Volunteer Voices

“It is my hope that, one day, the family will remember the efforts of the agencies and volunteers and make better choices for themselves. Only then can some repetitive cycles of violence, abuse, and neglect be broken and replaced by more productive and constructive family units.”

Sharon Grady
Retired U.S. Air Force Commander
CASA Volunteer Since 2006

After 31 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Sharon Grady was considering her next career move.  She learned about CASA in 2006 and liked the idea of contributing to the safety and well-being of children and families.  Sharon began her relationship with CASA as a volunteer for the Supervised Exchange and Visitation (SEPT) Program. As a SEPT facilitator, Sharon’s gratification comes from knowing that her efforts allow family members to share special time together in a safe environment. “I am old enough, after all, to remember when these services did not exist for families in need,” she said.

In addition to her role as a SEPT facilitator, Sharon is also a CASA. She completed her training in the advocacy program in February of 2007 and is currently working on a Dependency & Neglect case involving three children. The household is headed by a single parent who has maintained sobriety for 9 months and recently had parental custody restored.  “It is my hope that, one day, the family will remember the efforts of the agencies and volunteers and make better choices for themselves,” said Sharon. “Only then can some repetitive cycles of violence, abuse, and neglect be broken and replaced by more productive and constructive family units.”

Sharon is a wonderful, compassionate person who is a force for good in the community. She is patient, poised, and has a special gift for providing a sense of calm and tranquility in difficult situations.  “I feel privileged to work with her,” said CASA Case Supervisor, Corey Almond. “Sharon’s discernment and practical point of view are excellent attributes for CASA advocacy.”

Sharon is married and has two children in college, along with two step-children and four step-grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, visiting with friends, and volunteer work.  She plans to get her credentials to provide psychological counseling services in the near future. 

“When you can rescue a child from a life of despair and give them a good life with a bright future – that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Verl Holmes
Life Insurance Agent/Financial Consultant
CASA Volunteer for 11 Years

Verl Holmes is a seasoned volunteer with 11 years of service to CASA of the Pikes Peak Region. He has been an advocate on many cases, has served on numerous committees, is an active participant in the CASA Speaker’s Bureau, and has been a valuable source of support in countless other ways.

“Verl is a tremendously devoted, creative and tenacious advocate,” said CASA Case Supervisor Terry Dickman. “He has done some remarkable things for the kids he has worked with.”

One of Verl’s most challenging, but rewarding cases involved a baby that was born addicted to methamphetamine. The parents, who had two other children, were both drug users who could not overcome their addictions and could not provide proper care for their kids. After the courts got involved the parents became desperate and fled, taking their kids with them into hiding. Verl was instrumental in helping to locate the family and was present when the police forced entry into the residence to remove the children. “It’s a terrible tragedy when a family is ripped apart by drug addiction, and it’s a hard thing to see first-hand,” said Verl. But his hard work and dedication paid off when the three children were adopted into a safe home by caring, committed parents. A formal commitment ceremony was held to welcome the kids into their new family, and Verl fondly recalls the loving vows the adoptive parents made to the kids.

“Being a CASA is the best volunteer job in town,” Verl said. “When you can rescue a child from a life of despair and give them a good life with a bright future – that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Verl also sits on the Advisory Board for the downtown YMCA and is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Reba, have been married since 1972 and have three grown children. Verl inspired his daughter, Caroline, to follow in his footsteps and become a CASA volunteer. Caroline later joined the CASA staff and worked as a case coordinator for the Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team for several years.

Diana is a generous and dedicated volunteer who serves as a CASA and as a facilitator/Captain for the Supervised Exchange and Parenting Time
(SEPT) Program. Diana is a skilled sign language interpreter and has worked on cases involving the deaf. She is currently working on her fourth Dependency & Neglect case. 

As a retired teacher of the deaf and of the blind and an interpreter, Diana has been able to use her knowledge of deaf culture, American Sign Language, and interpreting to help navigate through the complexities of her cases as a cultural mediator in order to meet the needs of the children. One of Diana's challenges as a CASA has been to distinguish herself as an advocate for the children, while also being a resource for information about deafness. She stresses that it is important for there to be interpreters provided on cases involving the deaf, whether it be for court, staffings, evaluations, therapy, or mediations. Diana can provide information for professionals about the culture of deafness and the impact on decisions regarding the children in the case. 

"Diana has been invaluable to CASA," said Director of Programs, Mittie Pedraza. "She has used her knowledge to help educate the courts and professionals involved on deaf culture and special considerations for cases involving deaf individuals. She is a respectful and diligent volunteer who leaves no stone unturned." 

Diana became involved with CASA because of her own experiences as a foster child. "I was fortunate to have experienced the support of caring people helping me survive through many difficult years," she said. "I firmly believe that the caring and interest of those special people are the reasons I survived." Diana is still close to her foster parents, Carolyn and Leo Nassimbene. She says her involvement with CASA is another way for her to honor them for taking her into their home and family. "CASA is also a way I can give back for all the good that I have experienced and to share what I have learned with those experiencing difficult times. It is also because of CASA's guidance and support in these cases that have supported my efforts on behalf of children of deaf families." 

Diana retired from the Colorado School for the Deaf & Blind after teaching for 30 years. Her other interests include traveling, languages, music, sailing, animals, and reading.

More local volunteers will be highlighted in coming months; check back regularly for additional profiles. To read more stories from CASA volunteers across the country visit:
http://www.nationalcasa.org/volunteer/voices.html