Paige Slover, Nu/Hanover, was recognized as the December 2024 Volunteer of the Month for CASA of Lexington. Below, Paige shares why CASA is important to her.
Why are you involved with CASA?
The timing was right: my youngest left for college. CASA was something I’ve wanted to get involved with for over 30 years.
What have you done for your local CASA?
My second case closed recently. I have represented a total of four children. I do monthly home visits where I play with and get to know the children; meet and correspond with teachers, counselors, therapists, and social workers; talk regularly with the foster parents; meet and talk with the biological parents; and write court reports and attend court as scheduled. We are required to complete continuing education every year and are encouraged to help with CASA events in the community. I still feel new at this (It is only my third year!), so I still feel like I’m learning to get the hang of it all.
How has your CASA involvement impacted you personally?
It’s really tough to witness the conditions and experiences in which some children/people live. I was expecting to be humbled and I have been. But I also feel such deep gratitude—something I wasn’t expecting.
Personally, my family had adopted kids from the angel trees at church and at school. There is one local company who adopts all the area CASA kids, and they are over-the-top generous to these kids! The foster council has a shop where foster children and/or their caregivers can shop for clothing, shoes, coats, games, toys, and more. At checkout, employees include a cinch sack with toiletries in the bagged items.
Additionally, the foster families are amazing. In both of my cases, there were grandparents willing to step up. Imagine how different your life suddenly becomes when you receive custody of your grandchildren! Knowing the kids and families who are on the receiving end of this community-wide generosity is so very heartwarming.
Did membership in Kappa Alpha Theta spur your involvement in CASA?
Absolutely! I attended Grand Convention 1988 as a headquarters staff member, and it was when when the Fraternity adopted National CASA/GAL as our international philanthropy. The minute I learned about CASA I was intrigued, and I decided then that I wanted to be a CASA volunteer someday.
How did your CASA involvement enhance your membership in Theta?
I’d say my knowledge of CASA was greatly enhanced by my association with Theta, not the other way around!
Participating in an angel tree program at the holidays, getting involved in a food drive, or filling weekend backpacks for kids to take home… It all resonates in such a special way when you’re involved so closely with the recipients.