When the worst economic crisis in seven decades intersects the soaring needs of social services, the traditional can-do spirit of Washingtonians leaves no room for gloom or hopelessness. Most discussions of this dilemma deal with dollars: how much taxpayers should or should not be expected to sacrifice to help those in need, how much philanthropists should or should not be expected to donate to solve the problem. But many of the most effective solutions don’t require dollars; they require time and energy, two resources many of us have in abundance.
Here in Clark County, the YWCA does an excellent job of shifting these discussions from dry, mundane analyses of available finances to more meaningful examinations of the heart. From 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 11, the YWCA will conduct an “Introduction to Volunteering” meeting at the YWCA’s community room, 3609 Main St. in Vancouver. This will be your great opportunity to focus on how your own kindness — more so than public or private dollars — can make people’s lives better.
The meeting will explain seven YWCA programs, which can be reviewed at http://www.ywcaclark county.com (click on “programs”). Among the seven is Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), which was profiled in a Monday story by The Columbian’s Andrea Damewood.
For more than two decades, Sheldon Tyler was very much a public figure as executive director of the Port of Camas-Washougal. He left that post in 2007. Now he spends several hours a week far beyond the public spotlight, profoundly improving the lives of others. As a trained CASA volunteer, Tyler serves as a court advocate for abused or neglected children.
Tyler knows he’ll never become famous for drilling into the tedious tasks before him. Much of his time is spent interviewing medical professionals, mental health staff, family members, school officials, law enforcement officials and neighborhood sources to determine a child’s greatest needs. He also advocates before the courts with recommendations and progress reports, monitoring each case to make sure the child receives services that are court-ordered.
This is hardly the stuff that draws big headlines, but Tyler obviously is not in it for the glory. He’s in it for the rewards that come from setting aside one’s ego and adopting an attitude of selflessness. Tyler has learned how an independent outside observer can enter the volatile world of a neglected child … and make that world better.
Tyler doesn’t enter that world unprepared. He completed more than 30 hours of training over 10 weeks. He’s got the strength provided by a national program. And the folks at the Clark County YWCA? With their outstanding organizational skills, they’ve got his back, too. That framework of support is crucial. When Tyler sees the needs of the children he helps, “I must admit I struggle with it at times. I’m sad (CASAs) have to be out there, but I’m glad we are.”
All of the local CASA volunteers have earned the admiration and appreciation of Clark County residents. They’ve stepped up to cover about 340 of the local CASA cases, but about 200 children still need help. We’re betting some more people will make that crucial first step toward helping them at the YWCA’s Jan. 11 meeting.
This week the Legislature will convene with the immense task of meeting social needs in the face of a growing budget shortfall. That’s the money side of this story. Each Washingtonian probably can measure his or her finances quite easily; simply glance at the checkbook or the retirement portfolio. Measuring the heart, though, is not so easy. Perhaps it is limitless. One volunteer taking one step — and watching that march multiply — gives all of us hope as we enter 2011.
