Meet Larry McMullen, a retired public school teacher with an extraordinary heart for service and a passion for making a difference in the lives of children. After spending 35 years in the classroom, he realized that his calling to help children didn’t end with retirement. Larry turned his attention to the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) program, where he has since dedicated his time to being a stable, caring adult for children navigating the difficult world of foster care.
Originally from Florida, he grew up with a deep love for nature, exploring beaches, tide pools, and inland areas, which sparked an early interest in raptors and falconry. His connection with a local falconer led him to train falcons and English setters, skills he still cherishes today. In his teenage years, he moved to Illinois and continued his exploration of nature, including paddling canoes on Montana rivers. As the son of a Methodist minister, he was raised in a close-knit family with two brothers and a sister, and he always understood the importance of community and family.
As a teacher, he witnessed firsthand the effects of broken homes on children and saw how crucial it was for kids to have positive adult role models. This realization led him to his current work with CASA, where he became a volunteer in 2021. His last case was with a 9-year-old boy who was struggling in the foster system. Over the course of their time together, he formed a deep connection with the boy, spending time with him at football and soccer practices, having picnics at local parks, and even taking him canoeing. The boy was eventually reunited with his grandmother, a happy and hopeful outcome that was made possible by the consistent support of Larry.
Though he knows he can’t fix everything for the children he advocates for, his role is to be a stable, loving presence in their lives. For him, the most satisfying part of being a CASA volunteer is “simply spending time with the kids”, showing them they matter, and helping them navigate foster care.
Larry’s experience, as a CASA, has not only allowed him to help children in need but has also been a deeply fulfilling chapter in his own life. He hopes that through his involvement, he has provided stability and reassurance to children during one of the most challenging times they may face.
We are incredibly grateful for this volunteer’s dedication, compassion, and unwavering support of children in need. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on the lives of many.
