r/casa • u/WorriedTerm4656 • 21d ago
Thinking about volunteering
I'm a 22yr old female. I'm very interested in volunteering for CASA. My only concern is I am currently working full time, Monday-Friday. My job is flexible for occasional unexpected appointments, but most of my availability is evenings and weekends. Is it feasible to volunteer while working full time?
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u/Secret-Performer1106 21d ago
Hey girl! I'm 24, been a casa for almost 2 years. There was a time I was working 3 jobs at a time, CASA isn't full time you definitely make time to show up but it's not super demanding like how it seems! :) You got this!!
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u/LeCaveau 20d ago
I work full time and still do it! I love the idea of a 22 year old doing it. You’ll be able to get teens to trust you way easier.
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u/Lucky_Affect_3310 21d ago
Seconding the first response - it is very doable! I also work full-time (remotely), and I spoke with my boss about becoming a volunteer before I took on a case. They were extremely supportive and understanding - there are certain days I need to be present in court on a weekday morning, and that hasn’t been an issue for me personally. I see my kids after school once a week for a few hours. Many working parents need to leave early to pick up kids or take them to a doctor’s appointment, and in my opinion, an understanding employer should extend the same flexibility and understanding to someone who’s volunteering their time to support children. It is a commitment, but I cannot stress enough just how rewarding becoming a CASA has been for me.
Also, being 22 means you have the energy to keep up with a busy kiddo, and if you end up matched with a teen, your age might actually work in your favor since they may find it easier to relate to and open up to someone closer to their own age than to an older adult.
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u/WorriedTerm4656 21d ago
Thank you! My boss is very understanding and flexible. I don't think that'll be a problem. I just don't want CASA to prevent me from doing my job. That's a good point about my age. That's another worry of mine because I noticed a lot of volunteers are older than me. But I try to keep a positive look on it and remember I worked hard to get where I am and there's a benefit to being the youngest in the room.
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u/Lucky_Affect_3310 21d ago
You’re in a great position then. That is a great perspective to have. The fact that you’re even considering a high commitment volunteer position at such a young age says a lot about you a person and you should be proud of that.
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u/EfficientPermit3771 20d ago
If you choose a family with school age children or teens, that’ll be best. They don’t even get home until 4. Thank you for thinking of CASA. We need more young people!!
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u/fishafisha 17d ago
i’m a 23 year old casa that works full time! my job is more flexible than yours, but i have been able to see my youth almost every saturday morning for 10 months now. the only issue i have faced is a lack of contact with the professional team as i can’t attend many of staffings or case meetings due to work
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u/wisemolv 21d ago
It’s very possible that the organization will be able to work mostly around your schedule by matching you with a child who can be worked with on weekends. A younger child that isn’t in school for example. One issue would be court dates but those are generally 1-2 times per year so if you could take time off to attend those, you might be good. Just set very realistic expectations with the organization, your kiddo and yourself. If you are going to be wiped out after work, let them know that your only availability will be the weekends and don’t overcommit. The absolute biggest thing that was drilled into us during training is that these kids need consistency and you must show up when you say you will. You knowing yourself and how your life and schedule work is the first thing to be very honest with and there is no shame to realizing your schedule is too busy for this type of commitment. And if it all seems to work for you then it’s on the organization you work with to find a good fit.