Mother-daughter duo recognized for CASA volunteer work

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Jill and Gracie Johnson have worked together as CASA volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in central Kentucky. Now they have been selected as June’s CASA of Lexington Volunteers of the Month.

Growing up, Gracie watched her mom, Jill, serve as a CASA volunteer, advocating on the behalf of children in the family court system.

“Seeing her passion for helping children who have been abused and neglected was so inspiring,” Gracie said.

Jill spent over a decade advocating for the best interest of kids, then stepped down from the volunteer role.

“I really loved connecting with the kids, and knowing that I was doing something in their life that would make an impact and make their lives better and safer,” Jill shared.

Gracie graduated from college and decided that she would become a CASA volunteer like her mom was. However, the beginning of her advocacy prompted her mom to come back and do it with her.

“I had a year before starting my graduate program and thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get more involved with CASA,” Gracie said.

The duo signed up for volunteer training through CASA of Lexington. Gracie was sworn in and Jill was re-sworn in on Oct. 22, 2019. Throughout their 19 months working together, the Johnsons have advocated for eight children.

“Working side-by-side with my mom as advocates has been one of the best experiences!” Gracie remarked.

“Jill and Gracie have worked two cases very professionally,” said Dennis Stutsman, the pair’s Volunteer Manager. “They have been terrific at finding ways to work with relatives, and with parents with drug and behavioral challenges.”

According to the pair, it has been a very rewarding experience serving as CASA volunteers together.

“CASA of Lexington is fantastic working with their volunteers and it is extremely fulfilling work,” Jill said.

Gracie, who is studying social work, said while she was at first worried about balancing her graduate school work with her CASA responsibilities, she has been pleasantly surprised to discover how “possible and fulfilling” the work is.

“Not only am I able to help the families I work with, I am also learning so much about resilience, strength in vulnerability and the power of advocacy from my time volunteering,” she shared.