Several years ago, Kimberly Cassady recalls seeing a television commercial about Court Appointed Special Advocates. "I was looking for an opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in the community. I knew right away CASA was the organization for me," she recalled.
Kimberly began her CASA journey in 2021 and is now on her third case. "I’m so proud to be part of such meaningful and important work. It is a great responsibility that I don’t take lightly. It means a lot to me to work my case to the best of my ability and always in hopes of providing as much information to the courts as I can. My goal is to attain the most positive outcome possible for my child."
Shortly after becoming a CASA volunteer, Kimberly tragically lost her daughter, Karleigh, to intimate partner violence. "In my quest through such deep and paralyzing grief, I eventually began to pursue certification in faith-based grief education so I could continue to work on my healing and also walk with other moms through their grief journey," she shared.
Kimberly also pointed out that so many of the children CASA serves are also grieving. Whether due to death, breaking up of family units, substance use, incarceration, abandonment, or other losses, grief can come in many forms. Kimberly is hopeful that her personal experience and training will benefit others. "I certainly try my best to be mindful of the grief that is inevitable to the human experience and specifically to the children we serve as CASAs. It is in honor and remembrance of my daughter, and with a genuine heartfelt desire to help our CASA children, that I humbly continue to serve in this role. I hope to be able to do so for a long time."
Kimberly added that her favorite CASA memory so far is being able to work the CASA booth at the Shelbyville Dogwood Festival recently with her supervisor, Shontelle Davis. "I really enjoyed telling other community members about CASA in hopes of recruiting more volunteers to help advocate for more children!"
CASA of the River Region is grateful for Kimberly and all of our volunteers who show such passion and dedication for helping children. Over 200 children throughout Jefferson, Bullitt, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, Henry, and Trimble Counties are waiting for a CASA volunteer to provide them with a caring, consistent presence as they face tough times. If you have a heart for helping children, please consider becoming a CASA. You can change a child's story. Text CASA to (502) 334-0366 to get a link to our mobile app & learn more!
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