I’m originally from Nebraska, but I’ve called Billings home since I was nine years old. I’ve been married to my husband, Robin, for 38 years, and together we’ve raised four wonderful daughters. Now, we’re blessed with three amazing sons-in-law and six energetic grandkids who keep us smiling and on our toes!
Our faith and our small church community have been a big part of our lives for many years—longer than we’ve even been married. Robin and I have always worked closely with the kids in our church, whether through weekly kids’ club, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, or youth group. These days, I’m still teaching Junior Church for our younger elementary kiddos.
While raising our daughters, I stayed home with them. Once the youngest started school, I found myself helping out as a substitute in the local schools—whether it was in the lunchroom, a classroom, or even working the crosswalk. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in a little of everything—from taxes to ink cartridges to serving pizza in a middle school cafeteria.
In 2015, when our youngest left for college, Robin and I stepped into a new chapter as caregivers for his parents, both of whom had Alzheimer’s. His mother passed a few years ago, and his father just this past August. We’re still adjusting and figuring out what our “new normal” looks like. I’m hoping to rediscover old hobbies and maybe find some new ones, too. In the meantime, I spend quite a bit of time caring for our two youngest granddaughters, which definitely keeps life busy and joyful. Honestly, nothing makes me happier than time with our daughters, sons-in-law, and, of course, the grandkids!
I kept seeing a billboard about CASA, and it really caught my attention. After a year of wondering what it was all about, I finally went to an informational session. That’s when I learned how many kids in Yellowstone County are in foster care—and how many of them feel invisible or like they don’t matter. That really hit me, and I knew I wanted to be part of something that could make a difference in their lives.
I became an official CASA in early 2019 and started my first case shortly after. That case lasted around two years and ended with the child being placed in guardianship with their grandparents. After that, I was asked to become a Peer Coordinator. While I haven’t taken on a new case of my own since, I’ve had the honor of mentoring 10 amazing Advocates over the past four years. Each of them has brought their own heart and passion into this work, and I’ve felt truly blessed to walk alongside them as they advocate for children in our community. I’m so thankful for that billboard because CASA gives me the opportunity to put my faith into action and extend His love and care to these hurting families, as well as to the Advocates I come in contact with.
Since I’ve been focused more on the Peer Coordinator role, the most gratifying part for me is seeing my Advocates experience those little (and big) wins in their cases. When they call me to share that a mom has been sober for three months, or a teenager invites them to a school activity, or a seven-year-old teaches them a new game, the joy and excitement in their voices makes my whole day.
In many ways, I get to live vicariously through their experiences—the highs and the challenges. I love being that person they can turn to for advice, help with planning or research, or just a safe space to vent when things get tough. Supporting them in their advocacy is incredibly fulfilling.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned—both from my own case and from working with Advocates—is how important it is to embrace the whole family. When you treat the parents, grandparents, aunties, or whoever is “their people” with respect and compassion, it can make a huge difference.
The journey that brought a family into the system doesn’t have to define their future. Reunification isn’t always possible but doing everything we can to support families toward success—without judgment, that’s what advocating for the child truly means. Every child deserves someone who sees them, believes in them, and supports the people who love them.
First of all—just do it! If you’re considering becoming an Advocate, know this: you have more courage than you think. Stepping into a child’s life during one of their most difficult seasons takes heart and strength. You may find yourself speaking with judges, attorneys, or frustrated parents—things that may feel intimidating at first. But when you remember who you’re doing it for, that courage rises up from deep inside.
– Lynda Demaray, CASA Peer Coordinator
