“It’s an opportunity to change a life,” said KC Lovett about volunteering for CHD’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Hampden County. The program works with Springfield and Holyoke Juvenile Courts—through one-on-one advocacy—to improve stability, opportunities, and permanency outcomes for children in foster care.

Lovett cites the boy she advocated for as an example of a complete transformation: a student who wavered between C and D grades when CASA became involved, and in two short years was on his school’s honor roll. CASA volunteers advocate for children like him and make recommendations that protect the child’s mental and physical well-being, but they also advocate the children’s best interest in the school system and connect them with appropriate services.

“He was really struggling with school,” said Lovett. “He has some learning difficulties and we advocated for him to get certain accommodations.” The child is now in ninth grade and thriving. “It has really been a great experience watching him grow not only in academics, but also seeing him coming out of his shell,” she said. “He’s a lot more comfortable with people—more energetic and open.”

Lovett went to his eighth grade graduation ceremony last year, and still attends his basketball games. She is close to his foster family, and sits next to the boy’s foster mother during the games, who on occasion holds Lovett’s infant daughter during the basketball action. “[CASA] said it is usually a one- or two-year commitment per case, but this one ran longer, and I loved it,” she said.

Last December, the boy’s long-term foster parents were granted guardianship. CASA is no longer assigned to his case, but Lovett asked his foster mother if it was OK to keep in touch, and she was enthusiastic about the idea. “He’ll always be my CASA kid,” said Lovett.

Lovett first learned about CASA of Hampden County from her mother, who saw a post on Facebook. “She messaged me and said, ‘You might be interested in this.’ And I checked it out. I’m so glad I listened to my mom. Don’t tell her I said that,” she said with a laugh.

She said the CASA responsibility was easy for her to take on, even being a mom of three with a full-time job. “I have enjoyed 100 percent support from my supervisors at CASA,” said Lovett. “If something came up and I had a prior obligation, I could reach out to them and say, ‘I can’t make it to court today—I’m stuck in meetings at my job.’ And they would say, ‘Don’t worry, we got this for you.’ It’s very much a team effort.”

What would Lovett say to anyone considering being a CASA volunteer, but might be hesitant about the commitment? “I would tell them that a few hours of your involvement every month can make a lifetime of difference for a child,” she said.

CASA is seeking new volunteers to serve as advocates for children in need in the community. There will be virtual information sessions via Zoom on February 19, March 5, and March 12. More info.