Shining a Light: CASA volunteer honored for advocacy in Butler County
Lisa Farthing awarded National Honor, has been a volunteer with PARACHUTE Butler County Court Appointed Special Advocates since 1988
Lisa Farthing, the longest-tenured CASA volunteer with PARACHUTE Butler County CASA, has been recognized for decades of advocacy work.
She’s now an honoree of the Daily Point of Light Award, a national honor given to people who have made a significant impact on their communities and beyond through voluntary service.
“I’m touched,” Farthing said after learning about the honor. “It’s really lovely and heartwarming.”
Tonya Buchanan, Executive Director of PARACHUTE, said the organization immediately thought of Farthing when nominating someone for the honor.
She describes Farthing as a beacon of compassion and respect at PARACHUTE and across the community.
“Lisa has provided a sense of stability and true advocacy for these kids in so many ways,” Buchanan said. “We know she can handle whatever we can give her.”
The award is linked to the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization Points of Light, founded by President George H. W. Bush to encourage and recognize volunteerism.
Buchanan said Farthing’s long-time commitment to CASA volunteer work also stands out.
Farthing first learned about CASA volunteer work through a friend’s mother, and she became a member of the inaugural training class of CASA volunteers at PARACHUTE in 1988.
After undergoing comprehensive training, CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to advocate for the best interest of children experiencing abuse and/or neglect.
During her first stint as a CASA volunteer, Farthing said she advocated for kids while getting married, having kids of her own, and working full-time. She took some time off after about half a dozen years as a volunteer, then came back after retiring in 2013.
She’s held many roles in her life, but Farthing says being a CASA volunteer is what drives her.
“It is immensely rewarding,” Farthing said. “Sometimes it is fun and sometimes it is really hard seeing what kids are going through. I think for me, knowing I’m a safe person for the kids makes me feel good. I like being that consistent person for them.”
Farthing has been that consistent adult in the lives of 31 kids.
The need for more volunteers like her is great.
Buchanan notes there’s about 50 kids this year that are in need of a CASA volunteer in Butler County. On average, Buchanan says PARACHUTE serves about 300 children a year and has helped over 2,800 children find safe, permanent homes since 1988.
Buchanan encourages anyone considering becoming a CASA volunteer to first try out volunteer training.
“People are advocating every day in their lives. So many have already advocated for their parents or their kids, or they’ve had to advocate for themselves or others over medical issues. They know how to do it. We teach them how to do that in the child welfare system,” said Buchanan.
Farthing agrees. She believes that with a little information and encouragement, many more people could take on the challenge. She said the PARACHUTE staff is a supportive, guiding resource.
“I talk to a lot of people who say, ‘I couldn’t do what you do,’ but I don’t think they know enough. Maybe if they know more, they might be able to handle it,” said Farthing.
For those who may not be able to volunteer directly, there are other ways to support CASA programs. Buchanan said spreading the word or making a donation can also make a meaningful difference.
If you wish to learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer in Butler County, click here, or if you want more information about a program in another county, click here. There are 48 programs serving 61 counties.