Meet Karen Vick, CASA Volunteer

For Karen, child advocacy work had landed on her radar before, but she’d always assumed she’d need a legal background. Still, her interest was piqued.

“I've always felt that child welfare is very important,” she said, adding, “I also know several people who are resource parents and have become familiar with their challenges and rewards.”

So when her Facebook feed delivered an advertisement about the opportunity to train with then-Passaic County CASA, she made the call to learn more. Karen – who holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Development and spent her career in public relations for pharmaceutical companies – recently marked two years as a volunteer advocate.

When she first was assigned, the child for whom she advocates was an infant; he’s now two years old. Given his young age, she said their visits involve her reading to him or the duo playing with toys together. “I occasionally bring a new toy or book,” which makes the visits new and enjoyable for them both.

The boy’s resource parents speak only Spanish, and Karen admits her Spanish is limited. So, in order to ensure her work is thorough and visits are productive, she plans her at-minimum monthly visits to the resource home to coordinate with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) visits. Karen says her CASA child’s DCPP caseworker is “excellent” and, it turns out, bilingual, which helps ensure good communication and collaboration.

When reflecting on where the little one is now, and how he’s doing, she admits, “Seeing this little boy thrive in a loving home has been most gratifying. I wonder where he would be if not for DCPP and CASA. I am always thankful this little boy was taken out of a situation of neglect and is able to be loved and cared for by [extended family members]. I feel his future is secure and that gives me much satisfaction.”

The security and consistency a CASA volunteer can give a child often fills a much-needed gap. When Karen looks back on her own childhood, there was no dearth of adults to make her feel seen and valued. She notes, “My parents were a constant, consistent, and loving foundation in my life. Then, when I was in fifth grade, I started to learn a musical instrument; playing in a school band continued through high school. My music teachers were wonderful, inspirational people who took a personal interest in me and in every student. Music became a big part of my life, and I credit those teachers.”

To anyone considering the CASA volunteer role, but perhaps unsure like Karen was all those years ago as to whether you’re properly equipped, she offers this advice: “If you have the time, are willing to learn, and love children, it is very rewarding. You will not be on your own; the [CASA of Passaic and Union County] team is excellent, very knowledgeable, professional, and attentive to the CASA volunteers. You will be very much supported.”