Volunteer Spotlight
Board Profile - Olga Brown
Right from the very beginning, Olga Brown has lent her hand and heart to Casa Youth Shelter and the Casa Kids. From the very beginning that our founder, Myldred E. Jones, first established the shelter, fondly known as the "Little Old House on Reagan Street," Olga came alongside her to aid in creating a true home-like environment, one providing both safety and love. No task has ever been too big or too small for Olga, who had four young boys of her own, Dennis, Kevin, Tim and Terry. Today as a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Olga continues to follow her own "life-mantra" in its broadest of terms… "Love your neighbors as yourself every day of your life."
Throughout her long association with Casa, sometimes as president of the original volunteer group, the "Ayudantes," other times as Casa Youth Shelter's Auxiliary president, Olga has remained an active part of the goodness that is part and parcel of the Casa Family and the life of the shelter. Olga, dearest friend, we salute you, we treasure you and we admire you. Thank you for being who you are, for sharing your life and goodness with Casa Youth Shelter and the Casa Kids.
Volunteer Spotlight - Lynne Davidson
Another most welcome new member of the Casa Family, Lynne Davidson, Volunteer Extraordinaire, finds it lots of fun to be out on the volleyball court with the kids. In fact, she says just being at Casa and interacting with the Casa Kids is loads of fun, too. Another wonderful thing about this cheery lady, who also volunteers with the Second Harvest Food Bank, is she really likes teen-agers… she thinks they are some of the most interesting people she knows. Recently retired after seventeen years as a Finance Manager for a regional Mercedes Benz Agency, and previously found time to coach a Girls' Volleyball Team at a South County Middle School. What a dynamo: And, what a friend of Casa!
Lynne says one of the most "funnest" things she does is to take Casa Kids bowling at the Valley View Lanes in Cypress. She says it's a blast - and that Ann, the bowling alley manager, loves to have the Casa Kids come to have a good time, too: She makes sure an alley is available anytime for them. Lynne arranges the outings as often as she can, and tries mightily to make the outings as much fun as possible for the kids. And like any mother with hungry teenagers, she always makes sure they have ice cream treats as part of their special outings, too.
Lynne, you may have only been here a year or so, but you've certainly demonstrated you're a true-blue Casa Family member - and the Casa Kids are so fortunate to have you as a Youth Volunteer. We know now why the guiding principle in your life is: "Always Remember the Other Guy." You are the best possible example of the goodness to be found in that sentiment.
We thank you and hope you'll be "out on the Casa Courts with the kids" for many years.
Volunteer Spotlight
Eunice Thompson & Cathy Lozano
Eunice first learned about Casa several years ago when attending an ABC School District's community outreach presentation on "Parent Leadership." The invited speaker was one of Casa's stellar counselors, Don Copeland. Eunice says the event was an eye-opener and she decided right then she wanted to learn more about how she might become a part of "making a difference" in the lives of troubled youth. Later Cathy also decided to become involved. Contacting Casa to inquire what they might do, they learned of opportunities to provide adult supervision while taking the kids on outings. They decided walks to local parks would be good exercise for both the Casa Kids as well as themselves …and from there it was only a short time till they all were often visiting both the Rossmoor and the Little Cottonwood parks. Of course these walks also provided perfect opportunities for Eunice and Cathy to provide special treats for the kids, and so they all enjoyed (on occasion) hamburgers and a soft drink. Taking the kids out to lunch was a special treat they all enjoyed.
Eunice says being associated with Casa and the Casa Kids has added a meaningful new dimension to both Cathy and her retirement years, and they believe themselves fortunate to have the opportunity of learning from the talented staff and sharing with other volunteers the rewards of being a part of the "Casa Family." Sharing her philosophy of life, Eunice says she's a firm believer that, "It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice." Well, Eunice and Cathy, we view each of you as being both important and nice. Thank you for being so special!
