Our Advocate Spotlight features Angie Dornisch, a Pastor at Hope United Methodist Church in Billings Heights. Prior to moving to Billings, Angie attended seminary in Denver. Her friend, Lyndsey, invited Angie to her swearing in ceremony to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care. Angie was so moved by the ceremony that she soon realized she wanted to work on behalf of foster kids, too, through the CASA program.
Upon her arrival in Billings in 2019, within just a few short months, Angie felt the timing was right to begin training to become a CASA. She was officially sworn in at the Yellowstone County Courthouse in November 2019.
Angie’s current case involves a family of three siblings. She loves how energetic and creative the toddlers are and loves to snuggle with the infant. According to Angie, “all three children bring so much joy to my life and I love getting to know them and spend time with them.”
For Angie, knowing there are over six hundred children in foster care in Yellowstone County weighs heavily on her heart every day. She knows that each one of those children deserves a safe and loving home, along with a happy childhood. While recognizing she cannot help all six hundred kids, advocating for the three she has been assigned to is gratifying. She knows her kids are in a loving home and foresees a bright future for them all.
Angie’s advice to a new Advocate or someone considering becoming an Advocate: “People tend to think you need to have a master’s in social work to become a CASA, but that’s not true. Anyone who has a passion for helping children can become a CASA. The Yellowstone County CASA staff gives you all the training you need to succeed as one. If you’re sick of hearing about all of the problems of the world and ready to be a part of the solution, I invite you to join us and begin advocating for a child (or children) in need.”
