For many, retirement is viewed as a finish line—a time to reflect on a career well-spent. But for John McKinnon, a Huron native with a lifetime of service behind him, retirement was simply the beginning of a new chapter. After decades of serving his country and his community, John found himself searching for a way to reinvest his experience into the roots that raised him. He found that answer in Erie County CASA.
John and his wife are the definition of "servants at heart." Both born and raised in Huron, they share a deep-seated commitment to the North Coast. Their professional lives were built on the pillars of protection and care; John’s background in law enforcement and his wife’s career in the medical field provided them with a unique lens through which to view human needs. Furthermore, both are Veterans of the U.S. Air Force, carrying with them the discipline that military service instills.
When they returned to Huron, John felt a pull to find a new "why." While many find the idea of becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) daunting, John saw it as a natural extension of his life’s work. For a man who has spent his life protecting others, the opportunity to be the voice for a child in the foster care system was a calling.
One of the greatest hurdles for potential volunteers is the fear of being overwhelmed by a large caseload or navigating the legal system alone. However, John’s experience highlights the reality of the program: you are never alone. Volunteers typically advocate for just one child or sibling group, allowing them to truly "invest" in that child’s future. The professional support system provided by the CASA staff ensures that advocates have the training and backup they need. You don’t need to be a lawyer; you just need to be a consistent, caring adult.
The impact of this advocacy is often felt in quiet, life-changing moments. John recalls a specific instance that solidified his purpose. During a supervised visit over Zoom, he watched a young child interact with his mother. When the mother asked the boy who his best friend was, the child didn’t hesitate. He responded simply, "It's John. John is my best friend."
In that moment, John’s "why" came to life with startling clarity. He knew that the child understood the most important part of the CASA mission: that John was always in his corner.
John McKinnon is living proof that our most valuable investment isn't found in a portfolio, but in the children of our community. He has traded his uniform for an advocacy role, proving that when we invest our time in a child, the return is a legacy of belonging and hope.
John McKinnon is living proof that our most valuable investment isn't found in a portfolio, but in the children of our community.