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CASA Volunteer Testimonial
Kate Brandeland’s sweet face echoes her disposition and character.  One of CASA of Collin County’s hardest-working volunteers, Kate has represented abused and neglected children since 2000.

“I have always loved children,” says the grandmother of two.  “With CASA, you are fully involved, which is what has kept me coming back.  This job is not superficial.  People really rely on us.

“No other group I have found offers this level of commitment,” she explains.  “People really consider what we have to say – we are not just on the fringe.  I never feel that my participation has no effect.”

Kate has represented 39 children as a special advocate and was recently honored by Collin County Children’s Advocacy Center as a “Child Advocate of the Year.”   Interested in Kate’s work and commitment, her husband Bruce has also become a CASA volunteer and the pair has been working on cases together. 

“I was surprised that he got so caught up in it,” Kate says.  “He has a full time job, so we pick up the slack for each other.” 

The couple also volunteers as a team for their church, providing meals and rides for the elderly.  “Sometimes we are the only people they see,” Kate says, speaking of some of their clients.  “My father is alone in Minnesota and someone is helping him,” she explains of her commitment to serve this population.

Kate’s CASA supervisor, Erica Baig, has much to say about her special volunteer.  “She is fabulous and dedicated.  I love her.”  Erica is especially proud of the work Kate did for a six-year-old boy who wanted a family.  Kate calls it her most memorable case.

The child was separated from his brothers and sisters who were all placed with other family members.  He desperately wanted a home of his own but was labeled with Reactive Attachment Disorder and borderline mental retardation and placed on numerous medications as well as in special education classes.  

“He missed 50 days of school in a year,” she explains.  “It was no wonder they labeled him as a slow learner.  He never had a chance.  I was never going to accept this.”

Kate said he became depressed and suicidal about his situation in foster care, but she followed him throughout numerous placements while she searched for family members willing to take him.  Kate stayed with the child for four years, many times doubting if she would ever find him a family of his own.

Finally last year, she made a permanent placement with an aunt and uncle who plan to adopt him.  His medical and behavioral problems disappeared and he is learning on a level with his peers.

Erica calls Kate a dependable and valuable volunteer.  “I believe Kate had a huge impact on this child’s life. She did not give up knowing this child’s wishes.  At times, it seemed like a family was not going to be an option for him, but through persistence and hard work, Kate helped give this child his wish.”