We invite you to meet Nancy McCulloch, nominated by Lead Child Welfare Advocacy Specialist Sol O’Leary. Nancy joined Child Advocates as a volunteer in 2015. During her 10 years of volunteering, she has served on 12 child welfare cases. Nancy was recently recognized at our 2025 Volunteer & Community Appreciation Event for her dedication and years of service.

“Nancy is so well-rounded—compassionate, professional in every situation, detail-oriented, and especially gifted at finding family members,” Sol said. “I wish we could clone her! She is an amazing Advocate.”

We asked Nancy to share her experiences as an Advocate for children in our community.

How did you become interested in volunteering as an Advocate?

While living overseas, I had the opportunity to work with children who were abandoned and homeless in Rio de Janeiro. It proved to be so rewarding that I wanted to continue to work with kids from difficult places when I returned home.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of volunteering as an Advocate? Most rewarding aspect?

I usually work with little kids. I find it rewarding to see them go from quiet, reserved, and fearful to joyful, silly, and loving.

What would you like the community to know about children in foster care? What have you learned through your advocacy?

I wish there were more families that would open up their homes and take in children in the foster care system.

What have you learned through your advocacy?

I think the most valuable skill I’m learning is how to be a good listener. I’m still working on it.

Is there a particular moment of advocacy that stands out to you?

I have so many. I get pictures and updates of one little guy I advocated for who was adopted. That means a lot to me to have those updates, to see how he’s doing. He’s winning these mini kid triathlons, doing well academically, and thriving with his family. I remember painting watercolors with one little girl— those small moments of just being with a child are special.

President & CEO Ann Marie Ronsman (middle) and Senior Director of Programs and Services (left) presented Nancy with her 10-year award at the 2025 Hope Grows Volunteer & Community Appreciation Event in April 2025.