Community Hero: Westlake man named Ohio CASA’s (Court Appointed Special Advocate) 2024 Volunteer of the Year

Voices for Children – Lorain County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer Claude Thompson honored for long-time advocacy at Ohio CASA’s 29th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference 

Claude Thompson’s work as a CASA volunteer comes with some impressive figures: 173 children served, more than 130,000 miles driven, and 16 years of service. 

But, Ohio CASA’s 2024 Pro Star Volunteer of the Year winner has made an impact that can’t be defined solely by numbers.  

Thompson, a Westlake native and volunteer with the Voices for Children – Lorain County CASA program, was honored at Ohio CASA’s 29th Annual Celebrate Kids! Conference in late September for his commitment to helping Lorain County children experiencing abuse and neglect. 

Thompson said when he learned about the CASA program, he knew he had to get involved. 

“My brother and I had no active parents and people were kind enough to take us in. My brother didn’t fare as well as I did, and I’ve always felt if we had proper guidance, things may have been different. When I heard about CASA in Lorain County, I realized this was something I should be involved with,” said Thompson.  

Thompson completed training and became a CASA volunteer in 2008. 

“When these children started telling me how much they appreciated me, I knew being a CASA volunteer was worth all the energy I put in and that there could be no better blessing,” said Thompson. “With all the CASA volunteers in Ohio, to receive this award makes me feel above honored and extremely privileged.” 

At any given time, there are 15,000 Ohio children in foster care, making CASA volunteer work like Thompson’s critical. 

“Claude Thompson is the true definition of commitment, empathy, passion, assertiveness, and never giving up on the children he serves,” said Voices for Children Program Director Tim Green. “Claude believes in collaborating with all the parties on his cases, as well as with other professionals. Claude’s reputation as a CASA/GAL volunteer, and as a human being, is respected and credible. He never leaves any stones unturned.” 

Green accepted the award on Thompson’s behalf at the conference.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers complete comprehensive training in order to speak up for children experiencing abuse and neglect. These community members are then appointed by a judge to advocate for a child’s best interest in the court system.  

There are CASA programs in 60 Ohio counties. Lorain County has operated a CASA program since 1990.

If you would like to become a CASA volunteer or learn more, visit ohiocasa.org or vfclc.org