March 28, 2023
CASA Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Alex Sadler
Court Appointed Special Advocates are dedicated volunteers that go above and beyond for children in need in our community. They advocate for children to make sure they don’t get lost in an overburdened foster care system, and stay with the child on their case until they reach a safe, permanent home.
Each month, we’re spotlighting the incredible volunteers that make our mission a reality. To learn more about SCAN’s Alexandria/Arlington CASA program and how you can become a volunteer, visit scanva.org/casa.
Alex, tell us about yourself! Where are you from? Do you have kids? Pets? Tell us about a hobby you’re passionate about…
I’m from Nashville, Tennessee. I moved here about eight years ago. I have two wonderful cats, though one desperately needs to lose weight… I work at Lincoln Property Company. My group manages Greensboro Park. I love the people I work with, all of my tenants, and what I get to do every day.
I know you’re leading a Child Abuse Prevention Month fundraiser at Greensboro Park. What would you tell your colleagues and tenants if they were reading this?
My job title is Tenant Engagement Manager, but it’s also Court Appointed Special Advocate at SCAN. You guys know me. I want you to know what I believe in. I’m not just picking charities all willy-nilly. These are things I genuinely believe in. There’s a reason why we’re choosing SCAN. It’s because we care about children, and we care about their future.
You know, in April, we tend to focus on Earth Day. I love sustainability and will continue to support those efforts. But I think that overshadows Child Abuse Awareness Month, an issue that impacts everyone and that we have the power to prevent. As somebody that’s doing this work firsthand, I want to advocate not just for my children but for this program so we can continue to lower the rates of abuse and change statistics.
What brought you to CASA?
My passion has always been helping other people, connecting with other people, and coming together for something bigger. I’ve always loved volunteering. My entry to volunteering was in high school. I had just lost my family dog and started volunteering with the National Humane Shelter because, much like CASA, I believe in speaking up and advocating for those who can’t speak for themselves.
I also have two wonderful nieces. There’s Lola, who’s three, and she’ll be four this year. And then baby Camden, who just turned one. They’re both wonderful. Becoming an aunt really made me aware of children and wanting to protect them.
What year did you become a CASA?
I interviewed in 2021 and was sworn in by the courts in 2022. When I first joined, we were still in the thick of the pandemic, and most other volunteer programs weren’t active. CASA was one of the things that was still continuing because kids still needed advocates.
What is it like being a CASA as a millennial?
I’m a ‘91 baby, so that puts me at 31. And yes, that does feel very humbling at times. I’ve only had one case, but I do know all the musicians the kids talk about. I’m on TikTok. We bond over Pokémon. I feel like I’m able to relate to the kids in my cases in a unique way.
What are you most proud of as a CASA?
At the end of my first visit with the nine-year-old on my case, after meeting him for the first time, he gave me a sticky note that said, “come back next month.” And I still have it at home. And that’s why I don’t think I’ll ever quit being a CASA or supporting SCAN because knowing that that was said from such a small child—it’s so deeply impactful.
You know, at the end of the day, I’m not a lawyer or a social worker. I’m a volunteer. All I’m here to do is be an advocate, write the best report I can for our judges, and make recommendations in hopes that I can better the future of the children.
Finish this sentence. I became a CASA because…
Because I truly believe in the impact that we make with our volunteering. And without us, I fear for the future of the children that are being abused and neglected. And as challenging and emotionally draining as this work can be, I will always choose those children first.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering as a CASA?
Children are our future, and they need to be supported. They need to be recognized as a vulnerable group. I want more volunteers out there. We are getting so many cases, and we need the support. We need help, and we need to create better these situations for the children that are our future.