If you’ve spent time volunteering in Douglas County, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Evan Williams. Over the years, she has served on nonprofit boards, mentored through Big Brothers Big Sisters, supported community organizations, and even helped feed hundreds of guests at events like CASA’s own Winds Across the Prairie. For Evan, giving back has never been about recognition—it’s simply part of being a member of the community she loves.
When her 11-year relationship with her Little Brother through Big Brothers Big Sisters came to an end, Evan began looking for another meaningful way to get involved in the community. She attended a CASA information session, learned about the training requirements, and admits her first reaction was that it sounded like a lot of work. Still, she decided to give it a chance. Today, she is serving as a CASA with her sixth CASA child and has spent eight years advocating for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
In this Q&A, Evan shares what it’s really like to be a CASA volunteer, why you don’t need to be an expert to make a difference, and how the experience has deepened her understanding of children, families, and the challenges many people in our community face.
She also reflects on the relationships, lessons, and sense of purpose that keep her coming back year after year.
What inspired you to become a CASA volunteer?
I first learned about CASA through people in the community whom I admired. At the time, I had just wrapped up an 11-year relationship with my Little through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and I was looking for another meaningful way to give back.
I happened to see an advertisement for a CASA information session and decided to attend. I’ll be honest—once I learned about the training, the classes, and everything involved, my first thought was, “This sounds like a lot of work.” But I decided to stick with it and see where it led.
I’m so glad I did. The training was engaging, the support was incredible, and before long, I was working with my first case. Several years later, I’m now on my fourth case and still finding the experience rewarding.
Many people are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer but wonder whether they’re qualified. What would you tell them?
I think a lot of people assume they need some special background or expertise, but that hasn’t been my experience. CASA provides thorough training, and honestly, I found it fascinating. The training gives you a better understanding of the foster care system, the challenges many families face, and the role advocates play in supporting children.
More importantly, you’re never doing this work alone. One of the things I’ve appreciated most about CASA is the support. Whenever I’ve encountered a difficult situation or wasn’t sure how to handle something, I’ve been able to reach out to the CASA team for guidance. They are incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and committed to helping advocates succeed.
You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need to care about children and be willing to learn. CASA provides the training, resources, and support to help you become an effective advocate.
What has your experience as a CASA volunteer been like?
It’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve worked with both individual children and sibling groups. I’ve especially enjoyed working with siblings because they often provide comfort and stability for one another as they navigate difficult situations.
The children have been the best part of the experience. I always joke that I’m not naturally someone who gravitates toward kids in general—but I genuinely enjoy spending time with the children I work with through CASA. Every visit is different, but they’re almost always filled with laughter, conversation, and a lot of fun.
One thing I’ve come to appreciate is that being an advocate gives you the opportunity to show up consistently for a child during a challenging time in their life. Building those relationships has been one of the most meaningful parts of the experience for me. It also pushes me to try new things, get out into the community, and see the world through a child’s perspective. Those moments have brought me a lot of joy over the years.
What has being a CASA volunteer taught you?
More than anything, it’s given me a deeper understanding of the challenges many families face and a greater sense of empathy for people whose experiences are very different from my own.
Before becoming an advocate, I understood poverty as an idea. Through CASA, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how complex these situations can be. When you’re visiting homes, talking with parents, attending court hearings, and getting to know children and families, you begin to understand the obstacles they face in a much more personal way.
One of the things that has stayed with me is that most parents love their children deeply. The challenges families face are often far more complicated than they appear from the outside. Being a CASA advocate has helped me see people with more compassion and less judgment.
It’s also helped me better understand the systems that serve children and families in our community. I’ve learned a tremendous amount—not just about foster care, but about housing, poverty, mental health, and the resources available to families who need support. I feel like it’s made me a more informed and engaged member of the community.
After several years as a CASA volunteer, what keeps you coming back?
There are a lot of reasons, but at the heart of it, I enjoy the children.
I also believe strongly in being involved in my community. When I think about the challenges facing the world, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to know where to start. CASA gives me an opportunity to make a meaningful difference close to home and to contribute in a way that feels tangible and personal.
The experience has taught me a lot, not only about children and families, but about our community as a whole.
It’s helped me grow as a person, and as long as I’m able, I plan to keep doing it.
