Curves

I hope you don't mind, but I thought I would use my blog to share what has been going on with me over the summer and since I last blogged.

Many of you know that I became a CASA Volunteer (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children in the foster care system. My first case has ended and I believe the outcome was positive for everyone involved. I have just been given a new case this past week. While reviewing the files of the children I have been entrusted with, my only desire is to help guide them towards finding and keeping HOPE.

I have had the fortunate ability to find time to read and have read two astounding books about being in the foster system and being a CASA. The first book was called; Three Little Words written by Ashley Rhodes. It is her memoir about growing up in the foster care system and the next book; I Speak for this Child, Gay Courter, is by the woman who adopted Ashley. This book is Gay's view of the foster care system through her eyes as a foster mom and the volunteer work she did as a CASA.

I also became a volunteer on the FCRB (Foster Care Review Board). Each group meets once a month to review specific files for the Judge. The FCRB is in place to assure that the needs of the children are being met in their foster home and to assist the foster families with any problems or concerns they may have. I have only been to two meetings so far and have already met some very strong people wanting to help these children.

I have also been spending some time researching the possibility of going back to school and have finally made the commitment. I have become quite confident in the idea that I want to continue to help children and others through a non-profit here in Nashville. This work would require my having a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. I have officially started my workshop online and my first two classes begin Monday August 2nd through Phoenix University.

I do have some part-time work with the wonderful organization Cool People Care, Inc. I was able to help them with organizing and shipping items for the We Are Nashville campaign. I really believe that the owners; Sam Davidson and Stephen Mosley have helped Nancy and I through a crucial, soul searching time in our lives. I am grateful that I can still be of service to them and appreciate the part-time job.

Besides trying to keep my garden alive through this heat spell and playing with my puppy, this has been a time of wonderful curves in the road. I have been very fortunate with the support of my partner and my family who continue each day to walk with me.