Donna Neff
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Allen County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) The Allen County Office of GAL/CASA recently celebrated Donna Neff, CASA Volunteer for her 25 years of being a voice for abused and/or neglected children.
Surprised with an award at the annual CASA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Donna wiped tears from her cheeks as she thanked the CASA staff for their support.
Donna has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate since 1997. She has seen countless changes to the child welfare system and even experienced child advocacy through the lens of a global pandemic.
Currently, there are a few dozen current and former CASA children, ranging in age from four to 39, blessed to have Donna advocate for their best interests in the court system.
However, what motivated her back in 1997 to take on this challenging work as a CASA?
Allen County Superior Courts released the following ‘question and answer’ with Donna:
Q. You have been a CASA for 25 years! Why did you want to become a CASA?
A. When asked why I am involved in CASA, I normally just say because I love kids. Although that is true, I have a deep desire to protect children.
Q. Do you have any personal experiences or know someone who has, that may have spurred your desire to advocate for children?
A. I grew up without a father figure due to a farming accident right after the war. I saw my mother struggle and my brother rebel out of pain, later to become a pastor. I had not even heard of the words ‘advocate for children’ when I was child and I sure wish I had had one. I was vulnerable to those who took advantage of our circumstances. The good Lord protected me but it left a lasting impression on me.
Q. What keeps your motived to help children who have been abused and/or neglect?
A. I had a little girl who would hide behind the couch every time I would come and visit. It took some time for her to warm up to me. One day she said, “I want to give you a makeover.” Of course, I let her. She did a good job for only being 6 years old. From then on, she would run up to me with a big hug and a smile. Therefore, for me it is the joy and the blessing of knowing that I can be there for them and help them grow into a successful individual.
Q. How has being a CASA changed your life?
A. These children are needy of love, a pure love, they need someone they can trust, they need a listening ear, how can it not change your life for the better. As a Christian, CASA became a way to serve Him outside the Church and opened a new respect for the underprivileged children and a new understanding for the parents struggling to survive.
Q. Why should someone become a CASA Volunteer?
A: If you have a deep desire to protect children, CASA is where you belong. You will not change every child you encounter, but when you do, the reward of seeing a child run to your arms with a smile instead of hiding and cringing is worth all the hours you will put in. Additionally, CASA staff is the best! They will be there to encourage you, to answer questions or help with situations you may run into. This organization is worthy of your time, money, and talents, if you so desire to invest in this organization.
Donna has served a total of 12 cases and 24 children.
A CASA volunteer is a trained community member appointed by a judge to serve as the “eyes and ears” of the court. They represent the best interests of children, many of whom are in foster care, by prioritizing the needs of the child so that their “voice” may be heard in court. It is the only program of its kind, built around assigning one caring adult advocate to the case of one abused and/or neglected child or sibling group.
To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, email mell.depew@allensuperiorcourt.us, or call 260-449-7190. You can also fill out the online application by going to www.allensuperiorcourt.us
Allen County CASA is affiliated with the Indiana State Office of GAL/CASA, which is part of the Indiana Supreme Court, Division of State Court Administration. Allen County CASA is certified by the State Office and complies with the Indiana Supreme Court Program Standards and Code of Ethics for GAL/CASA programs. Allen County CASA is also a member of the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association.
