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CASA Volunteers
Virginia Barrett

Virginia Barrett has been serving CASA children for ten years.

“I got involved with CASA as a result of serving on the Grand Jury,” she explains. “The child abuse cases they presented to us were so appalling and upsetting that we asked how we could be of help to these children. CASA was suggested to me as a way that I might become involved and make a positive difference in their lives.”

She said the affiliation has made a lasting impression on her life. “The CASA personnel, CPS caseworkers, attorneys and foster parents you meet as a volunteer make the job stimulating and rewarding. I’ve developed long-lasting friendships with many of these people.”

In addition to her advocate work, Virginia served twice on the Grand Jury and twice as a commissioner to select the Grand Jury. She is a member of the Collin McKinney Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, McKinney Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Collin County Sheriff’s Academy Alumni Association and on the Certified Emergency Response Team.

She talks about CASA wherever she goes and has spoken to CASA training classes, a foster parent class, has spoken to the media about the agency, attends the annual gala and influences her friends to participate in the golf tournament and make donations.

Virginia has closed many cases for many children. “I continue to be a CASA volunteer because I can see a difference that an outside, objective advocate can make on the outcome of some of these cases. I get to be with some precious children and the work is mostly pure pleasure.”

Her caseload is heavier than many other volunteers, having served 53 children in 21 cases and advocated in the courts of six district judges. Virginia exemplifies the CASA volunteer every program wishes for. She uses every available resource to assist in making appropriate recommendations to the court and has never walked away from “her children.”


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