Caitlin Buggy has always had a heart for children in need. She has worked as a counselor in a children’s shelter and now works as a pediatric ICU nurse. She is also attending UC Davis to get her Master’s degree in nursing administration. She has always known about CASA and felt a calling to become more involved.
A year ago, she recruited her mom, Ann Buggy, to apply to the CASA training with her. They were both accepted and Caitlin accepted her first assignment a month ago.
“My schedule would not allow me to take on a case right when I finished the training,” states Caitlin, “but the CASA staff was very accommodating. If you are interested in becoming a CASA volunteer but not sure if the time is right, I encourage you to apply for the training anyway. The staff will work with you and find an arrangement that works with your schedule.”
So far, she loves being a CASA volunteer. “My CASA child is in elementary school and she and I hit it off immediately. I’ve worked with a lot of kids in crisis and I know how important it is for them to have someone special that they can trust and rely upon through hard times. I feel like CASA volunteers have the opportunity to be that special person for a child and I know from experience that it is so needed.”
With a busy school schedule, a full-time job, and being a CASA volunteer, Caitlin feels her plate is full. However, someday she may become even more involved with foster children. “I haven’t ruled out becoming a foster parent someday. There are so many kids out there who need a loving home.”
For now, Caitlin is enjoying her current CASA child and the role she plays in her life. “I was all set to fall in love with this role and it happened very quickly. I am really glad that I did not shy away because of the time commitment. It truly fits into my life and now I can’t imagine my life without my CASA child in it. I encourage even the busiest of people to step forward and make a difference in the life of a foster child. You will be so happy that you did.”
