It is an honor to nominate Valeka Matthews as Volunteer of the Month. Ms. Matthews was sworn in as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in 2016 and has remained an active advocate for eight years and counting. Valeka epitomizes what it means to be a great advocate.
Throughout her time as a CASA, she has advocated for four cases, with one lasting for six years. She never considered giving up on the youth and traveled across Louisiana to ensure their needs were consistently met.
As a CASA, Valeka has afforded the youths many opportunities to explore activities, from eating in a restaurant and shopping to encouraging and supporting older youth to become entrepreneurs, which has assisted them in developing their self-identity. She believes in meeting people where they are without raising the bar too high.
Currently, Valeka is an advocate for an 11-year-old girl named Taylor, who entered foster care due to neglect and dependency. Taylor was not talking when Valeka initially visited her. Valeka made herself available to become a constant in Taylor's life. She has been advocating for this case since November 2022. Despite the many challenges, Valeka is conquering them all with perseverance and consistency. Balancing a full work schedule and duties as a mother, Valeka still finds time to attend court hearings, school meetings, and doctor appointments. Additionally, she ensures Taylor's hair is appropriately styled regularly. Valeka's dedication to Taylor is truly inspiring. Her consistency and genuine interest are invaluable, especially given the challenges Taylor has faced.
Moreover, Valeka is family-oriented and believes that part of advocating for the best interests of a child is to advocate for the immediate needs of the family to ensure the safety and well-being of the child is not disrupted. She has established a great working relationship with Taylor's maternal relatives, who seek her guidance when in doubt. Witnessing the bond between Taylor, Valeka, and Taylor's family is heartwarming. You would not know Taylor was in the foster care system if you did not know them personally, and all children in foster care should have the same experience.
Valeka Matthews truly deserves to be recognized as Volunteer of the Month for her unwavering dedication and exceptional advocacy.
