Volunteer of the Month September 2025

Congratulations to Ms. Danielle Gordon for being chosen as the volunteer of the month for September 2025.  Ms. Gordon completed her training on May 21, 2024, and was assigned her first case on May 30, 2024.  Ms. Gordon was assigned to a 6-month-old child named Tammy.  Tammy came into care because she had prenatal drug exposure and because her mother was up for termination on several of her other children, who were in foster care.  It was reported that Tammy’s mother, Ms. Lang, tested positive for drug use on multiple occasions throughout her pregnancy. 

Tammy was evaluated by Early Steps, where they visited her at home in January 2024 for an assessment, and they did not have any concerns.  Tammy remains on PediaSure, which was recommended because the GI doctor and pediatrician had concerns about her weight. At birth, Tammy weighed 2 lbs., 7 oz.

When Ms. Gordon was first assigned to the case, she didn't know what to expect since she was dealing with a child who was so young and could not speak for herself. She had heard so many things about the child's health, and she was unsure if she could do anything to advocate for her.

After meeting with Tammy and the foster parent, Ms. Smith, the volunteer, Danielle, worked diligently with the foster parent, making sure all of Tammy’s needs were met.  She even tried helping the case manager by attempting to locate the mother.  Ms. Gordon is magnificent; she has attended all court hearings, family team meetings, and she enters all her contact entries into Optima timely.  She meets with the child and foster parent monthly.  In addition, she also calls the foster parent regularly to check on Tammy.  She speaks up and has stood firm on the needs of her CASA child.  Ms. Gordon has continued to stay in contact with the case manager monthly.  She has a very good working relationship with the case manager and all others involved in the case. Tammy has been in care for 1 year, 8 months, with no cooperation or participation from the mother.  Ms. Gordon's focus has been permanence for Tammy. The parents’ parental rights were terminated, and her case is now in the adoption unit.  Ms. Gordon has written detailed court reports reflecting how Tammy deserves permanence and how being adopted by her current foster parents would be ideal.

Ms. Gordon is a volunteer who has never lost sight of advocating for Tammy and what is best for her.  Ms. Gordon is very quiet and laid back, but she does not let anyone intimidate her, nor is she afraid to ask difficult questions. Ms. Gordon is kind and sweet and would do anything to help another person. She gives from the heart, and it surely shows.

Danielle Gordon, I would like to thank you for your untiring efforts and dedication to your CASA child.  You are an asset, and CASA is truly blessed to have someone like you associated with the CASA organization.  You have made a tremendous impact in a short period of time.  Thanks again, and I'm so blessed to have you as my volunteer!

*All case names changed for confidentiality reasons*