Volunteer Spotlight: Tish Stevenson

Meet Tish! She completed CASA training in January 2022 and has already worked on three cases. Tish shared, “I intentionally retired from my role as a school counselor to do something unpaid because I knew that there’s really important work being done in our community by volunteers.” Initially wanting to work with refugees, Tish was moved by CASA’s mission after seeing a billboard and exploring the program.
Although she had experience working with families and Child Protective Services as a school counselor and mandated reporter, CASA training helped Tish realize that she still had a lot more to learn about foster care and the child welfare system. Training taught Tish how the court system works and prepared her for her first case.
Tish now understands how many community members coordinate to help children and families in need. She knew the system is overburdened, and that some children fall through the cracks, “but seeing it is a whole different experience.” In fact, one of Tish’s favorite parts of being a volunteer is knowing that in her own way she is a part of the community solution to child abuse and neglect.
When asked what she would say to prospective CASA volunteers, Tish answered, “You think you can anticipate what it’s going to be like, but you can never know the rich lessons you’ll learn until you do it… it’s such a growing experience.” Her personal motto: “bite off more than you can chew and then chew it!”
This article is part of the Fall 2023 edition of CASA Connect, CASA of Kent County’s quarterly newsletter. Click here to view a pdf version of this newsletter.
When Christina Baur reflects on her identity and purpose, one word always rises to the surface: advocate.
For many, pinpointing the moment that set their career in motion isn’t easy. But Margaret Allen, a court-appointed attorney in Kent County, knows exactly where her journey into child welfare began—with the values her parents lived every day.
Hope isn’t always easy to see. It can flicker, grow dim, or feel out of reach. But for those willing to wait, to look closer, or to simply keep going, hope has a way of shining through. Ginger Randall knows this well.
Being an informed community member will better equip you to advocate for vulnerable children in our community. Subscribe to our email list to stay up to date on CASA of Kent County news, stories, events, and more. We promise not to overwhelm you with too many emails!
"*" indicates required fields