Susan Beck has dedicated the last 20 years of her life volunteering as a Court Appointed Juvenile Advocate with CAJA of Marshall County. At the Alabama Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) State Conference she was honored as the 2018 CASA of the Year.
“I was not expecting this at all,” Beck said. “I thought that I was just getting nominated. It was such a surprise.”
Beck lives in Union Grove with her husband, Jim, which she explained is the reason that she is able to give so much of herself to volunteering.
“My patient husband, Jim is my support system,” Beck said. “Without him, I couldn’t do what I do.”
Since 1998 Beck has been devoted to making certain that the children of Marshall County have a voice in the Family Court System.
“I became a volunteer with CAJA because I really wanted to make a difference,” Beck said. “I want to make a difference in the lives of the children, and I have enjoyed working with CAJA. It’s not easy, but it is rewarding.”
Sherry Willis, Volunteer Coordinator for CAJA, expressed great admiration for Beck and her work with CAJA.
“Susan is most deserving of being honored as CASA of the Year,” Willis said. “She is kind, patient and fair. She is dedicated and completely committed to the best interest of the child.”
Beck said that it is not always easy standing up for the abused and neglected children, because everyone involved is having to go through a rough time. She explained that she is understanding toward everyone, but her main focus is the child.
“It is important to be understanding when dealing with everyone,” Beck said. “My job is to speak for the best interest of the child, because a lot of the time, the children are too young to speak for themselves. I make sure that I represent the child.”
Lesley Kubik, CAJA of Marshall County Executive Director, said that Beck is one of the best examples of what a CAJA should be, that she is a great person and that she has great respect for her.
“She is so humble,” Kubik said. “She is so special to us here at CAJA, because of her work and because of her kindness. She is the first volunteer that we have nominated for CASA of the Year to win, and she really deserves the honor. We are all so proud of her.”
Beck said that CAJA of Marshall County needs more volunteers. She explained that there are always more and more children that need help, and that CAJA will be there when they are needed.
Visit cajaofmarshall.org or call the CAJA office at 256-878-1445 for more information on how to become a CAJA volunteer.