Volunteer Spotlight: Dotty Hamilton

In this Volunteer Spotlight, please meet Dotty Hamilton, a volunteer with CASA of Baltimore County. We would like to both thank and recognize the work she has done for CASA and her continuous dedication to our CASA mission for the past 12 years. We reached out to Dotty last year to ask her to reflect on her journey as a CASA Volunteer in Baltimore County. Read about what Dotty has to say about her first-hand experiences as a CASA Volunteer.

Why did you decide to become a CASA?

“I learned about CASA when my sister became a CASA in San Antonio, Texas and I knew this was something I wanted to do.”  

What have you found to be most rewarding as a CASA?

“The children are the biggest reward.  I have been assigned seven CASA children over 11 years and they all have one thing in common, they are all in need of love.”

Dorothy possesses all of the characteristics needed to be a successful CASA. Dorothy describes herself as a patient person with a passion for child welfare and knowledge and time to share with children in need.  

Why are CASA volunteers needed?

“Sometimes you serve as the only constant in a child’s life. Though going to court may seem daunting, you are representing the child’s best interest in court. The judge relies on my input to help make decisions about the child’s case.” 

What advice would you give to a new CASA volunteer?

“Don't give up on the children. You may be all they have as a constant in their life and you become the voice representing their interest in court.” 

Can you describe what a typical visit is like for you as a CASA Volunteer?

“If I have already set up a visit, I go to the schools after school program and visit with my 2 boys; we play a game or color, talking all the while. Then I come home and enter my visit into the Optima system.” 

What does a CASA Volunteer Look Like?

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, have disparate backgrounds and professions, and are all ages. No legal or social work background is necessary to volunteer. The only requirement is a big heart and the willingness to be a voice for the child. 

Karen Coleman, her current supervisor, says that when she was assigned her current little girl during the pandemic, she had no qualms about going to see her, simply masking up and doing what she could to start developing a relationship.  

“She is an excellent advocate for her youth - in addition to making sure they stay connected with family as well as taking them to do really fun things, she advocates for permanency, as well as appropriate therapies and educational services, attending all IEPs and maintaining contact with foster parents, the children's mother and all other collateral contacts. She goes above and beyond and knows no other way to advocate except with her whole heart and soul - we have been beyond lucky to have her as a volunteer with our organization!

Dan McEachran, who supervised Dotty for 10 years agreed, saying Dotty is consistent, committed and compassionate.  

We want to not only call our community members to continue to share CASA’s mission but encourage others to volunteer and get involved in our community. Your involvement could positively impact a child who has been placed in court custody. You could change a child’s story. Maryland CASA Association thanks Dotty Hamilton for her passion, dedication, and service to children and youth in Maryland living in foster care. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and join Dotty here, https://marylandcasa.org/get-involved/.

Once sworn in as a CASA Volunteer, Maryland CASA Association provides on-going training to CASA Volunteers and child welfare advocates. These trainings vary in topic and provide information, resources, and tools to help our CASA Volunteers feel knowledgeable about the many aspects and dynamics present when advocating for a child or youth living under court protection. Click here to learn more about our current FREE training webinars. 

Are you a CASA Volunteer? Would you be interested in sharing your CASA Volunteer story? Click here and be featured in our Volunteer Spotlight series.