“What keeps me coming back is the ability to advocate for the things the child needs to thrive.”

1.)  Tell me a little bit about yourself.

 My name is Shanon Levin. I came to Berks County from Philadelphia in 2021. I love how peaceful it is out here! I work as an Administrative Judge for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission where I hear employment discrimination cases brought by federal employees.

2.)  What made you decide to reach out and become a CASA?

 When I was the managing attorney for Disability Rights Pennsylvania, I encountered CASAs working with dependent kids with disabilities who needed services and was very impressed with their advocacy! I wanted to get involved in my new Berks County community and thought this would be a great way to do it.

3.)  Did you find that the CASA classes were enough to get you started with your first case? Did you feel supported?

 Nothing can prepare you for being a CASA except doing it! I definitely feel supported by CASA staff, who always have ideas and suggestions.

 4.)  How nervous were you to meet the child involved in your first case? Does it get easier?

 I wasn’t nervous. I did think about whether the child, who was a tween in placement, would be open to speaking to me since I was yet another stranger intruding into her life.

5.)  How long have you been a CASA and how many cases have you had?

 This is my first case.

6.)  How do you work being a CASA volunteer into your busy life?

 This is one of the hardest things about being a CASA. It’s hard to balance a full-time job along with family and social time. I try to schedule CASA activities on my days off.

7.)  With all the different people involved in a child’s case: family, foster family, school, doctor, caseworkers etc. How do you stay organized?

 To do lists!

8.). Is there an experience or has a child, in one of your cases, ever said something or done something to make you feel this is why I became a CASA volunteer?

 The child asked me to call her regularly.

9.) We all know that being a CASA is not all butterflies and roses so what would you say is the hardest thing about being CASA is and what keeps you coming back?

 The hardest thing about being a CASA is not being able to solve the problems that exist for the child. What keeps me coming back in the ability to advocate for the things the child needs to thrive.

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Events — CASA of Berks County (casaberks.org)

Child Advocates set aside a Sunny Saturday for a Day of Training

CASA volunteer Child Advocates gathered at the Berks Nature Center for a day of training and companionship. Sue Hissick of Reading Children's Dyslexia Center informed our group of the prevalence of dyslexia and how often it is undiagnosed. Jill Payne enthusiastically shared the opportunity that Job Corps provides to teens and young adults post-foster care. Tasha Santiago described the many resources available to teens, adults, parents and foster families at the LGBT Center of Reading. Lunch was provided by Mi Casa Su Casa -- empanadas were a big hit. We spent the afternoon with everyone painting their portion of a canvas. When the nine canvas paintings were assembled they created a mural that celebrates the mission of our CASA Advocates to "Change a Child's Story". Many thanks to Michelle Kissinger for the design and facilitation of that amazing project. Many thanks to the Berks Law Foundation for the funding for this training.

CASA Berks Honors Mark Rozzi with Champion of Light Award

CASA Berks County honored State Representative Mark Rozzi with our Champion of Light award. during our Annual Gala of Light on September 19, 2023. Representative Mark Rozzi was selected for the Champion of Light award for his passionate efforts to pass a constitutional amendment that would give victims of sexual abuse more options to sue their abusers. Mark Rozzi received the award at the CASA of Berks County Annual Gala in late September. As he received the award, Rozzi shared that he was a victim of clergy sex abuse as a teen; the Gala crowd was silent as they listened to Rozzi speak about the rights of child sexual abuse victims. Many attendees commented on how moved they were by his inspiring speech. Mark Rozzi gifted the Gala with an oil painting of a red heart climbing out of darkness. Rozzi told the crowd that the painting was a traumatized heart slowly rising to awareness and justice. The painting was sold to businessman David Green. Rozzi told David he was excited that it sold at the Gala art auction as it was the first time anyone had purchased one of his paintings. Please join us in recognizing the importance of advocacy for children and the work of Representative Rozzi to achieve legislation that expands the time frame for child victims to sue their abusers.