We invite you to meet Sally Kathmann, nominated by Advocacy Specialist Rosa Hoadley. Sally joined Child Advocates as a volunteer in February 2024, and she has served on two child welfare cases.

“Sally is an exceptional Advocate!” Rosa said. “Her commitment to each child she serves is truly inspiring. She builds strong, compassionate relationships, supporting families with empathy and collaborating easily with professionals. We’re so grateful to have her on our team.”

We asked Sally to share her experiences as an Advocate for children in foster care.

Is there anything unique about your background that contributes to your approach to advocacy?

Fifteen years ago my husband and I decided that we wanted to add to our family, so we decided to adopt. We were blessed and remain blessed to have our wonderful son. It wasn’t easy for us or our 12-year-old daughter at the time, but we were all committed to being a family. The day we walked out of court and the adoption was final remains one of the best days of my life. Looking back at the Advocate training, I realize that there was so much more I could have learned and done to make the transition better for our son and for us. Having experienced this, I have the desire to do everything I can do as an Advocate to learn more about how to help children navigate through this difficult and challenging time.

How did you become interested in volunteering as an Advocate?

I knew that when I retired or had the time to dedicate to volunteering, I wanted it to be with children who are in need. I had a friend who was a CASA Advocate, and over coffee, she explained to me what she does, how much time it takes, and the impact Advocates have. I knew that when the time came, that’s what I wanted to do.

Did you have any reservations about volunteering? If so, how did you overcome them?

Yes, I definitely had reservations. I wear my heart on my sleeve and become attached very easily. My fear was that I would become too emotionally involved and not be able to make clear and well-informed decisions. I overcome this fear by continually asking myself, what is in this child’s best interest or is this in the child’s best interest?

Explain in your own words the work you do as an Advocate.

As an Advocate, I amplify this child’s voice. I work to understand what they want and need in order to best serve them.

What has surprised you most about your work as an Advocate?

How much time and care the other volunteers devote in order to help children in need. Everyone I’ve met is so invested in doing everything they can to help these children as well as helping newer Advocates through the process. It also surprises me how much other people are thankful for our assistance and open to providing whatever we need to better assist our children.

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

My first case was an infant. It has been very rewarding to watch him grow into a happy, curious, funny, and loving child and to know that he has found his home with a loving family.

What would you like the community to know about children who are in foster care?

Children in foster care need someone to believe in them. Because they were dealt a difficult hand, they need support and love to help them grow and thrive. No matter how difficult things may seem, don’t give up on them.

Anything else you want to share about Child Advocates?

That in the end, it is emotional journey, but it’s worth the time and effort that we put into being an Advocate to help children in crisis.