Diann, June 2009 Volunteer of the Month

Volunteering isn’t something new to Diann. She grew up with a family full of volunteers. Today, she is still volunteering and lending a hand to Child Advocates and being recognized as Volunteer of the Month for June 2009.

A child in a military family, Diann moved to the area when she was just five years old, and when her father retired here, she decided to stay as well. Her family was involved with children, volunteering at The Place and for the Lions eye glass clinic. Living in Burkburnett, she went to Vernon College, became a dog groomer and even started her own catering business. But the theme of volunteering continued, becoming involved with dog rescue. “Someone always needs help with something,” says Diann.

About a year ago Diann read about the needs of children in foster care and how a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) can make a difference in their lives. She wanted to help keep kids from falling through the cracks and so she joined the ranks of CASA. “When I read about CASA and the foster children that they serve, I knew I wanted to help.”

Working on her second case, Diann doesn’t just advocate for the kids on her case. “I have some extra time and so I like to spend some of it in the Child Advocates’ office helping out one of the case workers with filling and other paperwork,” says Diann. “This way she has more time to devote to helping the kids.”

When she’s not working as a CASA, she is spending time with her husband, her grandkids and her dogs. There is little doubt that the theme of volunteerism is alive and well in her home. Perhaps one day her grandkids will catch the volunteer bug. “There is such a need out there for CASA volunteers and doing this is so rewarding.”