Hi! My name is Tomeka Speller and I started out as a CASA Volunteer in Denver County in 2011, then circled back around and became a CASA Volunteer in Adams/Broomfield in 2023. Between the two counties, I have worked on 5 cases as a CASA.

There are a couple reasons that I became a CASA Volunteer. First and foremost, I have always been passionate about kiddos, their well-being, and advocating for those who are unable to advocate for themselves.

Since I work in child welfare, safety, and community as a professional, I know that our legal and human services systems are heavily burdened. Therefore, CASA Volunteers are needed more than ever. Children are our most vulnerable population to begin with, and children who live in unsafe circumstances are at an even greater risk to harm.

Additionally, my mother has always volunteered in the community and it was something taught and valued in my home growing up.

Along the way there have been some difficult moments. Each family has different circumstances and it can be hard realizing so many people suffer from unbelievable situations. People hurt, families hurt, and kiddos hurt in these cases. Everyone needs healing. I have had to incorporate very conscious daily practices to maintain healthy balances in this work.

But those moments are overwhelmed by the multiple heart-warming moments I have experienced. One most recent was when I went to visit my kiddo and when my kiddo saw me, their face lit up, and with a big smile said “Meka!” It just warmed my heart because they are younger and genuinely pleased to see me (so innocent 🙂). I am just so thrilled they are thriving and doing well in their placement considering their situation.

Children are completely dependent on adults to care for them and to take care of their needs. When parents are unable to meet their needs, those kiddos need others to step in — even for a little while. There are many, many cases that need CASAs. You are so needed, and your role is more important than you may ever know. The road of being involved in any case is not always easy, but your time, attention, and voice will have such a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the kiddo and family. It’s been said that one of the most powerful words in the English language is “no”, yet another powerful word is “yes.”

We all have biases, so in this work we must try not to judge people from what we see on the outside. Everyone has so much more to their story.

“There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is no duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they can grow up in peace.” ~Kofi Annan