Volunteer Spotlight: Jewel Butler

In this Volunteer Spotlight, we introduce you to Ms. Jewel Butler from Montgomery County's CASA program Voices for Children Montgomery. We would like to commend Jewel for her dedication to the CASA mission and her exemplary advocacy work for children in foster care in Maryland. Jewel has been a CASA Volunteer for 12 years, and we as a child welfare community are grateful for her dedication and support.  

We reached out to Jewel last year to ask her to reflect on her journey as a CASA Volunteer in Montgomery County Maryland. Jewel said, “When people ask why I decided to become a CASA, I tell them, to watch a child, with my own eyes, who has been removed from the only home they’ve ever known, thrive and succeed, is my why.”

Read more about what Jewel has to say about her first-hand experiences as a CASA Volunteer.  

Can you describe what a typical day working as a CASA is like in your experience? 

“In my experience, there is no ‘typical’ workday as a CASA. I say that because each day may bring a different situation. There are days you may not hear from your CINA (Children in Need of Assistance) or CASA child at all. However, your CASA child is always on your mind. You wonder how they are doing, what they are doing, do they need help with something, etc. But the best you can do as a CASA is to always be available mentally, emotionally, and in person as much as possible for your assigned child. It’s so important to let them know that they matter and that you do what you do for them not because you HAVE to, but because you WANT to.”

What is some advice that you could give to someone interested in becoming a CASA? 

“Building trust takes time. Be patient and try to keep your focus on being sincere and authentic in everything you say and do. A CASA should always try to be empathetic, communicative, and most importantly, a great listener!”

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

“Navigating our local Department of Social Services can at times be challenging but my CASA Case Supervisor offers great support when I face roadblocks. It’s important to remember that we are all on the same team. We all want to find safe, permanent homes for the children we serve.”

We also talked to Jewel's Case Supervisor, Lindsay Elias.

“Over the years of Jewel's involvement with Voices for Children Montgomery, she has shown that she is a highly effective advocate and genuinely cares about the youth she works with. Jewel has a special way of building relationships with the young people she encounters and always demonstrates patience, compassion and dedication.”

Case Supervisor, Lindsay Elias

Thank you for your service and dedication to Montgomery County’s abused and neglected children, Jewel, you have made a true impact.

We are always seeking out more CASA volunteers like Jewel who have a passion for helping children in need. If you are interested in learning more about being a CASA Volunteer, complete our Volunteer Inquiry form.  

Once sworn in as a CASA Volunteer, Maryland CASA Association provides ongoing training to CASA Volunteers and child welfare advocates. These monthly training webinars 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 FREE monthly 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.