Crime is rising. More people are losing jobs and homes. Children are abused by the people they love most.
Society’s problems seem so immense, so overwhelming. How can one person make a difference?
Ask Ginny Butow, a volunteer for Foster Child Advocate Services (FOCAS), an East Dallas agency representing local children in the foster care system.
Since 1983, Butow has represented children removed from their homes because of child abuse. She is a volunteer, appointed by the juvenile court to become independent eyes and ears, researching cases and meeting with children, parents, teachers and other professionals.
Butow files a formal report with the court for each case, recommending what she believes is the best plan for the child involved.
“Every child has the right to a permanent, safe and loving home,” she says. “I volunteer for FOCAS so that the children will have a spokesperson.”
Currently, Butow is working on eight cases (some can take up to a year). During a recent week, she spent one day reading case records, another day at the Dallas Arboretum with foster care children, and another day compiling a report for each case. She volunteers with FOCAS about 10 hours each week.
“FOCAS is a hands-on program that allows me to be involved right here in Dallas and to make a specific impact,” she says.
“I really feel like the time I volunteer to FOCAS is well-spent. I believe I can make a difference in the lives of these children.”
FOCAS volunteers have various ages and backgrounds; no legal or social work experience is necessary. Training programs are held throughout the year to instruct volunteers in courtroom procedure, social service, the juvenile court system and special needs of abused or neglected children. The next training program will be held November 5.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Volunteer Center (826-6767) is a United Way agency serving as a clearing house to recruit and refer volunteers for more than 750 agencies in Dallas. Thousands of volunteer positions are available. A few examples are:
Don’t Get Stuffed…until you’ve helped at the 24th annual YMCA Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. More than 350 volunteers are needed to serve as course monitors, result tabulators and refreshment helpers. The three- and eight-mile runs begin at Dallas City Hall at 9 a.m. November 28.
The Postman Delivers and So Can You…on Thanksgiving Day. The Brady Center, a multi-purpose community center, needs families to deliver Thanksgiving baskets of food to the elderly. Volunteers also are needed to help in the food pantry and thrift store, and to teach reading and writing to seniors.
