Volunteer Spotlight: Meet John!
John McAndrew has been with Fairfax CASA for a little under a year, yet he has made quite an impact with his efforts to raise awareness about the program and the needs of abused and neglected children. So far, John has served two families and five children. His advocacy has resulted in 70 hours in which he has advocated for his CASA children. He has traveled 986 miles to see his CASA children, reaching 73 visits.
John’s supervisor Emily Rea says, “John is such a caring and open-hearted CASA. He truly seems to have an endless supply of empathy and kindness. He jumped right in as a brand-new CASA into one of our larger more complex cases because he wanted to help the most he could, and he has been there for these kids through a lot!”
Read on to learn more about John McAndrew!
Are you originally from Fairfax?
I grew up in Westminster, Maryland on a farm. After graduating from college, I moved to Alexandria and then I met my wife and we set up shop here in Springfield, VA. It’s been a really simple life, and we have two kids.
What did you do before you retired?
I was a Chief Technology Officer or Chief Information Officer. Chief Operating Officer—that kind of executive stuff. I had a blast at my last gig, which was a startup. We offered a new database product for nonprofits and associations. It tracks membership and events and things like that. But [I had] a whole career full of great stuff. Technology is great. When I started it was before the Internet. Then the Internet came, and it was just like one play toy after another. It was so fun to make things more efficient, more productive, and make coworkers and clients happier.
Do you have any hobbies?
I exercise every day. I play ultimate frisbee on Saturday mornings. I have workouts with some other friends on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.
The other thing I do that I like a lot is substitute teaching. In this case elementary school. I’ve been a gym teacher. Librarian is a lot of fun.
How did you learn about Fairfax CASA?
Before I retired, I made a long list of what I wanted to do. I don’t know who told me about Fairfax CASA, but I put it on my list. I googled it, and I brought it up with my daughter. She’s a school counselor — she had heard of it. She told me, “Dad, that’s heavy. I don’t know if you want to get into it. It’s tough.”
My friend Keenan was a lawyer in family law. I asked him if he had heard of CASA. He said yes and told me, “You can do it, John! You’d be good at it.” This was a year or so before he had thought of joining CASA.
Looking over your caseload, is it true that you had four children for your first case?
Yes, one family with four kids. Those four kids were divided in two foster homes. It was a good fit actually. Whoever came up with that. I give Emily the credit, but I’m sure it’s a team effort. It was a really good fit.
As a CASA first coming in, were you ever intimidated at any point by the casework, especially one with 4 children?
No, I don’t think so. The only thing I thought might be tough was writing the case report for four kids, but that’s no big deal. I never feel intimidated or overworked. The training set my expectations well.
How are your cases currently going?
I have a second case now. It’s not as easy as the other one in terms of getting access to the kid. I have to try harder. The difference is the two other foster moms I have with the first case. One is very inviting, the other makes time for me. With this new case the foster mom says, “I’ve got enough going on,” so I just visit the child at a daycare.
How has your perspective of the child welfare system changed from when you first entered CASA as a trainee to now?
I don’t think I thought about the foster community much. I never knew anybody in a foster home or anybody who had been abused. I was kind of living in a bubble. In hindsight now, I can identify it thanks to the training.
What is your most memorable moment at CASA?
I think the most memorable parts are the different aspects of foster parents. The three foster parents I’ve been exposed to are different in so many ways. One of them is a mom who wasn’t sure if she’d be able to have babies. The other is doing it for extra money. The third is doing it out of pure love. I think it’s kind of beautiful.
What do you think fuels your passion for CASA work?
Seeing the kids. Being there for the kids. Being the consistent one. Just being a happy person in their life that is steady. I think they can feel that—I hope they can feel that. That’s the part I look forward to as these cases wind down. I definitely look forward to the next one. What’s the next opportunity? Who’s the next kid that needs a little help? That’s all I’m doing—a little help, but sometimes a little goes a long way.
How has CASA affected you?
It makes me proud. It makes me feel good. I feel like I’m contributing. CASA has opened my perspective so much. It’s made me appreciate what awesome people like you guys do, and what the foster parents do and the government, including those in the Court and GALs. It’s tremendous.
How do you handle challenging situations or conflicts that may arise during your CASA work?
I reach out to Emily. There’s no reason not to go right to her. She’s so smart and experienced and understanding, so I don’t struggle with anything.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone considering becoming a CASA volunteer, based on your own experiences and insights gained from this role?
Don’t miss the training, take it all in. It’s all serious and real. It all applies to real life. Over-communicate with others as well. Get good habits by using your supervisor. Lean on your supervisor.
John’s commitment to his cases is truly remarkable. With his passion for advocacy, he consistently promotes the best interests of his CASA youth. He is a dedicated and valued member of the Fairfax CASA team, and we are incredibly appreciative of his efforts!
