Volunteer Spotlight: Jackie Boyle
Jackie became a CASA volunteer in 2015 following her retirement. Jackie has overseen 18 CHINS cases, 1 guardianship case, and has advocated for a total of 42 children. After she retired from teaching, she moved back to Indiana and was ready to do some volunteer work. She felt that being a CASA was a perfect fit, and here she is seven years later. Jackie says, “I love my role as an advocate for kids, and I feel privileged to work with the wonderful, supportive people in the Northeastern Indiana CASA community.”
Jackie spends many hours writing reports, visiting kids, and attending hearings, but also ensures to leave plenty of time to do other things that make her happy. She has two grown sons and two adorable granddaughters, all of whom keep her busy. She loves to read and is usually involved with some kind of craft. Right now, it’s pebble art, which she sells at a local shop. When she wants to relax, she says that she enjoys long, lazy boat rides around the lake with her hubby and two dogs.
Jackie says, “when I was going through CASA training, I watched a video featuring adults who had been in the system as kids. A young woman named Pamela Butler said, “When you’re young, no one listens to you. They really don’t.” Her CASA was the only one who actually did listen and, by doing so, gave her a voice. Having a voice gave her hope. I have never forgotten her words. As CASAs, we keep the focus where it should be –on the kids.” Thank you, Jackie, for all your hard work!
