For 13 years, Kerstin Budlong has been a steady, compassionate voice for children in the Eastern Panhandle. Sworn in as a CASA in February 2011, Kerstin first joined the program after retiring — and later found herself working for a law firm that was fully supportive of her volunteer role. “I could always say, ‘I’m sorry, I have a court hearing this afternoon. I won’t be at work,’ and they’d say, ‘fine.’”
Throughout her years of service, Kerstin has dedicated her time primarily to the youngest children in the system. “I mainly deal with the little ones and babies,” she explained. One case stands out vividly in her memory: a baby boy born in the hospital to a mother struggling with addiction. “He spent the first month of his life in the hospital because his mother was using drugs while she was pregnant… He was a beautiful little boy.”
After entering foster care, the child found a home with foster parents who loved him deeply. “The foster parents really wanted to adopt him, but they knew our first priority is always to reunite with the parents if possible,” she recalled. “Unfortunately, this mother was never able to get her act together, so this little boy was adopted. I was there when the judge did the ceremony, and I get periodic birthday pictures of what he’s grown into and he’s just this beautiful child and I’m just so happy for him.”
When asked what she would tell someone who’s thinking about becoming a CASA, Kerstin didn’t hesitate:
“Do it. The support staff is wonderful. Just the idea of making a difference in a child’s life is fabulous. Just do it.”
Kerstin’s story is a testament to the profound impact one person can have when they show up — consistently, compassionately, and wholeheartedly — for a child who needs someone in their corner.
