Spotlight: Class Is In Session
The pencils are sharpened, backpacks are filled and another school year is underway. For some, this means the routine of balancing work, life and being a volunteer advocate is back in session. This is the life Tyler Archer will live for the next nine months as he is currently a volunteer for CASA of St. Louis and the principal at Nance Elementary School for the Saint Louis Public Schools District. Archer, who has been a volunteer since 2019, says the balancing act is worth the fulfillment in the end. “Don’t let the time commitment deter you from this work,” Archer said. “While sometimes are busier than others, the rewarding nature of being a CASA is by far worth the sacrifice and will enhance your life in deep meaningful ways.”
Not only does Archer realize his work is rewarding but he knows he is making an impact with the children and youth we serve in our community. “A young child that I supported for multiple years told me that he loved me,” Archer said. Developing a relationship with your child is not only necessary but helps with your child building a good rapport with you as the volunteer advocate. “When you build trust with a child to the point that they see you as someone who will care for them and be there for them, there’s nothing more meaningful,” he added.
While the work Archer is doing is needed and appreciated, it does not come without challenges. He experienced volunteering with two siblings who lost their father who was also the perpetrator but was happy when the siblings were placed with a family. “The hardest experience was when two siblings I served as a CASA for lost their father who was also a perpetrator of abuse towards them, to gun violence. The most rewarding was seeing those two children placed with loving family members in a permanent placement.”
“Children are extremely resilient, no matter the circumstances,” Archer said as he referred to the characteristics of children. He has not only learned children are strong, but he has a natural way of connecting with them. “I have learned that I can connect with young children more easily than I once thought,” he said.
Archer realizes the role of being a volunteer means more than just commitment. “To me, being a CASA is something that goes beyond just volunteering and volunteer service. Being a CASA means that you are a member of a team working in support of a child who needs your support,” he said. “Giving of your time to support a young person and help give them the opportunity of a brighter future is one of the best contributions we can make to society. I also see it as an honor to serve children and their families during what might be a very emotional, strenuous time.”
The dedication Archer shows to not only the children he serves at Nance Elementary School but to the children and families CASA of St. Louis serves is exceptional. The CASA of St. Louis program could not continue the mission if it were not for volunteers like Archer. On behalf of the entire staff, we thank Archer for his continued service and wish him well in another school year.