Why Andy Mullins was moved to become a CASA

Andy Mullins knows just how powerful a story can be–and not just because he’s spent his career as a founding member of marketing departments at organizations advocating for kids with special needs.

Soon after moving to Colorado Springs last year, Andy visited a close friend in Montana. His friend shared the story of his experience being an adoptee and moving through the court and foster system as a youth, which led him to volunteer as a CASA in adulthood.

Andy was so moved by his friend’s recounting of hardship and selfless passion for giving back that when he returned to Colorado Springs, he signed up to be a volunteer himself.

“Hearing about the incredible work that CASA does for kids going through situations of abuse and neglect, I knew that this was an organization I wanted to be a part of,” he said. “Going through a life transition and moving to a new city myself, I felt like I could provide a voice of advocacy for youth in a system that can be scary and confusing.”

In his first few weeks as an advocate, Andy found out for himself just how important acting as that voice could be.

“My CASA case involves a teen—and it’s a complicated one. In my first couple of months, I’ve made contact with so many different agencies and representatives to learn more about the case—and it’s been going on for a number of years. The overwhelming amount of things to keep tabs on has really given me a sense of empathy for what these kids are dealing with, and just how important the role of a CASA is.”

While he came on to a thorny case—Andy reports that the training he received from CASA has equipped him well to handle the ambiguity and frustration of navigating the courts.

“From the moment I walked into the volunteer training, I could feel the intentionality and care of the CASA team. They are so committed to living out their mission, and I could tell that it really is all about the kids. Having that team of staff and volunteers behind me has made the transition in so much smoother than it could have been.”

Andy, thank you for your generosity with your time and all that you do for the kids in the Pikes Peak Region!