Hi there!

My name is Caro Timm and I was sworn-in as a CASA Volunteer in 2014. After some time away, I returned to it about ten months ago, and I’m now working on my second case. It feels good to be back.

When I moved to the U.S. in 2013, one of the things that struck me the most was how many resources and support there is for kids here. Where I came from, that just wasn’t the case. I watched my own children be welcomed into schools with open arms, surrounded by loving, caring adults who were committed to helping them thrive. I remember thinking, “This is what it should look like.” And I wanted to be part of it. I wanted to give my time and love in a way that mattered, in a space where it was needed most.

Being a CASA Volunteer has been both the hardest and most rewarding volunteer work I’ve ever done. I’ve given my time to kids who, at times, didn’t want me around or were angry with me just for showing up. But I choose to keep coming back. Every day. Because when that same kid texts you out of the blue or picks up the phone to tell you about something that happened in their day, when they expect you to leave like everyone else but you don’t, they begin to understand. They begin to trust. And that’s everything.

There have definitely been hard moments. Some gut-wrenching situations and tough conversations. But I’m lucky to have the support of my family, who understand why I do this and what it takes. In my current case, I’ve also built a really strong partnership with the caseworker. We talk often, troubleshoot challenges together, and lean on each other when needed. That professional teamwork makes all the difference. And on the days when it all feels like too much, a good run on the treadmill helps clear my mind.

Of course, there are heartwarming moments, too. I work with teens, and there can be a lot of anger and mistrust. One teen on my case was especially upset one day and was pretty verbally aggressive toward me. But a few days later, they texted me out of nowhere, telling me about some fun things they’d done that day. They sent funny GIFs and we had this calm, light conversation, just like I would with one of my own kids. That moment stayed with me. It meant so much to know they wanted to share and that they knew I’d be there on the other side of the phone, listening and caring.

To anyone thinking about becoming a CASA Volunteer, be like Nike. Just do it. It’s hard. It’s time-consuming. But it makes a lasting impact on a child’s life. And not just that, it could actually change how that child chooses to parent someday. When you think about it like that, we’re not just supporting one child. We’re helping change a whole generation. Honestly, I don’t understand why there isn’t a waitlist to become a CASA.

I’m grateful to be in a season of life where I can give this work the time and energy it deserves. I truly believe we all have a responsibility to better our communities, to show up for one another, and to contribute in whatever way we can. For me, this is the place to do it.