Meet Traci Hawthorne. Traci has been an advocate at CASA since 2014. She has advocated on 3 cases, with a total of 8 children. Traci has been married to her husband, Randy Hawthorne, for 7 ½ years. They do not have any children, but they do have a little dog, Molle’, who they absolutely adore!! Traci is a retired French teacher (11 years). Her hobbies include the French culture and language, as well as scrapbooking and reading. Traci was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan (how fun is that to say!). She moved here in 2007 for a teaching job and has been here ever since. Something almost no one knows about Traci, is that she had a job selling underground mining equipment.

Traci first heard about CASA from her friend Kristie Matherne Patrick, who is a former advocate. They met when Traci started attending her husband’s church. She states that “Knowing there are so many children out there that have not experienced unconditional love before, breaks my heart, and I could not turn away knowing that I could give unconditional love to at least a few of them. People often say that they wish things would change in the world. As a CASA volunteer, you can start that change with “changing the story” for one child at a time. Every child you advocate for will become a member of society. This is your chance to help that child grow into a productive and powerful member of society. What else is there to think about?”

When asked what she would like to share about her CASA experience Traci says, “I have never worked for or volunteered with another organization that recognizes the work of their volunteers as much as CASA does. The people that have come into my life because of CASA are relationships that I can’t imagine living without. You are never alone in your volunteer work at CASA. The staff and other CASA volunteers are always there to support you.” 

At CASA we certainly do feel blessed to have Traci, not only as volunteer but as a friend. Thank you for all you continue to do for CASA and the community!