After retiring from a fulfilling career in project management and teaching, Sandy Ellis was looking for a way to give back to her new community in Montana. Having recently moved from Minnesota to be closer to her sister, Sandy found herself drawn to a cause that would allow her to make a real difference in the lives of children—becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).
Her sister had been a CASA volunteer for some time and encouraged Sandy to take the leap. Intrigued by the idea, Sandy knew that, despite her retirement, she wanted to dedicate her time and experience to advocating for children who needed a voice. Little did she know that her first case would deeply impact her heart in ways she never expected.
Sandy’s first assignment as a CASA was a teenager struggling with neglect and abuse. As any teenager knows, adolescence is a time of emotional turmoil, filled with uncertainty and self-discovery. But for this teen, life was even harder. Without the support of parents or a stable home, every day was filled with anxiety, depression, and a sense of not being cared for.
Sandy stepped in to help in the only way she knew how—by being there. She worked with the teenager to cope with educational struggles, offering support and guidance during the difficult school years. Though the teenager was battling a future filled with uncertainty, Sandy’s presence brought a sense of stability. Sometimes, just showing up to listen, to offer a safe space, or to help with a homework assignment was enough to make a world of difference.
But Sandy’s journey didn’t end there. After completing her first case, she was assigned a younger child—someone who, like the teenager before them, had faced severe trauma and hardship. This child, too, needed more than just a mentor; they needed someone to believe in them, someone who would not walk away when things got tough.
Sandy has spent hours getting to know the child, building a relationship of trust and support. Sandy understands that her job is not to fix everything, but to be a steady presence in the child’s life. Sometimes a 30-minute visit is enough to reassure the child that they are not forgotten, that someone truly cares about them. Even small moments of connection help begin the healing process.
As Sandy continues to volunteer with CASA, she has learned the importance of perseverance and strength. “Stand firm,” she says, offering advice to new advocates or those considering becoming a CASA. “It will take strength and determination to stay the course and to stand alongside a child who desperately needs you when their family can’t provide the care they deserve. But the reward is unlike any I’ve ever experienced before. It’s well worth all the effort. You get out of it as much as you put into it—and more.”
Sandy’s story is a reminder that even small acts of kindness and care can make a huge difference in the life of a child. Thank you, Sandy, for your unwavering commitment to the CASA mission and for the lasting impact you’re making in the lives of children who need it most.
