Advocate Spotlight: Chari Harrington
- CASA TEAM
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Chari Harrington has lived in the Gorge for several years and was sworn in as an advocate in August 2023. She chose to pursue this role as a way to directly support children in need, inspired by a traumatic event in her personal life. “Between the training, my life experience, and having a great supervisor (Leah) to turn to, I felt like I had enough confidence to keep going.” Chari’s experience as a mother of four grown children and a violin teacher for both kids and adults also helped her feel prepared for her role as a CASA.
Chari’s favorite part of her CASA experience has been getting to know the kids for whom she advocates. She loves that kids are honest and let you know what they like and don’t like. She feels she is learning lots from the kids, including things about herself! “It feels good when only after a few visits I see a connection in my CASA kids’ eyes. At those times I feel like we know and “get” each other. I feel privileged.”
Despite the challenges faced in child welfare, Chari has witnessed real people acting with genuine conscience, doing their best to ensure the safety and well-being of the children they serve. She is proud to be part of these children’s support team and recognizes that, in her role, she can sometimes offer a unique and broader perspective than others involved in the case.
Chari has found it deeply meaningful to recognize the responsibility she carries as a CASA, knowing that her advocacy, support, and voice in court can make a small difference—or even a life-changing impact—on her CASA children’s present and future.
Chari’s advice to anyone considering taking the CASA training and becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate: “I would encourage others to get involved in CASA because advocacy for kids is ALWAYS good! There is no downside.”