CASA Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Karen Higbie

Karen joined the Porter County CASA program around five months ago. She heard about the program through her husband’s work at the Porter County Community Foundation. When she read more about CASA on the website, it struck a chord with her. She says that she often reads in the newspaper about children who are caught in the middle of less than ideal situations, and she wondered what she could do to help.

Karen’s love for children is what truly drove her to become a CASA volunteer. She also loves listening to people’s stories, hearing what they are facing, and interacting with people in general. She has enjoyed working with her CASA supervisor to help guide people toward the services and professionals that can possibly help them.

When Karen isn’t doing her volunteer duties, she is busy with many other projects! Not only is she a bookkeeper for her brother’s business and her son’s business, but she cleans the homes of two friends (83 and 92!) once a month. In the past, Karen worked as an office manager/bookkeeper for a doctor’s office before staying home with her children for sixteen years. In her spare time, she likes gardening, organizing, and drinking coffee!

The biggest reward to being a CASA volunteer, Karen believes, is helping people and knowing that she is having a positive impact on a child’s future. She said she never realized what a full grip substance abuse can have on people, and that it’s not as simple as she once thought to make a change. She says, “I am learning to be more patient and empathetic and to be less judgmental to those facing these battles and crises.” She has also gained an appreciation for those involved in the cases, specifically DCS and CASA. She is impressed with how helpful and kind the CASA staff is, and meeting everyone solidified her decision to join and complete volunteer training. She feels that Porter County CASA is a “wonderful women-led organization!”

We think you’re wonderful, too, Karen!