Chris McGee searched the web to find community service opportunities for his teenage children. Little did he know his search would ultimately change the course of his own life.
He had stumbled across Advocates for Children CASA. It piqued his interest, and he kept the information in the back of his mind for two years. Then, when his kids graduated and left the house, he realized it was time to take the next step.
“This was my way to pay it forward,” said Chris.
That was several years ago. Since then, Chris has been filling a dire need as a CASA Volunteer, stepping up to work exclusively with young men who would benefit from mentorship.
“I had people in my life at that age who helped me but weren’t related to me. It’s satisfying to give back,” said Chris.
As Chris reflects on his time as a CASA Volunteer, it is evident that he has a natural ability to create safe spaces and build trust. Maybe this comes from his training as a special education teacher, or maybe it reflects his role as a father of three, or maybe it simply comes from pure instinct.
A specific visit with a young man stands out to Chris. The youth was living in a group home and was not allowed to leave very often, so Chris would meet with him in a classroom on the premises. The youth was not allowed to have a phone either, but Chris had received approval from staff to let the young man listen to music on Chris’ device.
“One day, at the end of a song, the youth looked at me and stated, ‘That’s how I feel,’” said Chris.
A door had opened into the mind of this youth, exposing the storm of big feelings swirling around inside. Chris listened as he shared and later consulted with the professionals who could provide the appropriate care.
Chris brings this same feeling of trust and safety to the families of young people as well. He works to reassure them that he is there as a support, as an ally. He sees himself and the youth’s parents as a team.
“I make it a point – I want to meet the parents,” explained Chris. “I want them to get to know me just as much as I want to know them. I need them to know their child is safe with me.”
While the course of Chris’ life may have changed when finding Advocates for Children CASA, it brought him exactly where he was meant to be.
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