Congratulations to Brenda Iles for being selected as Louisiana’s CASA Volunteer of the Month!
Mrs. Iles was born in Kinder Kinder and raised in DeQuincy, LA. She went to SOWELA Community College and later got a degree in Early Childhood Education from Lamar Salter. Before becoming a CASA volunteer, she played an integral part in passing the Family Medical Leave Act for adoptive parents. When she and her husband adopted a newborn, Brenda asked for work leave to care for the infant and she lost her job. After this, Brenda began advocating for adoptive parents’ rights by speaking out in the media, going to the capital, and helping pass the Family Medical Leave Act.
Brenda was sworn-in by CASA of West CENLA in 2002 and has been a volunteer advocate for 19 years. Her husband later joined the CASA of West CENLA team and now they advocate together. When asked why she chose to become a CASA volunteer, Brenda said “through CASA I am able to advocate for children that are in a hard place and need a safe and stable home.” “There is no better feeling than seeing a child be in a forever home” says Brenda.
As for advice for fellow CASA volunteers, Mrs. Iles reminds us to take care of our emotional well-being by participating in self-care and to put closed cases behind us so we can have fresh eyes and a blank slate for the next case. CASA of West CENLA staff say that Brenda is dedicated to the children served by CASA. If they ask for help, she is there; and not only does Brenda advocate for the children, but she also advocates for the CASA program in her community.
The mission of Louisiana CASA is to provide a well-trained CASA volunteer to advocate for every child in the judicial system due to abuse or neglect. Our mission would not be possible without the help of people like you.
On behalf of the children we serve, thank you Brenda for your commitment and service.
About CASA of West CenLA
CASA of West CenLA‘s mission is to mobilize trained volunteers to advocate for the needs of abused and neglected children appointed by the courts. This year they have served 78 children thanks to their dedicated vo
lunteers who have put in 1,574 volunteer hours. CASA of West CenLA recently celebrated their 19th anniversary of serving children in Beauregard and Vernon Parish.
Learn more about our local programs here.
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