Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Glen!
Fairfax CASA got lucky in the summer of 2018 when Glen Corso was sworn in as a CASA volunteer. In just five short years, Glen has already advocated for seventeen children from seven different family groups. Despite already being on a difficult case with one child, Glen took on a case with six children in December. Amy Prestidge, Glen’s supervisor continues to praise him for his ability to form relationships with youth of all ages and interests. “Glen is such a delight to work with and such a wonderful CASA. He does all that he can to connect with each child and family, and all ages, including learning about topics that are unfamiliar to him. He is a steadfast advocate, and I am very grateful that he chooses to spend his valuable time volunteering with us.”, Amy shared. Learn more about Glen in the interview below!
Are you originally from NoVA?
No, I grew up on Long Island in New York, then went to school in the Midwest. I came here to the DC area for law school and stayed in the area for a number of years before moving to Texas. I lived in California for twenty years, but moved back to Virginia in 2011.
How did you come across Fairfax CASA and the volunteer role?
When I was getting ready to retire, I made up my mind that I was going to devote my time to non-profit work. I did some online research and came across CASA. I read about the opportunity and it seemed really interesting, so I decided to take a try at it! I went to one of the information sessions and that really intrigued me so I applied!
What keeps you coming back case after case?
It’s really the children. I have seven grandchildren of my own, so for me that’s what makes it really important. The children I’ve worked with range from newborns to teenagers and I have managed to establish a decent rapport with each one of them. Right now I’m working with a family of six children, and I’m having a bit of difficulty connecting with all six of them but I’m working on it.
Is this six-child case the largest family group you’ve worked with?
Yes, it definitely is! The largest I worked with before this was three children. The youngest is two and the oldest is fifteen, and various ages in between. Every time I visit, it’s mildly chaotic, but in a good way!
Has there been anything about your CASA work that really surprised you?
It has affected me a bit more emotionally than I realized it would. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how attached I’ve gotten to some of the kids. Sometimes, I’m sad to see them go at the end of the case, but at the same time most of my cases have ended well with family reunifications or adoptions.
What is your most memorable CASA experience?
I advocated for two children with disabilities, and their mother also had severe disabilities that kept her from caring for her children. They ended up being adopted by a cousin of theirs, a young woman in her early twenties. She stepped up and said she wanted to care for them, so she became their foster mom and eventually adopted both children. I was really in awe of her for doing that! It was a real pleasure attending the adoption ceremony.
Do you have any advice for new or prospective CASAs?
Two things! First, to be in this role, you really have to like children. Sometimes when you’re dealing with the kids, especially when they’re going through a terrible or stressful time, it can be difficult. The kids are under a lot of pressure and their world has been turned upside down. You have to be ready to deal with that in a calm, thoughtful, and empathetic manner. Second, at times the adults you’re dealing with can be extremely difficult. It’s important for you to be professional and as irritated or infuriated you may feel, you can’t show it!
Is there anything else you want to share with the CASA community?
Yes! I have found the folks who work at Fairfax CASA to be wonderfully supportive. From Darcy all the way down the organization, I have worked with two different supervisors, and both have been great! I’ve never had to face a difficult situation alone; I’ve always been able to talk it through with my supervisor and get some good advice.