Volunteer Spotlight

"Volunteer to change a child's life and discover that your life is changed as well."

Ruth Geils was first inducted as a CASA volunteer in 1997. She says that her background in social work in combination with her own identifi cation with children who had no voice (or were afraid to use it) and a passion for “difference” made her a prime candidate. When she saw a Piedmont CASA ad on TV, she felt personally called and began the process of becoming a court appointed special advocate. It was, she felt, a “natural fit.”

It was a natural fit on Piedmont CASA’s end as well. From a graduate school placement on Riker’s Island where she had worked with adolescents, to her career in social work, to her volunteer position at juvenile court writing social histories, Ruth brought a great deal of experience and interest to her role as CASA Volunteer. Ruth volunteered with the program for eight years, and during that time she served on six cases, advocating for eight children. As an exemplary volunteer, Ruth explored every avenue on a case – she examined medical records and school records; she traveled when placements changed; she interviewed all parties to a case, making sure her information was thorough and current; and most of all, she served the children for whom she advocated fully and unequivocally. Her passion for the work was evident, and her commitment was clear. What was also clear, however, was that after eight years, she burned out. Ruth was “making herself crazy” because she was always on the job; at 3:00am she would find herself mulling over the details of a case, worrying the minutiae and pondering the big picture. So, when that eighth child and sixth case came to closure, Ruth closed up her own files and returned them to the CASA office.

From 2005-2009 Ruth didn’t work a single case. Instead she focused on other passions: family, reading and baseball (she wanted to be an umpire, but second to that dream is the pleasure of watching the New York Yankees lose). Although she wasn’t a CASA volunteer anymore, Ruth maintained connections with Piedmont CASA – a lunch with Ruth Stone here and there, intermittent phone calls to see how things were going and regular donations to the organization – these were indicators that Ruth was still attached to the program. Ruth admits that she always thought about CASA, and she couldn’t let go of her passion for the “human puzzle.” And even though she became incredibly exasperated when there were too many bureaucratic roadblocks, she loved the collaborative effort between the people and agencies working for the good of a broader community family. Piedmont CASA continued to “call” Ruth Geils, and after five years, she answered the call again.

In 2010 at the age of 80, Ruth returned to Piedmont CASA for a seventh case, advocating for a ninth child. You see, Ruth believes that Piedmont CASA is the “greatest organization in the world,” and is absolutely necessary for our community’s children. The frustrations are minimal when compared to the need. Ruth believes, as all of our volunteers do, that these children not only deserve, but also require a voice in court. The ones who are supposed to be their primary advocates, parents and other caretakers, are either unable to or actively choose not to fulfill that role. So, the CASA volunteer steps in and speaks up. Ruth’s voice is, and always has been, strong and vital, especially in service to children. Ruth Geils has spoken up for nine of our community’s children. She has helped to ensure that these children have the opportunity for a life where safety, stability and love are the principal elements, rather than fear, pain and uncertainty. And Ruth, who wishes the spotlight could shine on all her fellow volunteers whom she honors, extends a message to them: “You can come back!” This is challenging and emotional work – and those who are dedicated to it may want a respite. Ruth’s hope, and Piedmont CASA’s hope, is that all volunteers know that it’s never too late to make a difference for a child. Ruth Geils has made a profound difference for children. And she makes a difference for all of us at Piedmont CASA, as well. Thank you, Ruth!