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 Simone Williams!
Simone is pictured here (back row, middle) with her dear sorority sisters.
"Having worked in the Social Services field so long, I’ve seen so many children and youth impacted by the justice system and feeling hopeless and unheard. Becoming a CASA Advocate has given me the opportunity to plant seeds of possibilities in the youth I worked with and looking at things from a different perspective. Being a CASA Advocate is more than I expected, I’m on my second case and the court proceedings are helping me to understand the importance of family law and having someone to speak on behalf of the youth that they feel seen and their voices matter."
Simone also told us her favorite things about being a CASA volunteer:
I am honored to volunteer with CASA and be part of a team making even the smallest difference in the life of a young person. Having a Coordinator, Manager and Supervisor who makes time to answer the smallest questions makes a huge difference when sometimes I’m not sure what the next step should be and understanding working as a team is how we make a difference as a CASA Advocate.
When Simone is not working or volunteering, she says she is dedicating her time to learning better self-care, whether that means disconnecting from social media to reading books, writing in her journal, or walking to stay healthy.
Simone has lived in Knoxville for four years and fills her home with pictures of her sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews. She is looking forward to going home to visit family and friends. Most importantly, she says, she is looking forward to getting some Curry Goat, Oxtail and Potato Salad from her favorite Jamaican Cuisine store!
We are so grateful for you, Simone!