Lynda Sun Lee Sworn in as CASA Volunteer
CASA of Union County
The new class of community members to step up and train as advocates for Union County foster youth have taken their oath before Union County Superior Court Judge Lara K. DiFabrizio and become the newest volunteers with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Union County.
Since 2005, the nonprofit has recruited, trained, supported and supervised nearly 600 community volunteers to advocate for more than 900 such youth, protecting best interests and ensuring needs are met in the courtroom, classroom, and community. As caseworkers, foster placements, and schools can change frequently, CASA volunteers often are the only consistent, caring adult in a youth’s corner, helping ensure already experienced trauma is not exacerbated as youth await permanency in a safe and loving home.
Berkeley Heights’ Lynda Sun Lee has experience in international relations and is currently a board member of the N.J. Coalition Against Trafficking. Her journey in advocacy continues now as a CASA volunteer to positively impact kids in the community. She notes, “CASA represents a unique opportunity to make a difference to one child who may suddenly be thrust into a world of confusing people and places. I hope to be that reassuring support and continuity for that child as we work together to navigate the upcoming challenges they will face.”
Judge DiFabrizio presided over the Zoom swearing-in ceremony of Lee and her classmates Katherine (Katie) Rabiecki of Cranford, Dina Gharaibeh of Kearny, Lila Monroe of Roselle, Julia Dranishnikov of Scotch Plains, and Robert Mallard of Union. In commemoration with gratitude, Judge DiFabrizio noted, “Thank you all for your commitment, passion, hard work, and loyalty to these families that desperately need it. It takes a village and now you’re a part of it.” Each volunteer will now be matched to a foster youth or foster sibling set, and begin putting their 30-hour training into practice, ensuring their needs are met and best interests are protected while they await permanency.
Anyone passionate about making a difference in a child’s life can apply to volunteer; there is no prior experience or background needed to serve as an advocate. Each undergoes a thorough training process and is supported by CASA staff throughout their work. Successful advocates have varied life experiences and this class is no exception, as professional backgrounds include social work, education, judicial clerkship, health management, and business.
Upon being court-ordered to a case, the CASA volunteer has access to the youth’s foster parents, doctors, caseworkers, therapists, and teachers and, through their regular child visits, identify and report to the judge any concerns and needs in order to protect the child’s best interests.As the only nonprofit serving as extra eyes and ears for Union County judges hearing cases of youth in the child welfare system, the organization regularly recruits community volunteers to serve these local child-victims from birth to age 21.
To learn more about CASA of Union County, how to join a training class, and other ways to Change a Child’s Story, email info@casaofunioncounty.org.
Photo by Court Appointed Special Advocates of Union County
