Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of New Hampshire is a nonprofit organization that enlists, educates, and assists community volunteers to act as advocates for children in the state who have been abused or neglected. These CASA volunteers form connections with the children and the significant people in their lives, providing essential insights that help judges make decisions focused on the children's best interests. They impact the lives of children by standing up for them when no one else will and providing them with a chance to experience better days ahead. Let's hear some of their stories.
CASA Advocate Claire Holston
The key to a strong wellbeing is physical, mental, and spiritual health. Claire Holston embodies this comprehensive approach through her varied roles as a personal trainer, spiritual practitioner, social justice advocate, and volunteer with CASA. Her journey illustrates how to seamlessly integrate and cultivate these aspects to attain a balanced and fulfilling life. Claire began her volunteer work with CASA in 2013 while working full-time at BAE Systems in southern New Hampshire. Upon retiring, Claire shifted her focus from a career in operations to one dedicated to physical fitness and spiritual wellbeing. She now conducts personal training sessions in clients' homes and is a certified spiritual practitioner through the Centers for Spiritual Living in addition to her work as a CASA.
One particularly memorable CASA case for Claire involved a baby whose parents were dealing with mental health issues. The child was staying with the grandparents temporarily. Claire said, “We were able to find an adoptive family who was willing to let the grandparents stay involved in the baby’s life. So, I was able to walk step-in-step with them. It was a joy to go and visit. They were doing all the things they needed to do as adoptive parents. I was able to be in court with them on the day the child was turned over to them.” Nearly 10 years later, Claire still considers the role to be difficult but fulfilling.
CASA Advocate Mike LaRoche
Mike LaRoche's volunteer adventure began on a fall evening in 2009. Up until that point, he had often assisted with his wife's extensive volunteer work, handling tasks like setting up tables and chairs and running the concession stand at football games. While these activities were beneficial, Mike longed for something more meaningful and personal. Mike said choosing CASA was the best thing he has ever done, besides marrying his wife and having his children.
When Mike talks about his volunteer work, he can't help but smile. However, it's his eyes that truly reveal his passion. They sparkle brighter than diamonds as he shares the positive impact he makes as a CASA volunteer. “I look forward to it,” Mike says. “It’s a break from my workday world. It puts the rest of my life into perspective. I always come back from my visits, or team meetings, or court hearings feeling exceptionally grateful for how fortunate I am with my family, and with my life growing up because I was not abused or neglected. My worst day at work can never be nearly as bad as what some of these children go through.”
Mike often hears about people that work full-time having a longing to help but are afraid they do not have the time until they retire. Mike is proof that you can always squeeze it in.
CASA Advocate Molly Ellis
Before becoming a CASA, Molly Ellis lived a high-flying life as a flight attendant. She first learned about CASA through a newspaper article during her college years, a time when she was constantly on the move. The article left a lasting impression on her. Years later, when the COVID pandemic brought air travel to a standstill, Molly seized the opportunity to complete her preservice training and embark on a new path, dedicating her time to advocating for children as a CASA volunteer. Once Molly began training for CASA, she immediately knew she made the correct decision.
A case in particular that Molly reflects on involved a younger child. “This case has gone on for so long that I feel like my youngest child, who was so resistant and so closed off, he’s finally gotten to a point where he is a little bit willing to open up, and I do just cherish the fact that this consistency has led to him developing some trust. That is nice to know, that a child that does not have a lot of stability in his life does feel that you are a little bit stable.” Molly stated that one of the most rewarding parts of CASA is the constant striving to help benefit these children little by little. “Most of us can’t move mountains, most of us are not Mother Teresa or something incredible like that. But this is a way that in my normal life I know that I’m trying to do something and trying to give back and make our community better.” Molly has certainly benefitted the community.
CASA Advocate Mike Krizansky
Mike Krizansky, a retired design engineer and active volunteer for CASA, is a man of action. The thought of being idle is unbearable to him. With a wide range of interests that includes golf, fishing, and restoring classic motorcycles, Mike stays busy. Equally varied are his efforts to give back to the community. As a CASA volunteer, Mike supports children who have been abused or neglected, working to ensure they find a safe and permanent home. Standing tall at 6'1", he has a particular fondness for working with infants, finding immense joy in his interactions with them.
It's evident that Mike's affection for children, and people of all ages, knows no bounds. When speaking on his role with CASA, he says, “I think the most rewarding thing is knowing when I go home, that I’ve got some influence on one, two, or three children’s lives. I’m not going to get on a soapbox and say that without me they couldn’t have done it, because I’m not doing all the work. I’m just reporting, and observing, and just trying to be as kind and communicative to both the children and the parents, and the Division, my program manager, and the court as I possibly can, and maybe offering some of my influence. Mike also said he feels extremely accepted at CASA by all volunteers and employees. “I really do feel like it’s a great family,” Mike says. A family that is greatly enriched by having Mike as a part of it.
Read more CASA volunteer stories here.