TITO SUAREZ
VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER, 1Q 2008

Court Appointed Advocate since: 2006

How did you decide to become a Child Advocate volunteer? Saw an ad in TV, asking for volunteers that could speak Spanish, and well, here I am. I've been doing volunteer work for over a decade and always wanted to work directly with children.

Your most memorable experience as a court appointed advocate ... There is really no single one or 'most'. The memorable experience is seeing the children blossom, every time.

What is your life like outside of volunteering with Child Advocates? I work at Sysco Foods, in a high position in the IT department. Outside of work, I am the 'guardian' of 6 dogs (4 rescued), 11 cats (9 rescued) and a rescued opposum called Petunia. Any free time remaining I have, I usually do remodeling in friends houses (occasionally in mine) and read a lot.

What inspires you to continue volunteering? There is this story about a man walking in a beach and taking starfish left by the tide back into the ocean. There are lots of them and he can only save so many. One can't help all children in need, but one can help as many as possible, even one, and make a difference. Part of why I do it is because I also get something back that helps making me a better person; but the most important reason is because children sometimes need someone to talk for them, you are that someone.

Tips you’d give to people who are interested in volunteering for Child Advocates, but haven’t yet made the commitment. Your biggest mistake would be not to do it. Don't wait. No experience? No problem. No training? No problem. CAI will provide the training and in a very flexible way. Afraid to make mistakes? We all make mistakes, there is no other way to learn, and you'll work with a supervisor that will help. Besides, for the legal issues, there are lawyers that do that part. The main task of a volunteer is to get to know the 'case' - the children and family - well; so you can advise the lawyer, court and CAI. Most of all, you will be inspired by the children you will touch.