What's Next? Meaningful Volunteer Work Has No Age Limit

Many people reach a stage in life when they ask a simple, but powerful question: what’s next? For some, retirement brings more time, deeper perspective, and a desire to give back. In Yellowstone County, one organization is showing that meaningful volunteer work has no age limit – and that older adults can play a life-changing role in their community.

Louise Johnston

CASA of Yellowstone County has been serving the community since 2003, recruiting and training community volunteers to advocate for children in the foster care system. These volunteers are appointed by a judge to serve as a consistent, caring voice for children whose lives are often marked by instability. In 2025, the organization supported 319 children. In comparison, there’s approximately 450 to 500 children in the foster care system at any given time in Yellowstone County alone.

CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. Volunteers work with children from birth to age 18 who’ve entered foster care due to allegations of abuse or neglect against their parent or guardian. While many professionals are involved in a child’s case – attorneys, social workers, teachers, etc. – CASA volunteer advocates focus on one

important aspect: what is in the best interest of the child?

“[CASAs] bring that child’s story to the court,” says Drew MacLeod, Executive Director of CASA of Yellowstone County. “We have three primary areas that are important for those kids, and that’s safety, health, and education. That’s kind of how the CASA (volunteer

advocate) reports; are they safe? How’s their education needs going, their health needs? It can be a real gap filler, keeping that child’s story up front.”

Volunteers are assigned to a sibling group (which can be one child or multiple) and typically work with one group at a time, allowing them to build meaningful relationships and provide recommendations to the court. CASA volunteer advocates are supported by a dedicated staff team of 12 and Peer Coordinators (seasoned volunteer advocates) that come

alongside them, so they aren’t left alone to navigate the system. The advocate remains with the group until the case closes, which occurs with adoption, guardianship, reunification for the child(ren), or if they age out (turn 18 and no longer wish to receive services).

After the loss of her husband and the sale of their real estate business, Louise Johnston found herself searching for something worthwhile. One of Louise’s former agents

mentioned CASA, and as Louise investigated it some more, she recognized the work that they do is important. And, to her, what’s more important than children? Louise has been a CASA volunteer for over two years and has already walked alongside children during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. One of the children she served entered foster care at age six after experiencing significant trauma. Over time, Louise watched the child grow, heal, and eventually be adopted into a loving home.

 Drew and Louise are looking at pictures of current CASA advocate volunteers; for each child an advocate has supported, they receive a tag to represent that child they helped. The more tags underneath the advocate's photo, the more children they've helped. 

“To see her transformation – that’s why I do this,” Louise said. “She went from being hesitant and withdrawn to confident and affectionate. Seeing that growth is incredibly rewarding.”

When asked what she would say to someone who feels they’re “too old” to start volunteering, Louise didn’t hesitate to say “I’m 80. I don’t plan to quit just yet. If you can, be a CASA (volunteer advocate), there is nothing more rewarding that you can do.”

CASA volunteer advocates’ ages range from 21 to 80’s. In 2025, CASA of Yellowstone County had 169 active CASA volunteer advocates and Peer Coordinators; 47% of those volunteers were over the age of 60. Many CASA volunteer advocates are retired or are nearing retirement, while others balance volunteering with full-time work. Current advocates come from all walks of life, including teachers, healthcare workers, business owners, ranchers, and more. Louise herself worked for Social Security as a Claims Rep for 36 years, and she still maintains her real estate license and does a few transactions from time to time.

“What matters most isn’t your background,” MacLeod shared. “It’s your willingness to listen, learn, and show up consistently for a child.”

CASA volunteer advocates typically commit to a case for 18 to 24 months, spending about five to 15 hours per month depending on the needs of the child(ren) and how the case progresses through the legal system. To help ensure the role is a good fit, CASA of Yellowstone County encourages interested individuals to first attend an information session to learn more about the commitment involved. Those who wish to move forward then participate in an interview with two staff members, followed by a background check.

Volunteers complete an eight-week training course with sessions offered in both the morning and afternoon, along with a small amount of homework. After successfully

completing training, advocates are sworn in during a public ceremony and may then begin the process of being assigned to a case.

CASA of Yellowstone County offers several information sessions per month in person as well as virtually. Those interested in attending are encouraged to check out dates and RSVP online at www.yellowstonecasa.org/information-sessions or by calling (406) 259-1233. For individuals whose schedules don’t allow them to attend, CASA staff are happy to arrange one-on-one meetings. To schedule a personal meeting, please call or email

volunteer@yellowstonecasa.org. The next eight-week training for new advocates begins on Wednesday, April 8.

CASA of Yellowstone County is a 501©(3) registered nonprofit organization based in

Billings, located at 550 North 31st Street, Suite 240 (second floor). To learn more about

CASA of Yellowstone County, please visit www.yellowstonecasa.org or “CASA of Yellowstone County” on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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