Have you visited our new website yet? You'll want to be sure to check it out! The website has many features, such as videos from CASA volunteers in Georgia, on-demand trainings and resources, upcoming volunteer trainings in the state, ways for you to get involved with the CASA organization and the latest Voices Raising Voices story featuring CASA volunteer Deborah Odom from Alcovy CASA in Covington. We are using Deborah's 'voice' as a CASA volunteer to help raise more 'voices' to advocate for children as CASA volunteers. You can read her story below.

"The advocacy aspect, really being a voice for the child,

spoke to me, because I think if I had a CASA,

my life may have turned out so different

in the years I was in foster care..."

Becoming a CASA was in many ways the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for Deborah Odom of Alcovy CASA in Covington. Having spent time as a child in the foster care system, she was eager to help others in the same circumstances. Deborah had dreamed of going to law school but, as a single mother at seventeen, could not "afford ... that luxury." Grown up and in stable circumstances, she was looking for a way to give back to her community.

Alcovy CASA brought it all together for Deborah at just the right time. Even with her experience and passion, though, she still had much to learn. The CASA training "made me feel much more secure that I could be successful." Once appointed to serve specific children, Deborah found great support and encouragement from CASA staff and "the whole Newton County Juvenile Court System", including judges "who truly love our CASA program."

Almost ten years and over fifty children later, Deborah is as energized as ever to help children find a home. "Everyone wants to feel loved, cared for and wanted," she says. "Everyone wants to know they have one person in their corner that is there for them no matter what. I give every kid that to the best of my ability." And Deborah Odom plans to keep on giving her all for CASA children for as long as life allows...

She often finds that no matter what circumstances these children are in, whether a victim of abuse, neglect or their own unruliness, this is probably one of the hardest times of their lives. She likes knowing that for a brief moment, she is a positive part of their journey and she wants them to know that they have someone standing in their corner no matter what. She reminds them that one day, this will be just a memory and that it does not have to define who they are in the moment or what they will be in years to come.