Volunteer Spotlight

Sarah Jones

CASA Volunteer since Winter 2018

Sarah Jones was born in Astoria, and grew up in Knappa with her mom, dad, four brothers, and two sisters. Sarah describes being raised with two strong role models as parents; her mother was always a good example of treating people well and with respect, and her father was a hard worker and good provider. After high school, Sarah worked at a cannery to save money for college, and left the area when she had saved enough. However, she eventually decided to return after 12 years to raise her son here, around lots of cousins, aunts, uncles, and good friends. Sarah still has lots of family living in and around Clatsop County. Her son now lives in Northwest Arkansas, and she enjoys visiting him there. She also has one sweet and ornery kitty, “Sis”. Sarah loves Astoria for the forests, rivers, ocean, clean air, history, rain (for a while) and good community; there are several people living locally that she has known all of her life.

Sarah has brought an extensive medical knowledge to her CASA case, having worked as a nurse for over 40 years. Her favorite job was in Home Health in Astoria. She has been able to meet many interesting and amazing people/families through her work as a nurse, as well as several inspiring coworkers. In addition to her work in the medical field, Sarah has a passion for gardening, and has spent time taking masters gardening classes at Clatsop Community College, and volunteering as a gardener at the hospital.

Sarah has always loved working with children. She has two nephews and a niece that were adopted from foster care, as well as friends and acquaintances when she was younger that were in foster care. Her desire to better understand the experiences of those who go through the foster care system drew her to advocacy work. Sarah first heard about CASA through training she took about ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences). She also learned a lot about the affects of trauma and drug abuse in families, as well as the rising number of opioid-related deaths in our community, especially among youth and young adults. Gaining this knowledge made Sarah want to do something, and she decided to take the CASA training.

Sarah says the highlights of her first CASA case have been seeing the timely interventions, security, and inclusion that is provided to her CASA child. She describes the foster parents in her case as being really outstanding and devoted. One of the challenges so far has been seeing first hand the affects drug use has on the family system. Sarah has been surprised and impressed at how much the courts want to help connect families and foster children to resources (such as counseling and training).

“If you have the time and interest, do consider becoming a CASA! The training is good, thought-provoking, challenging and supportive. CASA staff help whenever there are questions or new situations to understand. I have seen how one caring person can change the life of a child. Everyone can do something, everyone can help a child. It is rewarding to be part of a team – the courts, caseworkers, counselors, teachers, doctors, etc., that advocate for the best interest of the child.” – Sarah Jones