Photo of Susie Rayburn, a volunteer of Crossroads CASA
Every child deserves to be heard and supported in their environment, but some may slip through the cracks. Volunteers of Crossroads CASA, like Susie Rayburn, are here to ensure those children are not left behind.
Learn about Susie and how you can help her and fellow volunteers in impacting neglected children in Jasper, Newton, and Benton counties in the Q&A below.
How did you get involved in the nonprofit sector?
“As a teacher at Tri-County, I often see children in crisis due to family situations that are completely out of their control, affecting their mental and emotional health profoundly. This has always been something that has lain heavily on my heart, and I’ve wanted to be able to help in some way, outside of the classroom. As a CASA volunteer, I have the opportunity to be a voice and an advocate for children who have been removed from their homes, and hopefully be an adult they know they can count on.”
What services does your organization offer? Are there any people you may not be aware of?
“Crossroads CASA serves Jasper, Newton, and Benton counties. It is the goal of the courts that each Child In Need of Services (CHINS) has a CASA who is a part of their advocacy team. Judge Potter brought this program to Jasper County several years ago, and it has grown with the leadership of Katie Hall since day one. CASAs are all volunteers, specifically trained to be supports for children.”
Where could your organization use some support from the community?
“The community is SO supportive of Crossroads CASA with generous donations and gifts, but what is most needed are more volunteers. I was honestly a little apprehensive about applying, but now that I’m an active volunteer, I kick myself for not being trained sooner. Getting to know the kiddos I work with has brought me so much joy, and this experience has been more of a reward than I ever could have imagined. Making a child feel heard in very grown-up situations makes them feel empowered and that they matter. I’m grateful to be a part of that.”
Why is it important for you to serve your community by being part of this organization?
“As my own kids got older, I really wanted to do something for our community, and I really had a desire to keep working with kids, but I just couldn’t put my finger on what that exactly would be. Dear friends of ours, Bill and Dianne Hollerman (longtime CASA volunteers themselves), kept encouraging me to put in my application, and I finally just did it!”
What are your favorite things about living in your community, and why?
“I love that we are a community of generous people. Community donations have helped rejuvenate our parks. We have an incredible food pantry. Our volunteer fire department is second to none. Our public officials and law enforcement are devoted to keeping us safe. I mean, a post can be made on social media about something simple, like a single mom needing formula or diapers, and within minutes, the offers are endless. I think we’re really blessed by the giving nature of the people of Rensselaer.”
How can people volunteer with you?
To apply, visit our website or social media pages at www.crossroadscasa.com or www.facebook.com/crossroadscasa.
We can proceed with background checks and start the process of training you to change a child’s life. If you have questions, you can always call us at 219-866-0843 or e-mail us at crossroadscasa@co.jasper.in.us.
We want to train volunteers towards the end of March through April, so please apply so you can join us!
Thank you for taking the initiative to support our community’s youth, Susie!
