Volunteer Spotlight – Jayne Ash
Meet Jayne!
Jayne Ash has been a CASA volunteer since 2017. As previous foster parents, she and her husband Carlton witnessed first hand the problem that CPS had with work load and limited staff. They had a foster child who’s CASA was instrumental in getting her to permanency, which showed Jayne how important a CASA can be in the life of a child.
Jayne is a realtor with Chinowth and Cohen REALTORS and is a former classroom teacher and instructional coach. She and Carlton have two grown children, Jeremy and Lauren, and a Westie Poo named Laynie.
When she is not showing houses or visiting her CASA kiddos, she enjoys walking Laynie, spending time with family, traveling and reading. She has been on multiple mission trips to Mexico and Central America, and volunteers at schools and church.
She is also an aunt to 14 nieces and nephews that have been adopted into her husband’s family through foster care.
What do you enjoy most about being a CASA?
The children, of course! It is such a joy to watch them grow and learn. It’s the best feeling in the world when they see me and run to give me a hug.
One of my favorite moments was the adoption of my first baby girl. Another was when I finally gained the trust of a natural parent. I loved seeing her tear down her walls and begin opening up to work her plan. Her hard work and success has been inspiring and very rewarding.
CASA is the one stable force in the lives of children and the one who is consistently there through a very traumatic time in their life. A CASA can see the entire picture of the situation and truly make a difference. There are so many people in need . . . the littlest thing can make the greatest difference.
A Note from her Advocate Manager
Jayne does a tremendous job advocating for the children on her case. She has gone the extra mile to make sure they are safe and getting the services they need.
Jayne has maintained an open line of communication with the parents, and they rely on her for advice and moral support.
As they moved into trial reunification, she has been an invaluable source of help to the family, ensuring they have transportation, suitable daycare, and medical care. Jayne is an incredibly selfless and dedicated CASA volunteer! — Jalynn Youngberg