
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 October CASA recognizes Leslie Christian.
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 do not face dependency court and foster care alone.
“I was looking for ways to help the children in our community and heard from a CASA friend this was a great way to be active and help support local kids. I also wanted to know more about our DHS system and how foster care operates,” said Leslie Christian.
Leslie and her husband have four children, two daughters and two sons. She lives in Claremore and has served as a CASA volunteer advocate in Rogers and Mayes County for about two years.
“The most rewarding part working as a volunteer is the children have a voice. Getting to help them express their needs and desires,” said Christian.
Regarding the most frustrating thing she has experienced so far, she said “It is the difficulty with some parents attempting to break free from addiction and their personal struggles. Seeing them actively trying to better themselves with little or no support, “said Christian.
“The kids are what motivates me to stay involved. All kids need someone in their corner. They need to know they are loved, worthy and important. Unfortunately, we have many children in the communities that have no one, or no parents involved at all,” said Christian.
“Leslie is one of the kindest human beings I have ever met. I cannot imagine anyone not liking her. She always puts everyone at ease, making them comfortable around her. You just know that when she makes a connection with a child, their family and others assigned to the child’s case, that it is a genuine connection that will remain for a long time,” said Sandra Rains, Assistant Director. “Congratulations Leslie Christian on being selected Spotlight Volunteer of the Month for October.”
“Something that most people might not know about me is that I am a homeschooling mom of four. It is a lot of work, but so worth it! All the extra time with my kids is the best payment! I also love horses and got the opportunity to be a horse-riding instructor for several years before we started a family,” said Christian.
“If someone is considering becoming a CASA volunteer, I would say Go for it! The training prepares you so much that you are ready and capable to help support these children. All CASA workers have been so kind and supportive of me, I am sure they will be the same for you,” said Christian.
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.
About CASA of Northeast Oklahoma:
Incorporated in May 1995, CASA (then Tri-County CASA) was formed serving Rogers, Mayes, and Craig County. It is now a regional program serving six counties (Craig, Delaware, Mayes, Ottawa, Rogers, and Washington) in Oklahoma, plus the Shawnee Tribal Court.
CASA of Northeast Oklahoma envisions a world where every abused and neglected child has a CASA volunteer appointed to represent his or her best interests, a world where all children have a safe, permanent home and where children experience improved wellbeing.
For more information about volunteer and donation opportunities, please visit www.casaneok.org or call 918-923-7276.
To donate by mail, please write it to CASA of Northeast Oklahoma and mail it to, 1222 N. Florence Ave., Suite A, Claremore, OK 74017.
For any other questions, please contact Mark Ogle at mark@casaneok.org, 918-694-2510.