Transitioning from life on a farm to life as a volunteer director is not very common or simple. For Katie Hall, the transition was inspiring.
Katie Hall grew up on a farm outside of Monticello, Indiana and attended North White High School. After graduating from high school, she attended Manchester University.
“I had the best childhood, and I have wonderful parents that taught me great values and morals at a very young age,” Hall said.
The values and morals that Hall possesses are vibrantly shown in her work and dedication to the volunteer organization Crossroads CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). CASA is a volunteer program through the Jasper County Circuit Court that focuses on recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting community volunteers with missions to advocate for neglected and abused children in Jasper, Newton, and Benton Counties. She is the CASA Director for Crossroads CASA where she has been in the position for ten years. She started and maintained these three CASA programs in Indiana.
“I train and mentor community members that wish to volunteer their time to advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system,” Hall said. “I had never heard of CASA prior to starting three programs, but I knew I wanted to work with children and make a difference after college graduation. I was offered the chance to start Jasper County CASA which developed into starting Newton and Benton CASA programs as well.”
Through CASA, Hall is given the chance and opportunity to give back to her community every day. The fulfillment she gains from this position is a wonderful feeling.
“I believe in giving back and helping others in need,” Hall said. “I’m involved in child abuse [and] neglect cases where often times the children have witnessed or been a part of horrible circumstances. It is an honor to get to know these children and help show them that there is good in this world and teach them to thrive despite their past. Our hope is that the guardians or parents of the children can learn from their past situations and they can function in a safe and healthy family environment free from abuse and neglect. I want to leave this world a better place than it was. I believe through CASA, I can do that on a daily basis.”
A number of people have helped shape Hall into the person she is today, especially the CASA advocates, the children themselves, and her amazing family that gives her hope and strength for a brighter future.
“There is a great support system amongst the county directors, local judges, and the Indiana State Office of GAL/CASA…I would not be able to complete my job without this solid and efficient network around me,” Hall explained. “It’s not easy, but most things in life that are worthwhile never are quick and simple.”