When CASA of Denton County shared that 72 children were waiting for a volunteer advocate, Kerri Hunt didn’t just feel the urgency. She acted on it.
A longtime CASA volunteer and passionate advocate, Kerri saw an opportunity to mobilize her own community. “I feel like a lot of my friends are empty nesters like me,” she said. “We’re all in these neighborhood group texts, so I just started writing to everyone I could: ‘If anyone wants to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, let me know.’”
The response was overwhelming. More than 20 people replied with interest, prompting Kerri to create a new group text labeled “Possible CASA Volunteers.” From there, she hosted a pre-info session right in her home.
“I wanted it to feel personal and inspiring,” she said. Drawing from the well-known starfish story, where one person makes a difference by saving just one starfish, Kerri decorated with starfish-themed items and created a personalized presentation that showed the real impact CASA volunteers have on children’s lives.
Her message was clear: You don’t have to save them all. Just one child at a time.
Kerri’s own journey as a CASA volunteer is a testament to that philosophy. She shared the story of her first case, a young girl navigating the transition from foster care to adoption. “I was the only consistent person through those years,” she said. “I got to relay her story to her new adoptive parents. I felt very pertinent in her life. I did make a difference.”
She also addressed common concerns during her volunteer recruitment event, like traveling or being out of town. “It’s a serious job, but it’s very doable and the CASA staff are there to step in and help every step of the way,” she reassured attendees. “The judges absolutely care what we think. Our work is valued. I’m not wasting my time at all.”
Her goal for the event was simple: to inspire even one person to attend a CASA volunteer info session or consider becoming an advocate. “Even if they don’t become CASA volunteers, they’ll understand what CASA is and why it matters,” she said.
“Some people say being a CASA would be too emotional,” she admitted. “I’m a softy. I’ve definitely had tears over children I have served. But the good you know you’re doing outweighs the hard parts.”
Kerri’s story is a powerful reminder that becoming a CASA volunteer doesn’t always start in a courtroom. It can start in a living room, a group text, or a heartfelt conversation.
Ready to learn more about becoming a casa volunteer?
Contact Beth Potter at Bpotter@casadenton.org or click here to sign up for an upcoming info session. Your journey to making a difference starts with one step.
