Having "a positive impact on the life of a child" is what Nancy Birchmeier enjoys most about volunteering with the Boulder division of Voices For Children. This organization trains volunteers to serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) for child victims of domestic abuse and neglect. It is people like Nancy who advance Voices For Children's vision to provide a safe, permanent home for every child.

When the original CASA on a particular case suddenly fell ill, "Nancy jumped in and took over," raves Pam Pullen of Voices For Children. Nancy explains that her background as a retired school nurse "is a perfect fit" for her work as a CASA.

Nancy recounts a memorable moment when the children on whose case she was working "wanted me to come to their school to meet their teacher. By just being there all the time and listening to the children," Nancy became an "adult they could trust." Even after the case was closed, she says, the children "called because they missed me and wanted to see me".

For information about volunteering with Voices For Children or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.