YWCA seeks ‘voices’ for foster kids

o What: YWCA Clark County is hosting an “Introduction to Volunteering” meeting to acquaint people with various programs, including CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates

? When: 6-8:30 p.m. Jan. 11.

? Where: YWCA Clark County community room, 3609 Main St.

? Information: http://www.ywcaclarkcounty.org or 360-696-0167.

Doing what Sheldon Tyler does isn’t easy — so what makes it even more remarkable is that he does it for free.

Tyler, 65, himself the father of six grown children, has spent several hours a week for the last 2½ years giving his time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, for children in the foster system.

He’s the one who battles to get the children what they need. As he puts it: “A warm, dry, loving place.”

Sometimes, that means the children wind up back with their parents. Other times, parental custody is terminated. Oftentimes, allegations of sexual, physical or psychological abuse are involved.

After completing 10 weeks of training, Tyler’s duties have included visiting his charges and their families at least once a month, keeping up with legal cases and attending court hearings.

Seeing the conditions that some kids have suffered through isn’t easy, said Tyler, a retired Port of Camas-Washougal executive who lives in the Fern Prairie area. It’s been an awakening to the lack of skills and care some parents have.

“I must admit I struggle with it at times,” he said. “I’m sad (CASAs) have to be out there, but I’m glad we are.”

But even more advocates are needed: Volunteers have stepped up to cover about 340 of the CASA cases, but there are still 200 children who don’t have an advocate.

“I think it’s a wonderful program,” Tyler said. “It’s sad that more kids don’t have a voice.”

At a time of year when folks are making all sorts of vows — shape up, slim down, stop smoking — the YWCA Clark County is hoping people will add one more — volunteering.

Volunteers provided the YWCA with 44,449 hours worth of time in 2009, which translates to more than $941,000 worth of labor, communications specialist Sharon Svec said.

“It allows our organization to exist,” she said.

On Jan. 11, the YWCA will host an “Introduction to Volunteering” meeting at its offices at 3609 Main St. The meeting will include an outline of seven YWCA programs, including CASA, that need more help, Svec said. She noted that many volunteers are women ages 40 to 60-plus, and that there’s a special need for men and younger volunteers.

Sitting in the CASA offices downstairs at the YWCA, his case files on his lap, Tyler pointed out that with reductions in state contributions to social services, help from nonprofits is becoming critical.

“I’d like to think that we’re more helpful, more valuable to them now,” he said, adding later, “I think I’ll be kicked out (of CASA) before I quit.”

Andrea Damewood: 360-735-4542 or andrea.damewood@columbian.com.