The Capital City is filled with remarkable efforts by incredible people. To celebrate the contributions of local volunteers and inspire others to join in, we are launching a new series: Volunteer Spotlight.

This week, we are starting by shining a light on Nicholas “Nick” Cole, a volunteer with Capital Area CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).

For Cole, becoming a court-appointed special advocate for children has been life-changing.  After hearing about CASA through his employer, he says the idea of giving back and applying his real-life experiences, many of which mirror those that kids within the CASA program are facing, seemed like a way to put his past to good use.

“My background and having to experience those same traumas as some CASA kids propelled me into becoming a volunteer,” Nick says. “Because of the things that I saw and had to deal with, I am able to translate and relate to be able to help somebody else get through those same things.”

Through building connections and having abundant support from his supervisor, Cole quickly realized the importance of CASA. By working with DCFS, attorneys and judges, special advocates serve as a link between children and the adults making decisions for them.

“If you’re a child who’s five or six years old, those environments can be scary,” Cole says of experiences like court hearings or depositions. “But as a CASA volunteer, you say, ‘Hey, you can talk to me, and then I can help translate it to the bigger people, and we’ll get through this together. It’s OK to express yourself and tell the truth about what’s going on and how you feel.'”

Being dedicated to individual or small groups of children makes CASA stand out as a foundation. With each and every kid having a trusted adult, Cole says that many organizations advocate for a cause, but CASA advocates for a voice.

“So my first day as a CASA, just coming out of training, I thought, ‘What have I gotten myself into?’. But then I realized that these kids need me just as much as I’m trying to help them,” Cole shares. “CASA is being a voice for those who may not have one.”

CASA executive director Allison Traxler says Cole goes above and beyond in his volunteer work. From stepping in as an emergency contact for school bus chaos to arranging back-to-school preparation, the kids know Cole has their best interests in mind.

When kids previously assigned to Cole expressed concerns about not having school supplies, uniforms or haircuts, he immediately called his cousin, who works as a barber. “He cut the guys’ hair. And then I called my friend and asked if her daughter could cut the girl’s hair, so she got on it,” he recalls. With the help and support of his family, Cole also covered the costs of the children’s uniforms and got each new pair of shoes for the start of the school year.

Cole reiterates that there is no special degree or background needed to be a CASA. All you need is time and a heart willing to help children. For anyone looking to volunteer with Capital Area CASA, Cole advises not to be afraid. Rather than a second job or a task to complete, he notes that this type of volunteering is all about patience, love and understanding.

“There are no ‘help wanted’ signs outside of CASA,” he says. “You have to see it as having a purpose to fulfill through helping the less fortunate kids get through what they’re dealing with at the time.”

To learn more about Capital Area CASA, and get information about volunteering, visit the organization’s website here.

Do you know a volunteer who deserves to be featured? Email us at editor@inregister.com.