Will County Gazette

Christina White finds it both challenging and rewarding to be a volunteer with CASA of Will County.

“Sometimes the children have a hard time trusting people,” White told Will County Gazette. “When they finally realize we are there for them and will be for the duration of the case, to me that is a major breakthrough.”

White become a volunteer advocate with CASA of Will County in July 2016. Volunteers serve as the voice of abused and neglected children in the court system, and help them find permanent and loving homes.

“I want to help children,” White said. “[My goal is] to make sure that the children are safe and getting all the services out there for them.”

White spent most of her life in Tinley Park and currently resides in Homer Glen. In addition to serving as CASA advocate, she has helped animals find their forever homes as a volunteer for the Illinois Doberman Rescue for 16 years. White and her husband, who is also a CASA advocate, are also the founders of a nonprofit organization called Angel Hooves Healing Hearts, Inc.  

“We utilize our miniature therapy horses as comfort animals for Will County and surrounding areas,” she said. “CASA is the reason we got started. We see first-hand the fear children go through in the welfare system. We have formed a partnership with CASA of Will County for our therapy horses to provide comfort for those children when needed.”

White hopes to get more individuals involved to serve as advocates with CASA. 

“Sadly there are more children in foster care than CASA Advocates,” White said. “We want to spread the word about CASA and educate people on this unique and rewarding volunteer opportunity.”