Volunteer Spotlight: Jeffrey & Sonja Therrian

When Jeffrey and Sonja Therrian became CASA Volunteer Advocates about a year ago, they were motivated by one simple belief: every child deserves to have their voice heard.

After learning more about children involved in the Family Court system, they recognized the important role a CASA Volunteer Advocate plays in ensuring a child's best interests remain at the center of every decision.

"We felt that children's voices weren't heard in the Family Court system," they shared. "So we volunteered to give them a voice and to give them a sense of stability while they are going through difficult and uncertain times."

Since completing their training, Jeffrey and Sonja have experienced firsthand how meaningful a consistent presence can be for children navigating abuse and neglect.

Some of their favorite moments are the simplest ones—catching up with the children they serve and hearing about the milestones, big and small, that matter most to them.

One child, after stepping away from sports because of a medical issue, couldn't wait to share the exciting news that she was healthy again and had signed up for soccer.

"Her face just lit up telling us how much she enjoys soccer and how excited she was to start," they recalled.

Another child proudly shared that she had received the mini refrigerator she had hoped for at Christmas. She laughed as she explained that she still hadn't found the perfect place to put it because her room still had "too much stuff in it."

For Jeffrey and Sonja, these conversations are reminders that advocacy is built through trust and consistency. Taking the time to listen, celebrate accomplishments, and simply show up helps children know they have someone who cares.

"We really like getting to know the kids," they said. "We also know there is a need for CASA to look out for the kids' best interests and to be a stable presence while they are going through tough situations."

By showing up month after month, Jeffrey and Sonja are helping ensure the children they serve have a consistent adult advocating for their best interests throughout their time in Family Court. Their commitment reminds us that while every case is unique, every child deserves someone who will listen, encourage them, and stand beside them through life's uncertainties.

Children across CASA of the River Region's seven-county service area are still waiting for a Volunteer Advocate. If you're ready to make a lasting difference in the life of a child, we invite you to learn more about becoming a CASA Volunteer Advocate.

Interested in becoming a CASA Volunteer Advocate?

Learn more about our upcoming training sessions and discover how you can help change a child's story: www.casarr.org/volunteer

Not able to volunteer?

You can still make a meaningful difference. Your financial support helps recruit, train, and supervise CASA Volunteer Advocates so more children who have experienced abuse and neglect have a consistent voice advocating for their best interests.

Support CASA of the River Region: www.casarr.org/donate-now