Volunteer Spotlight: Nancy Thumma
Maryland CASA relies heavily on the dedication and efforts of volunteers from all over the State to contribute to our vision, that all abused or neglected children in the state of Maryland will be appointed their own volunteer to advocate on their behalf.
Today, we're honored to shine a spotlight on an individual who has exemplified an unwavering commitment and passion towards the CASA mission, leading us closer to achieving our vision, Nancy Thumma. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Nancy and ask her about her journey as a CASA volunteer with Lower Shore CASA. Her insights and reflections provide a powerful testament to the profound impact that volunteers can have on the lives of vulnerable children. As we express our gratitude to Nancy for her years of service, we also extend our heartfelt appreciation to all CASA volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to making a difference in the lives of children in need. Together, we can continue to work towards a brighter future for all children, one advocate at a time.
What made you decide to become a CASA?
“My son had to get volunteer hours when he was in high school, so he volunteered for the Ocean City 1/2 marathon where CASA was involved. He had to do a short research paper on the organization and that's where I learned about it. It really spoke to me and stuck in my head for the next couple of weeks. Later that month, I saw an ad in the newspaper saying they were going to start a new class of volunteers and I took that as a sign that I was meant to do this.”
As a CASA volunteer, what is your approximated monthly time commitment?
“I would say with my current placement, 10-15 hours a month. My child is placed across the bridge, so I drive over there to visit.”
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.
What have you found to be most challenging as a CASA?
"To not get so personally invested that you can't look at all sides of the situation fairly. Also, it can be hard not to want to jump in and fix everything for them yourself.”
What have you found to be the most rewarding as a CASA?
“I really love to know that I am helping these kids who are in sad situations by being a constant for them throughout their whole fostering/CINA (Child In Need of Assistance) experience. They know that they can count on me to visit and look at things from their point of view.”
A CASAs official role is to provide an additional perspective or ‘set of eyes’ on a CINA (Child In Need of Assistance) case to ensure the decisions made throughout the life of a child’s case are in the best interest of the child. However, these volunteers do much more. The role of CASA volunteers extends far beyond a mere courtroom presence; they bring a touch of humanity to the youth they serve, establishing a connection that goes far beyond volunteering their time. Nancy’s experiences with the children she’s advocated on behalf of speak to some of the connections and impact CASAs will make.
If you can, please share one of your favorite memories or memorable moments you have in your time working as a CASA.
“I was on my very first case for 4 years and my child asked if I could drive him to his high school graduation ceremony to celebrate with him. He ended up leaving DSS care soon after, but I really loved the fact that after 4 years in the system and 3 foster care homes, he felt that I was the one who he wanted to take him.”
Can you describe what a typical day working as a CASA is?
“Typically, you will plan at least one visit a month with your child. Depending on their age, the types of activities you do can vary. You reach out to various people involved in the case and write court reports to present at the various hearings. You stay connected to your fellow CASAs through different trainings and get togethers.”
On being a CASA, Nancy encourages future and current volunteers to speak their mind but be open to different perspectives.
“Don't be afraid of things like the court reports or speaking in court. You will get plenty of help and will get confident about it in no time. You will want the absolute best for your child, but you have to be prepared to see different lifestyles which you are not used to, so you have to learn to leave your judgements to yourself and focus only what is best for the child.”
What are some characteristics you think a person needs to have in order to be a CASA?
“Empathy balanced with the ability to remove your personal feelings from a situation is required. Patience when dealing with people in crisis is essential.”
On feeling supported by her local program, Nancy says, “We are so lucky to have an amazing staff down here on the lower shore. They are always presenting us with training opportunities and other get togethers.”
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 Nancy Thumma 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 Nancy here, https://marylandcasa.org/get-involved/.
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.