After 27 years of serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA), Diane Drescher says, "Being a CASA is almost as natural to me as breathing! My heart has always been with kids."
Although she had a full-time teaching job and was raising 2 kids at the time, she says she just knew that stepping up and giving time to support children as a CASA was the right thing to do. "Through the years , I have always gotten back so much more than I have given. I have witnessed families reunited, and children who have found a home with loving relatives. I have seen such resilience. strength and hope."
Drescher had found that giving kids a voice is powerful and her favorite thing about being a CASA is seeing kids find safe havens. A cherished memory involves a case from several years ago involving a teen who had gone through several placements including a residential group home. "She was a smart, funny, beautiful person. After a long time of being unmoored, an aunt out of state adopted her. She wrote letters to me and one of the first things she told me was “Ms. D, I saw the ocean! I wish everyone back at -( the group home) could see this!” This has stayed with me as a testament to her empathy and heart, despite the hardships she’d been through in her young life."
Drescher has had a lasting impact on many of the children she has advocated for. "One of the girls from my very first case now has her own children. She serves in the military and we keep in touch. I’m godmother to one of her boys. This means the world to me!"
"CASA of the River Region is thankful to include Diane Drescher among our amazing volunteers. Her dedication and longevity are unrivaled," shared Jamie Noon, CEO. When asked why she continues taking on new cases as a CASA, Drescher added," It's just an integral part of who I am."
Looking for a rewarding and important volunteer opportunity? Consider becoming a CASA. Visit www.casarr.org/volunteer or contact Karen at karen@casarr.org to learn more.