Each month, CASA of East Tennessee shines a spotlight on a particular volunteer who has gone above and beyond in their service of Knox County children. This month, we would like to offer a round of applause to Yvonne Hanna!
For Yvonne, the work of a CASA is deeply personal.
"I have desired to volunteer with CASA since our daughter was very young. I knew I had to wait for her to be older before moving forward as an advocate. I've always loved children and have had a desire to serve them. While Grace was growing up I oversaw children's departments in churches as well as running homeschool co-ops. I always knew one day, I would become a volunteer with CASA.
My desire to help vulnerable children runs deep. I was a child from a broken home. My father was an alcoholic, who after discharging his gun and throwing my Mother and I through a glass door, abandoned us. My Mother became a poor, single Mother and at first we slept on the couches of whoever would take us. She was a hard worker and soon we moved to a small apartment and then to a home. However, my Mother, was also mentally ill, controlling and abusive. After an attempted suicide at 16, with the help of social services, a school guidance councilor and loved ones, I left home. I often times went without meals but it was far better than enduring the pain at home. I'm thankful to the Lord that my story does not end there! When I see children in tough situations, unloved, abused, abandoned, I want to tell them that their upbringing does not have to define them, that they have worth and value and their beginning does not constitute their end! I'm proof of that!
Being a CASA advocate has been both what I expected as well as more than what I expected. I can honestly say, I've learned that no matter how "easy" a case may look at first, don't assume that it will be. Speculate that there could be "more to the story". There can be quite a bit of "detective" work that comes along with being a CASA. "
Yvonne says she gets great satisfaction out of knowing that a child is in a better place because of the time, care, and dedication they receive from their CASA. She says a CASA can help change the future of not only the children she serves, but of future generations as well.
Passionate travelers, Yvonne and her husband immigrated to the US from Canada in 1990 and have continued their travels with Knoxville as their home base. Yvonne also enjoys volunteering at church, reading, fishing, and entertaining.
We are so grateful for you Yvonne!