CASA Announces Spotlight Volunteer of the Month
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Northeast Oklahoma is a local nonprofit organization that trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system in northeast Oklahoma.
Each month CASA recognizes a volunteer as a Spotlight Volunteer of the Month for their work in helping change a child’s story.
For the month of January, CASA recognizes Treasa Ann Walker.
CASA volunteers and staff work to help change a child’s story. They work to make sure children who have been taken from their homes because of evidence of abuse and neglect don’t face dependency court and foster care alone.
“I was attracted to CASA because as an administrator, I worked with a teacher from Claremore who was a CASA worker. I had no idea what they did but thought I could not add another thing to my plate. A few years went by and Sandra Rains, supervisor, called and I met her at the CASA office to find out what it was all about. She visited with me and allowed me to ask all types of questions and in return gave me honest answers. I knew, once I had attended the training, sat in on court cases, I was hooked. I had no experience with court of any kind, but I have grown to respect all parties that show up and report their findings as well as the judges that preside with a listening ear to rule according to the law. Proverbs 31:8 (NLT) says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.” For me, that represents some of our children. I still interact with the same audience I gave 37 years of life to: children. Speaking up in the best interest of the child,” said Treasa Walker.
Treasa’s family includes her mother, as well as two brothers and their families. She has served as a volunteer advocate in Rogers County for a little over 2 years. Although COVID interrupted the swearing in process, she was sworn in at the 12th Judicial District by the Honorable Judge Rebecca Gore in December of 2020.
“I think an example of the most rewarding part about being a CASA volunteer for me is you get to be a part of the messy, amazing process of building trust in children who have no trust. You get to become the one constant they depend on seeing. You are their voice to the Judge’s ears. You work with different agencies who have different responsibilities but strive for the same goal for the children,” said Walker.
“The most frustrating part of my volunteer work is when parents know what it takes to get their children back and they do not stick to it and the children’s spirits are hurt because of it. Being a straight talker, it is sometimes frustratingly important to stay in my lane,” said Walker.
“My motivation to stay involved is the needs of children. Haim Ginott said, “Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” I hope to leave an impression of hope and trust in the midst of their heartache”, said Walker.
“I think Treasa Walker is a great choice to be selected as the first Spotlight Volunteer of the Month for 2023. From the first time I met and spoke with her about her interest in possibly becoming a volunteer advocate, I was confident that if she chose to do so that she would be a superb one. She asked well thought out questions and her participation in training confirmed that I was right,” said Sandra Rains, Lead Advocate Coordinator for the 12th Judicial District. “I congratulate her on being selected CASA of Northeast Oklahoma’s Spotlight Volunteer of the Month for January.”
“If someone is considering becoming a CASA volunteer advocate, I would tell them that it seems we spend our time trying to go far in life. George Washington Carver says, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.” My profession prepared me for what I love. As a volunteer for CASA you will experience compassion, sympathy and tolerance and love for those you serve and serve with,” said Walker.
The CASA movement is central to fulfilling society’s fundamental obligation by making sure a qualified, compassionate adult will fight for and protect a child’s right to be safe, to be treated with dignity and respect and learn and grow in the safe embrace of a loving family.
Something that many people may not know about Treasa is that she moonlighted 22 years as a medic and did summer mission work for 20+ years in Honduras, Nicaragua, Africa and Italy.
Congratulations Treasa Walker on being CASA of Northeast Oklahoma’s Spotlight Volunteer of the Month for January.
