Virginia’s House Seeks Volunteers

Virginia’s House Executive Director Kaci McKinzie is asking residents of Olney and surrounding communities to volunteer with programs supporting children and families across Young, Stephens and Throckmorton counties.

McKinzie discussed the organization’s work during a recent interview on “Olney on Air.” Virginia’s House operates its main office in Graham and a satellite location, Dr. Goodall’s House, in Breckenridge. The two locations are part of the same nonprofit organization.

Virginia’s House began as a child advocacy center in 1992 and now operates three primary programs: prevention, education and outreach; the REACH Mentor Program; and the Court Appointed Special Advocate, or CASA, program.

“We could not do the programs that we do without our volunteers,” Ms. McKinzie said.

REACH mentors are paired with students in kindergarten through 12th grade and generally spend 30 to 45 minutes with them each week during the school year. Ms. McKinzie said the organization currently has 14 children and 14 mentors participating in Olney, leaving no volunteers waiting to assist when new referrals arrive.

The organization hopes to maintain a pool of five to seven available mentors or advocates so children can be matched immediately.

CASA volunteers make a larger commitment. After completing an application and training, they are sworn in as court advocates and assigned to children involved in the foster-care system. Advocates make home visits, attend meetings and court proceedings, and remain with a child until the case closes—even when placements, caseworkers or attorneys change.

“The main purpose of a CASA advocate is to advocate for the best interest of the child,” Ms. McKinzie said.

Volunteers also can help with holiday programs, community events, office work, filing and answering telephones. The organization also welcomes financial contributions and donations through its Amazon wish list.

Information is available at virginiashousetx. org, on the Virginia’s House/Dr. Goodall’s House Facebook page or by calling 940-549-9829.

Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect should call the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800252-5400

or report it through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website.