Lindsay Dycus: Advocating for Kids, Transforming Lives with Alcovy CASA– Episode 39
Welcome to another compelling episode of The Town Square Podcast, where we dive deep into the heart of community advocacy with the aim of bridging the gap between differing views. In Episode 39, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey welcome Lindsay Dycus, the Executive Director of Alcovy CASA, Inc., an organization dedicated to helping children navigate the foster care system in Newton and Walton counties. Together, they explore the vital work CASA does, its impact on the community, and how each of us can contribute to making a real difference.
The Heart of CASA: Child Advocacy That Makes a Difference
Alcovy CASA, short for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is a non-profit organization that recruits, trains, and supports volunteers to act as advocates for children in the foster care system. The organization's mission is to ensure every child in foster care has a consistent, caring adult in their life—a CASA volunteer—who can provide much-needed support and guidance.
In this episode, Lindsay shares her personal journey into the world of child advocacy. She explains how CASA volunteers are court-appointed to advocate for a child’s best interests, serving as a stable adult presence throughout the foster care process. CASA volunteers build relationships with children and their families, attend court hearings, and work closely with the foster care system to ensure that children's needs are met. The goal? Reunification with their families when possible, or ensuring the best outcome for the child when that’s not an option.
The CASA Volunteer Experience: Consistency is Key
One of the most remarkable aspects of CASA’s work is the unwavering support that volunteers provide to children. Lindsay discusses the importance of consistency in advocacy, especially for children who have often experienced trauma and instability in their young lives. CASA volunteers provide a steady and reliable presence, helping children navigate the complexities of the foster care system, supporting them through the ups and downs, and advocating for their needs at every step.
A powerful example shared during the episode is the story of a 14-year-old girl and her CASA volunteer. Despite initial resistance, the young girl eventually built a trusting relationship with her CASA volunteer, ultimately seeing them as a crucial support during an incredibly turbulent time. This type of connection is transformative, helping children heal and giving them a voice in the system that can often feel intimidating and overwhelming.
Volunteers: A Diverse and Dedicated Community
What makes Alcovy CASA particularly effective is its focus on matching children with volunteers who reflect their own backgrounds, making the advocacy experience feel more personal and relatable. Lindsay shares how CASA strives to recruit a diverse pool of volunteers from the local community to ensure that children can see someone who looks like them or shares similar life experiences. The goal is to make every child feel seen, heard, and valued, which is why representation truly matters in this line of work.
Lindsay also explains the process of becoming a CASA volunteer, noting that while the training is rigorous (30 hours of classroom education and 10 hours of courtroom observation), it’s an incredibly rewarding experience for those who are ready to make a lasting impact in a child’s life. CASA volunteers are not required to have a specific educational background, but they must be dedicated, empathetic, and committed to showing up for the children they serve.
A Bright Future: Supporting Alcovy CASA Through Donations and Volunteerism
Alcovy CASA is a shining example of how non-profit organizations can make a real difference in their communities. But as Lindsay explains, the organization’s success relies heavily on community support—both through volunteers and financial donations. With federal funding declining, CASA has increasingly relied on local contributions to continue its work, particularly in training and supporting volunteers.
Lindsay encourages listeners to get involved by donating to Alcovy CASA or signing up to volunteer. No matter the size of the donation or the time commitment, every bit helps further CASA’s mission of supporting children in foster care. If you’re interested in volunteering or learning more about how you can support CASA, visit their website at Alcovy CASA.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in making a difference, Alcovy CASA offers several ways to get involved:
1. Volunteer: CASA volunteers are needed to work with children in foster care. Whether you’re looking for a one-time commitment or a long-term opportunity, CASA offers the chance to make a significant impact in the lives of children in need.
2. Donate: Donations are crucial for funding CASA’s volunteer training programs and operations. You can donate online through their website or choose to set up a recurring monthly contribution to support CASA’s ongoing work.
3. Spread the Word: Share CASA’s mission with others! Follow Alcovy CASA on social media to stay updated on their work, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising campaigns.
The Power of Reunification: Transforming Families, Changing Lives
Throughout the episode, Lindsay highlights the importance of family reunification whenever possible. She shares heartwarming stories of children who have been successfully reunited with their families—stories that reflect the profound impact of CASA’s work on both the children and their parents.
Reunification is the ultimate goal for most cases, and CASA volunteers play a pivotal role in ensuring that children are safely and lovingly returned to their families when it’s in the best interest of the child. Lindsay emphasizes that when reunification isn’t possible, CASA works to find other family members—such as aunts, uncles, or grandparents—who can provide a safe, loving home for the child.
The Changing Landscape of Child Welfare: A Growing Need for Support
Lindsay also discusses how child welfare and foster care have evolved over the years. She shares how CASA has adapted to changes in the system, particularly in how visits between children and parents are conducted. With advances in technology like Zoom, CASA has been able to find creative solutions to keep children connected with their families, even when in-person visits are not feasible. These changes reflect a deeper understanding of child welfare, showing how the system is always evolving to best support children and families.
A Word from Our Sponsors
We’d like to thank our sponsors for making this episode of The Town Square Podcast possible. Please check them out and support their businesses:
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Final Thoughts
Thank you for tuning in to this powerful episode with Lindsay Dycus, Executive Director of Alcovy CASA. We hope this conversation inspires you to take action—whether by volunteering your time, donating to CASA, or simply sharing this episode with others in your community. Together, we can create a brighter future for the children of Newton and Walton counties.
Please like, subscribe, and share this episode on your social media platforms. Let’s continue to bring meaningful conversations to the messy middle—fostering unity and understanding in our community.
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Lindsay Dycus: Advocating for Kids, Transforming Lives with Alcovy CASA– Episode 39
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