CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a nationally accredited program housed under Life Stories Child and Family Advocacy. The CASA program recruits, trains and supports volunteers from the area to be an advocate for children and to give them a voice in Dependency and Neglect court cases. Visit lifestoriesweld.org/be-a-casa/ if you would like to find out more about becoming a CASA and personally connecting with a child in the community.
JORDAN BARKLEY
In line with his being a lifelong educator with a 24-year career spanning Alabama to Colorado to Texas, Jordan proudly took on the role of becoming a CASA volunteer. Bolstered by his background in education, he advocates for children and adolescents in need, inspired by the positive impact teachers had on his own life. Each interaction with the children he works with fills him with purpose and gratitude, reinforcing his belief in the transformative power of advocacy programs like CASA.
MAYRA GONZALEZ
Mayra, a seasoned insurance pro at State Farm in Loveland, has a deep love for community service. When not in the office, she unwinds with books and video games. Inspired by the 2018 film Instant Family starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, she joined Life Stories in 2021, becoming a dedicated CASA. Mayra believes in the impact CASAs have on foster children's lives. Her goal? A fully supported future for every child in Weld County. She dreams of a day when Life Stories can reach them all. Mayra finds hope in the tireless work of the staff, ensuring every child feels heard and supported.
POLLY KURTZ
Originally from Billings, Montana, Polly settled in Greeley in 2007 after more than two decades living in Springfield, Missouri, working in behavioral health and higher education nonprofits. Retired as Executive Director of the national nonprofit Collaborative Family Healthcare Association in 2017, Polly is married with four grown children and two grandkids. After being introduced to the CASA role during a fundraiser, Polly became a volunteer herself. Polly values her work as a CASA as an amplifying voice for children in complex situations, offering personal attention often overlooked in overwhelmed systems. Her bond with a young adult in her first case reinforced the profound impact of advocacy, inspiring others to consider volunteering, too.