JulieAnne Mattson – November 2020
We are shining the Spotlight on JulieAnne Mattson this month. She completed training in February 2016 and received her first (and current) case in May 2016, which included three teenage brothers. The older two achieved guardianship and reunification. She’s still advocating for the youngest brother, who has had some ups and downs, but is doing well and has some goals.
JulieAnne heard about the CASA program from a friend who is a foster parent. JulieAnne states “I’m inspired by my friend who has been fostering for many years. I didn’t think fostering was the right fit for me, but I had a desire to help children and she suggested this great program. I think it’s helpful for there to be a consistent person in the children’s lives. In my case, there have been multiple foster homes and case workers over the past four and a half years, but I think having the same CASA volunteer has been helpful to the boys. I appreciate that each CASA only has one case at a time. I admire and respect the case workers and juvenile officers who have so many cases and children; I sure don’t know how they keep up!
I share my CASA case with my friend and business partner, Julie Wesley. Since we had three boys to begin with, having both of us working together was very helpful. I encourage anyone who is interested, but perhaps a little unsure or intimidated, maybe signing up with a friend or relative would be good for you as well!”
Thank you, JulieAnne, for your dedication and commitment all these years to the young men you advocate for. We appreciate you!