Volunteer of the Month
Welcome to our Volunteer of the Month Spotlight
Each month, we take the opportunity to shine a light on the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, energy, and talents to make a difference for abused and neglected children in our community. These volunteers embody the spirit of service, going above and beyond to support our mission and create a lasting impact.
In this spotlight, you’ll learn more about our featured volunteer’s journey, their motivations, and the remarkable contributions they’ve made to CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties. Join us in celebrating their hard work and unwavering commitment to advocating for children.
November 2024 - Deanna Sands
Ready for the Challenge
Congratulations to our November Volunteer/Coach of the Month, Deanna Sands! Deanna became a Youth Alliance Coach in early 2024, but she started as a CASA volunteer in fall of 2020 and spent 3 years on a difficult case.
In this difficult case, Deanna was there for the child when her mother passed away. The young girl knew something was wrong her mom and Deanna alerted first responders. She talked to the child through the door and the window until first responders could get into the building. Deanna spent the rest of the evening with her youth until they could find an emergency placement, soothing her, getting her food and gathering her favorite items to comfort her. She was essential to supporting this little girl through a traumatic time. The GAL on the case said “It is important to note that she maintains a connection with her maternal great-grandmother through her CASA” as Deanna helped facilitate the relationship with her last remaining relative. Deanna continued that support until the little girl was adopted.
Deanna was assigned her AVi youth in April of this year. Since meeting, Deanna has helped her navigate being pregnant with her first child as well as becoming a new mother. She always makes time for them to talk and soothe her anxieties when she is stressed. Even when her youth is incredibly busy with caring for her child and working, Deanna works with her schedule and find low stress activities, like going through a parenting book. YA Coach Supervisor, Charlie Wentz said “She passionately fights for her youth’s best interests and wellbeing. Making sure that I am appraised of how things are going between them, how the youth herself is doing, and anything she might need in the near future. She is a fantastic volunteer and a joy to work with.”
We are so incredibly grateful of all the work Deanna has done for both CASA and Youth Alliance. It has been amazing to see her flexibility and adapting to working on a new program. Thank you so much for all you do!
Deanna in Her Own Words
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am almost retired after being in higher education for almost 4 years. I have a background in special education and leadership preparation in education. I am an avid reader, I love to hike and swim and sew! Lots of travel, I recently hike the west coast of Portugal and I have started to do some car trips to South Dakota and Albuquerque.
What inspired you to become a CASA?
That’s a really good question. I’ve been in education most of my career and I have always advocated on behalf of children and families who are marginalized and oppressed. When I semi-retired, I decided that I wanted to continue advocating for children. I had a phd student who was looking at the outcomes on foster youth looking for post-secondary education. Working with foster youth gave me the opportunity to continue that advocacy. I have a background in child development, working with IDD, and youth in transition. Foster youth are a group of kids are extremely vulnerable and I wanted to help them self-advocate and progress to reach their goals.
What helps you overcome the hard moments of being an advocate?
I think first of all it’s really important to remember that the hard moments aren’t mine, it’s theirs. With both the CASA child and AVi youth I’ve worked with, I always remember that trauma and challenges that they’ve faced since a young age are unparallel to anything I’ve experienced in my life. What gets me through the hard times or the moments when they feel there is no one there to support them, I step back and give them space and I remind them that I’m there when they are ready to reach out. My goal is to reach their goal. I’m not there for my on values or expectations. It’s not about me and all about them. That I’m there when they need me. The focus of these programs is supporting them, not directing them. I’m there to help them move through whatever they are facing at that time.
Can you tell us about a proud moment you had volunteering?
One of the proudest moments I had, is the little girl I first worked with was adopted by the family who took her in on an emergency basis. They immediately wanted to purse adoption by their family after her mother passed away. Being able to have a predictable place to live with people who cared for her, she deserved that.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer?
My advice is that it’s important to be the kind of person who can be flexible and recognize that there are many ways that life can unfold. There isn’t one right way. I think to be a volunteer who is able to be responsible to the children and young adults, you have to be flexible in thoughts and the way you can imagine their life. It’s both challenging and rewarding. If anyone understands trauma they understand moving through it, processing it and coming out of that trauma is not a straight line. Be prepared for the ups and the downs. It’s this other person’s life. And it may end up looking different than you or your family live their life. Nonetheless its theirs. Your role is to advocate in their interest and from their interest. Overall, I’m really happy I found this opportunity and hope I can effective and helpful.
October 2024 - Jim Hoyt
One of a Kind
Jim has been a dedicated CASA volunteer and advocate since 2016, primarily advocating for male youth. He worked tirelessly to support the individual needs of each case, from gathering crucial documents to coordinating with schools on grades and assignments. He also facilitated important appointments at the Children’s Prosthetics Clinic and organized memorable outings, such as archery, hiking, racquetball, visits to Bear Creek Park, and the Denver Art Museum. Jim even secured a free mountain bike for one of his youth and spent 8 hours restoring it to ensure it was safe!
In 2019, Jim took on the role of Peer Coordinator, supervising eight cases and providing invaluable support to volunteers, all with the best sense of humor! He also participated in CASA’s new volunteer training, serving on the Peer Coordinator panel.
A former volunteer shared this about Jim: “Jim Hoyt was my Peer Coordinator when I joined CASA in February 2019. He was incredibly helpful, always available, and a constant ally as I navigated my first case, which took place largely during the pandemic. Jim regularly offered encouragement and advice. I’m thrilled he’s being recognized as a dedicated volunteer. He truly deserves it.”
Jim is also a member of the Golden Archery Range and facilitated a partnership with CASA, allowing volunteers to bring their youth for archery lessons. One volunteer remarked: “My two youth and I spent a beautiful fall afternoon at the Golden Archery Range with Jim. He was an incredibly patient instructor, making sure the kids felt comfortable and had a great time!”
We couldn’t have said it better—Jim is truly one of a kind. Jim has made the decision to “retire” from CASA and we wish him and his wife Holly all the best!
Jim in His Own Words
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I grew up in Denver and have lived in Colorado my entire life. Went to George Washington high school, college at CU Boulder. After graduation I spent a brief twelve-year stint “ski bumming” in Winter Park where I met my wife, Holly. We finally moved back to the front range where work opportunities are more plentiful. We both enjoy a very active lifestyle – skiing, biking, hiking to name a few hobbies.
What inspired you to become a CASA?
I have always been a believer in “giving back” to society – helping others who are less fortunate. I volunteered for several different organizations, typically those that serve kids, but I never really “took” to any of them because I didn’t feel that I was helping meet any real needs. One day, in searching the internet for volunteer organizations in Jefferson County, I came across the site for CASA. It seemed to me to be serving an important need for some of our most vulnerable kids, so I reached out to the group for more information. They pulled me in hook, line, and sinker.
What helps you overcome the hard moments of being an advocate?
I have seen and been involved in quite a few cases over the past ten years and have experienced the positive value CASA volunteers give to both the children and families who are caught in some very unhappy circumstances. As a volunteer, there have been times when I have run into negativity from both the children I have worked with and, especially, the families that are involved. I can understand their perspective – between the county services and a complicated court system, they are often angry and confused. I have found, however, that once we explain to them, and show them through doing, that we are simply neutral volunteers there to help and advocate for the children, everyone’s acceptance of us is usually the rule. It sometimes takes a little time but with positive, proactive involvement on our part we will, sooner or later, earn their trust.
Can you tell us about a proud moment you had volunteering?
I have always been proud of my involvement and advocacy in each case. The most fulfilling thing for me has been my continued involvement with one of my former CASA kids. Several years after the conclusion of the original case, I am still very active as a mentor and advocate for both him (now an adult) and his family. I have high hopes that he will always consider me a friend and someone he can count on in life.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer?
To anyone who is considering becoming a CASA volunteer, I say “Go for it!” These kids have usually been through some tough things, and they are now hurt and confused – but they are still kids. They are resilient and simply want people in their lives who they can trust and have fun with. That’s a major part of the job – simply getting to know them and spending enjoyable time with them. Help open their horizons by doing a myriad of different things with them – going to the library, hiking, biking, museums, and street fairs. It doesn’t matter what you do with them as long as you both enjoy it. Through this type of relationship you will naturally find out what they would like to happen in their case and you can then advocate for them through the system.
September 2024 - Jamie Schingeck
The Heart of Advocacy
Jamie has been a volunteer since February 2019. She has been assigned to her current case since March 2022. This CASA child has been in 4 placements over the last two years and Jamie has continued to be a constant figure in her life, meeting weekly and sometimes more. She has helped with transportation to visits, therapy, and so many fun outings. She has advocated for this little girl’s best interest in so many amazing ways. Jamie has even helped maintain contact between the child and a previous kinship placement. The case has had many challenges with unsuccessful reunifications/adoptions, but Jamie has continued to advocate for the child, who is now happily placed in a new foster to adopt home with her sister!
“I want to say that Jamie is truly a hero in my case, she’s a blessing for these girls. She advocates for their best interest and is well bonded with them. One of the girls is so attached to her. She trusts her and listens to her. We are truly grateful to have her on our team. The care and love she shows for them, I couldn’t ask for a better CASA!” – Eunice Bembissa, Casework.
Jamie actually now has two cases (as of May 2023) and two little girls she is advocating for. She has continued to be there through every transition and sadly through the death of one of the parents. The caseworkers and attorneys are so appreciative of Jamie and her commitment to these two little girls, her communication and the work she does with the team. On top of that, Jamie also keeps in contact with many children and youth from her previous cases.
In addition to being a volunteer, Jamie has also been a Peer Coordinator since 2019. Peer Coordinators are experienced volunteers who supervise other volunteers on their cases. Jamie has served as a Peer Coordinator on 15 cases, providing coaching and support to her volunteers. She is a great source of guidance and help to the volunteers she serves. We are lucky to have her!
Jamie in Her Own Words
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I don’t have any kids of my own, unless you count Dog/Cat/Pig? But kids have always been a really important part of my life. I am lucky to have nephews, good friends who have kids, and CASA.
I love my day job and spend a lot of time with that (real estate agent). When I started that job, most everyone who knows me said it was about time I switched to this career, it is a perfect fit for me.
My hobbies are pretty much house related: Home remodel projects and gardening from houseplants to landscaping. The unrelated and occasional side project I enjoy is working on “trash art”. Most often I work with silver plated cutlery and make little creatures or copies of famous art that I like. My husband is also into metal and wood work, so we spend a lot of time in the garage.
What inspired you to become a CASA?
I only started CASA because I had time for another volunteer activity and this was the closest thing to my house that I could come up with to volunteer for, so I applied… But, here is why I stayed with CASA after my first case closed:
My first case closed after 8 months. Not even enough time to make it to the CASA Christmas that was much anticipated. I had already gathered wish list items for all three kiddos and their Grannie. They were all under 5. Grannie was always very hesitant to accept any sort of help. Toys from the CASA office, and Grocery cards, were not generally accepted when I brought resources for the family. But, for some reason, help with Christmas seemed different. CASA approved for us to put the family on our Giving Tree, even though the Case closed before the holiday. And Since the case was closed, I asked Grannie if I could have permission to put the wish list out to some of my elves (my family) to fill the orders. She told me that would be great. That was Christmas 2018 and my Elves and I have been allowed to do “CASA Christmas” for this family ever since. I’m Jewish. But, since 2018 I have this very special way of celebrating Christmas.
Anyway, I stayed with CASA because once my case closed and the family let me stay involved helping how I could, I thought I may be able to help other volunteers find the best way to work on their own cases, so I have worked as a Peer Coordinator since that first case closed.
What helps you overcome the hard moments of being an advocate?
Therapy.
Can you tell us about a proud moment you had volunteering?
A couple of years ago, I was assigned to a case for a 1-year-old. She was temporarily living with her babysitter. The babysitter was an older woman who lived in a basement apartment and didn’t have a bed for the little girl. She had a sofa in her room, and the babysitter who she lived with didn’t know her name, so she called her Baby. So in turn, the little girl called everyone else Baby. I called her by name many many times per visit, the foster placement heard me and asked if that was her name? And after that, everyone used her actual name. I always felt like that made a big difference.
Also, with there being no bed for her, I called some vendor partners through my day job (shout out Deena Weller for the donation) and got a donation to cover the cost of a new bed for that little girl. She has a different bed now that she is in a permanent home, but when she got that first bed, it was very important to her.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer?
Every case is different. Sometimes the hardest part of a case is trying to figure out how you can be of the most service, and what would be the best thing you can do to support your kid. Once you figure that out, CASA is a very rewarding, and a very impactful way to serve your community.