About CASA Heroes
Selecting CASA Heroes is always a difficult task. Every CASA volunteer is a hero to an abused and neglected child. All Payne County CASA volunteers do so much just by opening their hearts and donating their time to advocate for children in Payne County.CASA Heroes - First Quarter 2007
CASA Hero of the Quarter
CASA Honors Volunteer Charlita Tefft
The fate of abused and neglected children in Payne County is positively affected every day by ordinary folks doing extraordinary things. CASA volunteers are regular people who are trained to make a difference in the life of abused and neglected children right here in our community. Volunteers work with a Case Supervisor on a child’s case and do an independent investigation of the child’s situation. Once this information is gathered CASAs use it to formulate recommendations on what is in the best interest of the child which they present to the judge, who ultimately makes the final decisions about the child’s life. CASA volunteers meet with the child and anyone else involved including social workers, parents, and attorneys but most importantly, CASA’s visit with the children and check in on their situation frequently.
One of these wonderful volunteers is CASA Hero of the First Quarter, Charlita Tefft. Charlita has changed lives and continues to do so each day she volunteers for the CASA program. Charlita is being recognized for her diligence, thoroughness and persistence in advocating for the best interest of abused and neglected children. CASA Heroes are chosen for exemplifying a high level of ethics and commitment and an overall respect for their role as a child’s advocate. Charlita has been volunteering with CASA since April, 2006 and has advocated for the best interest of four children. Charlita has devoted 205 hours and driven 1,368 miles advocating for her CASA kids.
What did Charlita really do that made such a difference? She advocated for a child who was not attending school on a regular basis. Charlita maintained contact with the school to verify attendance records and reported that information to the court. Charlita has been valuable by obtaining and verifying information the parents would report regarding the status of their progress. Initially the parent’s progress was slow. The parents moved several times and keeping up with the location of the children was a challenge for Charlita. Charlita encouraged the parents to complete the requirements ordered by the court so their children would not be removed from their home again. Charlita provided other resources for the family to get the help they needed and provided car seats for the parents with money out of her own pocket. Charlita has been able to remain objective throughout her casework. Charlita saw her first happy ending to a case as one of the children she worked with was adopted into a safe and permanent home.
“Charlita is a model volunteer by always turning court reports in on time, submitting volunteer activity reports on time and is always willing to help with all of CASA’s activities,” said Charlita’s Case Supervisor, Trisha Rush.
Charlita has a love for children. Charlita lives with her sister and helps her sister raise Charlita’s two nephews, Brian, age 6 adopted from Cambodia and Jonathon, age 2, adopted from Guatemala. When asked why she decided to become a CASA volunteer Charlita said, “I saw a flyer requesting people who enjoyed children to volunteer. I wanted to be able to be of help to people and be of service to my community and this seemed like a good opportunity.” Charlita has a huge heart and also volunteers her time for Judith Karman hospice. Charlita has enjoyed her experience as a CASA volunteer thus far. “I like trying to be a positive influence for these children; knowing that I’ll be there for that child through the whole court process and that I’ll be looking out for their best interests when it’s possible that no on else is doing this in the child’s life,” said Tefft. When asked about her most rewarding moments as a CASA volunteer Charlita said, “Observing the finalization of the adoption of one of my CASA kids into a wonderful, loving family and knowing that child’s chances for a good life are greatly improved by the adoption,” said Tefft. “It was also rewarding when one of the children that I visited monthly no longer ran and hid when I entered the home- instead he ran to me and gave me a happy welcome and lots of hugs,” said Tefft. When Charlita was asked how she felt she has helped her CASA kids she said, “Seeing one of my CASA kids evolve from an angry, worried, scared child into a much happier, easy-going child; being a regular in their lives in a case that had many DHS workers and also with the children having moved many times- no matter where they were- they would always see me.” “Also, trying to keep the parents accountable, letting them know that I’d be there, asking about their progress, encouraging them to complete tasks,” said Tefft.
“The CASA program is an invaluable program. It is a program that requires volunteers who are willing to invest some of their time, energy, and emotions to a difficult situation- but it’s always worth it and the intangible rewards are numerous. I wish more people knew about the need for CASA volunteers and would take part,” said Tefft. While Tefft admits that at times volunteering for CASA can be frustrating and even heart breaking she believes seeing the kids and being able to help them in some small way is worth that price. Charlita’s upbeat sense of humor makes her a joy to work with and helps her through interesting and tough times as a volunteer. “If I hadn’t been a CASA volunteer I wouldn’t have been able to take a four hour trip to the outskirts of Agra, Shamrock and Cushing, I wouldn’t have met so many interesting people nor had a gentleman follow me out to my car and serenade me with a song that he composed! Who wouldn’t enjoy that experience??!!” said Tefft.
“Charlita is truly a pleasure to work with. We could all learn some valuable lessons from her because she so calmly handles every situation with such wit and charm!” said Carmen Miller, Program Director. “You can always find people that may think like Charlita and are concerned about kids but it’s not everyday you find a volunteer who will “do” what Charlita does and make a commitment to so thoroughly do this volunteer work to ensure the best possible future for these abused and neglected children,” said Miller. “We are very fortunate to have her on board.” Tefft encourages other volunteers to join her in her advocacy for the best interest of abused and neglected children. “Without volunteers like Charlita many children will go through the DHS and court system without a voice,” said Miller. “We have more cases than volunteers right now and we hope to change that by conducting a volunteer training class September 27th and 28th,” said Miller. “Reserve your seat in free CASA training now! You will make a difference in a child’s life.”
If you would like more information about becoming a CASA volunteer like Charlita Tefft and want to learn more about advocating for the best interest of abused and neglected children in the Payne County area please call the CASA office at 405-624-2242 or email info@casaforkids.com. You can also visit CASA’s website to read more about volunteering and download a volunteer application at www.casaforkids.com.
