Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Kevin Weir

When hundreds of children were being separated from their families under Texas’s Zero Tolerance policy, Kevin Weir felt called to support his own community. He researched many organizations, but none touched his heart like CASA. Since joining Fairfax CASA in 2019, Kevin has served 10 children across eight families. Learn more about this outstanding volunteer down below.

His supervisor Mary shares, “Kevin brings an open-mind and a smart, practical approach to his CASA work.  His warm, approachable demeanor allows him to connect with everyone he meets, from the children to the parents to the professionals on his cases. Kevin conscientiously gathers and carefully considers all of the facts in his cases, and he is not afraid to advocate for what is in the best interests of the children.  Kevin’s commitment and dedication to CASA is evident in all that he does. Fairfax CASA is fortunate to have Kevin as part of our team of outstanding volunteers!”

Are you from the area?

No, I’m a New York City kid, born and raised in Brooklyn and in Queens. I moved to Fairfax for work. We’ve been here for about 30 to 40 years now.

Are you retired or currently working?

Before I retired 10 years ago, I worked for ExxonMobil for 35 years. I did a multitude of things while working at ExxonMobil: sales, finance and strategy, planning and logistics, and spent some time in human resources as a diversity manager. And over those 35 years, I traveled all around the world.

When you’re not volunteering as a CASA, what can we find you doing?

I volunteered at another organization, Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) helping budding entrepreneurs start the business. We helped them develop a business plan, taught them what should be included, and how to strategize.

In my free time, I am trying to learn how to play the piano and speak Spanish. It’s going good. Things come a little slower, but it’s fun. I’m enjoying it.

What brought you to Fairfax CASA?

I joined the organization in 2019. It was around the time the family separation policy in Texas was happening. I didn’t think it was right and wanted to try to do something to help. I investigated different volunteer organizations–and found a ton of them out there. However, I liked most what CASA stood for. I was hooked after attending an information session.

What has been your most memorable experience as a CASA?

It’s honestly the small things witnessing the child’s growth and development. Something as simple as them attending school more frequently or when the parents work on themselves for the child’s sake. It’s not one major breakthrough–it’s within the little things that you find joy and hope. You see the growth, maturity, and the accountability, and those are things you got to take and feel good about.

What is the best part about being a child advocate?

It’s making a difference in the kids’ lives and the family’s lives. It’s not only about the kids but the parents–helping them get their life straightened out and on the right track. Also, making sure the kids are in a safe environment, feel wanted, respected and most importantly, loved.

What do you find most challenging about being a CASA?

You have to recalibrate your vision of what success is. In the corporate world, you’re given objectives, timeline, and deadline. You work hard to meet that. With CASA, it’s not like that. You’re looking for development, growth, and improvement over time. The challenging part is having to recalibrate yourself from thinking of an immediate success. You have to recognize that part of the success is the development. It’s not an immediate gratification experience.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a CASA?

I’d say a couple of things. Through this work you learn more about yourself. You discover what’s important to you and reflect on what you may have taken for granted. Secondly, don’t take any of it personal. The kids have gone through enough in their lives. If they aren’t receptive to you, its not a reaction to you but more a defense mechanism. Recognize that and support them through it. Continue to do your work, show up, and be patient.

Thank you, Kevin, for your dedication and commitment to advocating for abused and neglected children in our community. Your compassion and service to the most vulnerable is nothing short of an inspiration.

Like Kevin, you can be the one to change a child’s story. Join us at an upcoming virtual information session to learn more.