Mary Jo Hoffman to Lead Inspiring “Remember Your Why” gatherings for CASA Volunteers
Our Staff GAL Advocate, brings an invaluable six years of experience to our program, making her the ideal leader for this critical new effort.
Over her tenure, Mary Jo has navigated the full spectrum of human experience within the court system, witnessing the profound heartbreak and devastating trauma that many vulnerable children and families endure, cases that test the limits of compassion and resilience. Yet, she has also been a firsthand witness to incredible triumphs—the glimmers of hope, the inspiring stories of children finding safety and stability, and the wonderful outcomes that reaffirm the very purpose of our work. This unique blend of confronting the most challenging realities while also celebrating extraordinary moments of growth and success has equipped Mary Jo with an unparalleled depth of understanding, empathy, and a balanced perspective, perfectly positioning her to spearhead this crucial initiative with both wisdom and heart.
This powerful new initiative aimed at fostering deeper connections and shared learning among CASA volunteers. The idea, born from an unexpectedly impactful past event, promises to be a cornerstone of support for the organization's compassionate advocates in the coming months. It traces back to a panel hosted in July for new CASA volunteers. What began as a standard introductory session for new recruits, as Executive Director Whitney Roberts recounted, "took on a mind of its own and turned into something so meaningful and fulfilling where our panelists were able to share stories about their work."
The raw, honest sharing of experiences and insights deeply resonated with attendees and participants alike, revealing a profound need for continued dialogue and mentorship. Recognizing the immense value of this organic connection, Mary Jo is now committed to formalizing these sessions, creating a recurring platform where both seasoned and nascent volunteers can exchange invaluable stories, navigate challenges, and celebrate successes. Executive Director Whitney Roberts affirmed Mary Jo's leadership, stating, “Under Mary Jo's guidance, this initiative promises to be a vital resource, strengthening the bonds within our volunteer community and ultimately enhancing the advocacy efforts for the most vulnerable children they serve.
“It is easy to assume that only seasoned CASA professionals have wisdom worth passing on, yet some of the most transformative moments arise when someone with only their life story steps forward, becomes a CASA and admits “this is what I did, and this is how it felt for me.” I watched a new volunteer—her confidence tentative—yet she spoke with a raw honesty that rippled through the room. She confessed that she didn’t fully understand the terrain she was entering, but she chose to say “yes” because a child needed a steady hand and because another, more experienced volunteer on the other side of the table needed a living example of bravery. By narrating her own stumbling blocks and small victories, she provided a roadmap for anyone feeling lost, and she reminded us that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the willingness to move forward despite it.
That moment sparked a chain reaction. A longtime mentor, who has navigated dozens of complex cases, leaned in and offered his own strategies, turning a simple exchange into a collaborative learning circle. In those minutes, volunteers of every tenure realized something essential: we are each other’s people. When we sit together, listen, and recount moments when “the situation felt impossible, yet we survived and grew,” we create a collective safety net. The knowledge that someone else has already walked a treacherous path—and emerged on the other side—frees us to try, to fail, and to try again without the crushing weight of isolation.
The true beauty of this shared experience emerges when the heavy work gives way to celebration. After navigating challenges, we find ourselves laughing with the children, and savoring the small triumphs that punctuate our days. Those joyful interludes remind us that volunteerism is not solely defined by hardship; it is equally about the bright moments that stitch together trust, hope, and belonging. By honoring both the struggles and the celebrations, we reinforce the notion that every volunteer—whether a novice with a trembling voice or a veteran with a well‑worn playbook—has something invaluable to contribute.
In the end, the impact of that “zero‑experience” volunteer is profound not because she knew everything, but because she dared to be vulnerable, to share her journey as a CASA, and to invite others into a space where learning is mutual. Her courage lit a path that turned a solitary effort into a community of people in the same room who lift each other up, celebrate every win, and, most importantly, become the steadfast “person” each child and each volunteer needs.”
It’s truly inspiring to be part of a dynamic network that is absolutely full of amazing people—individuals who genuinely understand both what it takes to launch groundbreaking initiatives and the underlying passion that keeps us going through challenging times. Their talent, vision, and determination are the core drivers of our collective success. Roberts closes with, “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support them, advocate for their innovative ideas, and help clear the path toward our shared goals. I am personally thrilled and excited about the next stage of this journey and the potential it holds for everyone involved. For believing in this vision and setting the stage for this growth, thank you, Mary Jo.”
