Susan Williams has been a CASA volunteer for the past four years and has truly embodied the work of a CASA and what it means to advocate for a child in need. She resides in Bogart, GA and is a wife and mother of three. After she heard about CASA from a friend who learned the program from the Athens Banner-Herald, Susan was immediately intrigued and couldn't wait to learn more. Having some previous experience with the foster system, Susan knew this would be a great fit for her. With the career background as an architect, her precision and eye for detail shows in the meticulousness in which she maintains her CASA notes and files.

In her four years with the program, Susan notes that there are some ups and downs that come along with the territory. She finds one of the most challenging aspects of being a CASA is the heart-broken feeling that can come along with the job. “Sometimes kids end up in the best place available, but not where you ideally desire” she says. On the other hand, Susan finds it utterly rewarding knowing that her time, effort and passion to help will potentially better the outcome of a child’s life because a CASA was there to speak for them.  The most valuable lesson Susan takes away from this experience is the fact that the work is  truly worth the investment of yourself and your time. The advice she gives to future CASA volunteers would be to utilize your resources, run all information, questions and concerns by your supervisor and rely on the support they give. Susan is truly dedicated to her position and has made a difference in her community and in the lives of the children she has advocated for. 

2012 is bringing much change to Children First… most of it wonderful , but some bittersweet.  We are saddened to announce that our Executive Director, Christian Orobello will be transitioning out of the Executive Director position here at Children First.  We wish him and his family all the best as they move north to Massachusetts to be closer to family and to start a new chapter in their lives.  We are also excited about the future of Children First as, over the next month, we will be transitioning to a new Executive Director and a new era for our agency.  Christian has dedicated the past 6 years to seeing Children First grow from just the Athens-Oconee CASA program to a multi-program agency to serve the many needs of children and families in our community.  Under Christian’s direction, Children First has developed and expanded the Family Time, SPARC, Guardians for Children, and SafeCare programs.  We have moved from a 2 room office to our new home at the Pope Street Cottage.  Christian has been a driving force for change, working to ensure that every child has a safe home. We hope you will join us in both wishing him a fond farewell, as well as looking forward to the exciting next step for Children First.

We are having a going away party for Christian on Wednesday, Feb.8 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Find out more on our EVENTS page.