Name:Chied Arnold R. Downing

 

Service Site: Board Member, Worcester County

 

Length of Service: 7 years

 

Background: Arnold is the Chief of Police for the Berlin Police Department in Worcester County. He has an Bachelor's degree in criminal justice and deviance and a Master's degree in public administration. He is an instructor for the police training commission and academy on cultural diversity and review and reporting of hate crimes in local law enforcement. He is a founding member of the Child Advocacy Center, the umbrella organization for CASA in Worcester County. He and his wife are members of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church and he serves as president of the church board.

 

What is your vision for CASA?
My vision for CASA is to see it continue to grow and expand in understanding the needs of abused and traumatized children. I want for us to continue to immerse ourselves in being exemplary advocates for children so we find children homes faster and ease the burdens of the system on children. In the past, many times grandparents and family members intervened in the lives of children during troubling times, but these avenues are becoming difficult. This further reiterates the work of CASA as an invaluable asset in these situations. We must continue to train, recruit, and support caring adults in filling the void that so many children experience in the child welfare system.

 

What do you say to other African Americans thinking about volunteering as an advocate for children?
We must take care of our children. In my job, I was faced with a case of a deceased child where doctors told me that the child endured the worst child abuse that they'witnessed in their careers and with two surviving siblings, I felt a pull to sprung into action. From there, the Child Advocacy Center  was founded and our work continues. I share this story to relay that one individual can make a huge difference and sometimes it takes a dramatic event to spring us forward. I look forward to continuing in our mission to support children and encourage other African Americans to do the same. The need is great but the rewards are even greater.

 

Name:Kim Wiggins

 

Service Site: Howard County CASA

 

Length of Service: 4 years

 

Background: Kim is proud to have ventured out on her own as owner of Pampered Chef, Inc where she specializes in providing new and exciting customary kitchen materials. Prior to this role, she worked for 15 years with Wells Fargo Bank as a compliance consultant. With her flexible schedule, Kim is an active volunteer in her community. She can be found once a week reading to children with the Banner Neighborhoods reading club and joined Operation Hope to volunteer her time teaching financial literacy to teens. She is the vice-president of the Patterson Park Community Association.

 

Overall, how would you describe your CASA experience?
It has been incredibly enjoyable. I've learned that every little bit helps and a few moments of your time goes a long way with a child. I have learned a lot about the foster care system and I enjoy knowing that my work today with my assigned child can have a dramatic impact on her life into adulthood. The courts are working in the best interests of these very vulnerable children who at a young age have to contend with lawyers, the courts, social workers and many others. That is intimidating for a child and for me reaffirms my role to be that familiar and comforting face serving as an advocate in the best interests of my child.

 

What do you say to other African Americans thinking about volunteering as an advocate for children?
I would tell that person that being a CASA can be one of the most rewarding things that they will ever do. Many families are plagued with generational poverty that has cycled from grandparents to grandchildren. By seeing positive and engaging living examples of African Americans, children can envision themselves with a different and brighter future for themselves. So many of us are doing so many great things and I think if more Africans Americans knew about the disparities in the child welfare system, more of us would be interested in doing our part to help.

 

Name:Majida Muhammed

 

Service Site: Montgomery County CASA

 

Length of Service: 2   years

 

Background: Majidah is a Spelman College graduate and recent alumni of Teach for America. She is the kindergarten teacher at Wheatley Education Campus in Washington DC.

 

Why did you choose to volunteer for CASA?
From an early age, I was interested in helping people. I was immediately drawn to CASA by its mission to empower children by having their very own advocate support them through possibly difficult times. As a teacher, I sometimes work with children from challenging homes who come to school with a variety of concerns and troubles that if not addressed leaves them feeling at a disadvantage from their peers. Through my work with CASA, I not only can support the academic achievement of children in the classroom but now can also make a real difference in the lives of children outside the classroom.

 

What do you say to other African Americans thinking about volunteering as an advocate for children? 
When our young people can see, relate to and be among positive examples of individuals whom they may share a similar background with, they are more likely to respond to being helped. Children, particularly older youth are visual people. They are keenly aware of our similarities and differences and having instant commonalities allows them to loosen up their seemingly impenetrable guard. I encourage more of us to participate and get involved in your local CASA chapter. The work of a few can make a huge difference in the life of a child.