster parent and that is good for the kids. The children’s faces light up with a smile when I come visit; that gives me joy.” |
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A volunteer advocate since 2013, Faye Downes says, "I grew up on a farm and was fortunate as a child to have two parents available for me 24/7. Children should not have to go through what many CASA kids have to deal with; childhood is too short. I hope to be a strong, positive person in the life of each child I serve and to be a voice for children who cannot advocate for themselves." |
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Linda Gocke has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for almost eight years, serving a total of nine children in foster care so far. She says, "I was retired for several years before I found CASA. I needed to find something to do where I was giving back. It's rewarding to see parents work hard to get their kiddos back and become a positive in their community, and when that can't happen, it's rewarding to see kids get adopted by wonderful people, knowing both parents and child will make it." |
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