Volunteer Spotlight -
Amanda Alvarez

Amanda’s ability to both work and volunteer was exemplified by her hardworking, dairy farmer

parents in upstate New York. “My four siblings and I all started working on the farm at seven

years old - that was the age of employment in our house, which instilled a strong work ethic.

Even though we had the farm to take care of, both of my parents were avid volunteers. I think it

was just one of those things instilled in all of us from a young age.”

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On the side of her refrigerator hangs a coloring page that says “Love Grows”. It was given to

Amanda Alvarez by one of the two teen sisters she advocates for as a CASA volunteer. On the

top of the page, she inscribed “To Miss Amanda” a heartwarming gesture that illustrates just

how far they had come since the initial visits where the child was very, very quiet. Amanda

shared, “I love my monthly visits with the children. It’s been great to see them grow over

time…at first they were shy and gave one-word answers but now they don’t stop talking the

whole time I’m there! It’s been very rewarding. I feel like I’ve made a difference as I’ve been a

constant in their lives as I’ve been on the same case for over three years and I love spending

time with them.”

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When others ask about her role, Amanda responds with detailed clarity and precise definitions:

“I say I’ve been appointed by the court to a specific case for kids who have been removed from

the home and my role includes visiting them monthly, ensuring they have the services they are

supposed to have, or recommending services that would be beneficial to them. I work in

conjunction with other people involved in the case - the caseworker, the child study team at

school, their therapist, and more. I’m able to talk to each of these people and collect

information that goes into the court report that’s submitted to the court for their hearings. It

allows me to relay the current status, what’s going on, and any recommendations that I feel are necessary to help the child or children.”

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While she works full time, Amanda fits in volunteering with her day-to-day work schedule and

as a parent of three children. “I never feel like it’s too overwhelming. It never feels like it takes

up too much time. It’s manageable.” A common challenge with this volunteer experience is

keeping boundaries in place. Amanda says, “Sometimes I just want to scoop them up and hug

them and say it’s all going to be ok. But I have to step back and remember the importance of

keeping an objective perspective.”

Regarding those who might be considering volunteering with CASA, Amanda said: “If it’s calling

you, do it. It’s so worth it! This is hands down the most meaningful thing I’ve ever done".