PROVO -- Volunteers are needed to help abused and neglected children who have been removed from their homes and need representation in court.
Advocate volunteers known as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) assist the Office of the Guardian ad Litem for the 4th District Juvenile Court, helping the court receive specific information about what action would be in the best interest of a particular child.Advocate volunteers assist the Guardian ad Litem attorneys by meeting with the children and helping with research. The information gathered by the volunteers helps judges make informed decisions about what is best for the child. The need for advocate volunteers far exceeds the number of volunteers currently serving.
"(CASA) volunteers make sure the kids don't fall through the cracks," said Lisa McDonald, volunteer coordinator for the 4th District. "Acting as the eyes and ears for the attorney, CASA volunteers ensure that good choices are made in behalf of the children."
Peter Clegg, who has been a volunteer for two years, said working with children has been very rewarding.
"In these situations, any care given to the kids makes a big impact," Clegg said. "This is one of the few cases where giving a little effort goes a long way."
Training for volunteers will begin Jan. 6 and will be held on Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. for eight weeks. Individuals must be at least 21 and available 10 to 15 hours each month for at least 12 months. For more information or to volunteer, call the United Way volunteer center, 374-8108.
Additional volunteer opportunities are available throughout Utah County. Some of these are listed below.
Sponsor a child for Christmas. Sub-For-Santa, a program that provides Christmas gifts to children of homeless and low-income families, is looking for sponsors to give an unforgettable Christmas to Utah County Children. Sponsors are asked to give at least two new clothing items, two new toys and one book for each child in the family. Individuals or groups interested in sponsoring a family this Christmas should call the Sub-For-Santa Sponsor Hotline at 375-1220 or the United Way Volunteer Center for more information on how to best help in your community this holiday season.
Take part in a holiday parade. Provo needs at least 100 volunteers to take part in the Provo City First Night Celebration at the Children's Tent. Volunteers will work at booths with fun activities for children of all ages. The shifts run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31. All volunteers get a free pass to First Night.
Work with senior citizens. The Provo Senior Citizens Center needs volunteers with various interests and expertise to help create and run special programs for the elderly. Volunteers can help evaluate existing programs, advertise the center and its agendas, develop and help implement various fitness programs for senior citizens and assist seniors with filling out forms.
The hours are flexible, depending on volunteers' school schedule and/or work. For more information about these and other volunteer opportunities in Utah County, contact the United Way Volunteer Center at 374-8108, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by e-mail volunteer@unitedwayuc.org or visit the United Way of Utah County Web site www.unitedwayuc.org.