Meet This Month’s Volunteer Spotlight: Cathryn Krebs
Compassion. Warmth. Energizer Bunny. Four words former Supervisor MaryAnn Wohlford used to describe this month’s special volunteer spotlight, Cathryn Krebs.
After a decades-long career of teaching visually impaired students, Cathryn Krebs retired at age 60. However, her commitment to helping children didn’t end there. A year later, Cathryn joined Fairfax CASA, shifting her focus to advocating for abused and neglected children in her community.
“I’ve worked with children all of my career. But, there was a hole in my heart after I retired.” Cathryn shared. “By this point I’ve taught children, fostered two boys, hosted foreign exchange students, and was active in church. I wanted to make a big difference in my community.”
Cathryn’s Commitment to Children
Over the span of 14 years, Cathryn has advocated for 16 children from 11 different families, serving infants, teens, and sibling groups. As a tenacious advocate, Cathryn took on some of our most complex cases, many of which involved teenage girls. However, her persistence, genuine heart, and natural ability to connect with children overcame the impossible.
“Cathryn is a gift,” Executive Director Darcy Hubbard shared. “Her kindness and joy are palpable, and I think that even the most guarded, jaded and angry teen girls feel safe around her.”
Cathryn’s commitment to the children she served never wavered. Even while working with a youth who had a significant delinquent history, Cathryn never gave up. She advocated for her youth’s educational and therapeutic needs. Finding ways to connect with her, Cathryn began using an interactive journal and exchanged messages and letters with her youth.
In one of their entries, the youth wrote:
Dear Miss Cathryn,
I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your day to come and work with me. You have such a warm, loving heart. I appreciate all the things you do for me. I have learned a few things from what you have wrote me that would help me outside of here.
You stated that you have always wanted to work with children since you was young and just by reading that, I know for a fact that you are a go getter. The skill that I’ve learned from this is to never give up and dreams do come true. You just have to put in the work.
Thank you so much for listening.
Changing Lives Beyond CASA
Cathryn’s compassion is a trait she carried long before her CASA days. After becoming empty nesters, Cathryn and her husband opened their home to provide temporary care, relief, and a safe place for those who needed it. They became foster parents, hosted exchange students, and raised service dogs. Cathryn’s kindness extended to everyone. In 2019, she donated a kidney to help a complete stranger. For Cathryn, giving is not an act–it is a way of life.
Cathryn is an adept advocate, a skill she acquired through many years of service, natural curiosity, and a love of learning. To broaden her worldview, she frequently attends classes and trainings hosted by CASA. “The best part of being a CASA is the continuing education events. I always learn something new!” Cathryn shared.
This commitment to learning has helped Cathryn navigate some of the most complex cases. She now attends 5-day hearings to collect important information regarding our unassigned cases.
Outside of her CASA work, Cathryn is an avid reader and participates in three book clubs. She regularly exercises, attends yoga classes, and enjoys going for walks. After the passing of her husband, to whom she was married for nearly 50 years, Cathryn is on a journey of rediscovery.
“Now, I’m redefining myself–going to lectures, exercise classes, and volunteering. I’m glad I have CASA. It feels normal for me.”
Thank You, Cathryn
Cathryn, you are a gift to everyone who has had the pleasure of meeting you. Your kindness, infectious warmth, and selflessness have inspired and touched the lives of many. Thank you for all that you do for our children and community.
Thank you for continuously choosing Fairfax CASA after all these years of service.