About the Peer Coordinator Model
The CASA Peer Coordinator Model is a program that empowers seasoned Advocates to take on the support and coaching of new Advocates. Those of you familiar with our current program model know that our ability to change the lives of children has been limited by staff capacity. For every 40 CASA Volunteers we recruit and train, we have needed to fund one full-time staff supervisor to support the volunteers throughout their cases. Last year, we were able to serve approximately 622 children.
Through the Peer Coordinator Model, we recruit and train seasoned, experienced CASA Volunteers to support other CASA Volunteers. With this new model, we are able to increase capacity with only modest increases to the budget. As the Peer Coordinator Model grows, we hope to be able to serve 100% of children in need in Adams and Broomfield Counties.
Active Peer Coordinators
We are so thankful and fortunate to have these current Peer Coordinators on our team:
- Faye Gillis
- Rachel Williams
- Candie Toller
- Zoe Reese
- Barbara Zeidman
- Jan Ryan
- Joanne McCulley
- Emily Urbach
- Judy Witt
- Pam White
- Dave Wiske
- Kalen Nevarez
- Karla Rivas
- Afsheen Ahmad
- Christine Polliard
- Charlene Campbell
- Gerry Hernandez
- Lisa Romeo
- Jane Hay
To learn more about the Peer Coordinator Model, or how to become a Peer Coordinator, please contact Paula Stack at paula@casa17th.com.
Why you should become a Peer Coordinator
- A Different Type of Volunteering - If you'd like a break from working directly with youth, try it from another angle by supporting your peers in their work.
- Use Your Expertise - Through your experience as an advocate you've become an expert. Help guide other volunteers by sharing your wisdom and experience in a supportive role.
- Make Closer Connections - Advocates work individually on cases but as a Peer Coordinator you'll be working with multiple volunteers and CASA staff.
- Learn and Develop Your Coaching Skills - The role of the Peer Coordinator isn't to have all the answers, but to help volunteers find their own right answers.
- Build Organizational Capacity - What if we told you we could eventually serve all the youth in care in Adams & Broomfield Counties? This program expands our capacity to increase youth served with minimal impact on the budget.
- Harness People Power - Use your time, energy, and skill to support a program that thrives on volunteerism. With enough volunteer involvement, funding limitations won't be an issue!
- Gain Professional Experience - We will provide you with training and resources to grow in your role as a Peer Coordinator; skills include coaching, giving positive constructive feedback, conflict resolution, and more!
- Bring CASA to the Next Level of Organizational Advancement
- Function at a High Level - Peer Coordinators report enjoying the opportunity to see the work from the perspective of the Case Supervisor staff and function as high-level volunteers.
- Have an Impact on Agency Policy and Program Development
- Increased Role - Peer Coordinators in a higher level volunteer role help define program and assist in decision making while having an impact on the direction of the agency.
Why Not?
You most likely became a CASA because you wanted to improve the lives of children who have experienced abuse or neglect in Adams and Broomfield Counties. By coaching and supporting other volunteers, your work will trickle down to impact the lives of many families and children.
If you are interested in learning more about how to become a Peer Coordinator, contact Paula Stack at paula@casa17th.com.