Colorado CASA Staff Member of the Year

Colorado CASA looks forward to recognizing the amazing volunteers who help our programs achieve our mission at the annual State Conference.  This year was different for CASA of Larimer County.  CASA of Larimer County’s very own Linn Bates won Staff Member of the Year!

Linn came to CLC in 1993 as a volunteer.  She later joined the CASA staff when a position became available on the team.  Due to policies not allowing staff to serve as a CASA, Linn felt she could make a difference working with volunteers.  For ten years Linn served a dual role in recruiting and training volunteers and supervising them in their cases.  Fifteen years ago Linn transitioned to be a case supervisor.  In her role as a case supervisor, Linn has worked with hundreds of CASA volunteers. She is a calm and and careful guide as they take their first cases.  She is the patient voice of reason when they are frustrated and angry with a system that doesn’t always work the way they think it should.  She is a wealth of information and wisdom for anyone with a question.  She is a patient listener with honest responses.

Linn is a fierce advocate for every CASA and child who need her.  Thousands of children have had the benefit of Linn’s involvement in their cases. She is a counselor, a cheerleader, and a gentle friend.  Her passion for the program has never faltered. She has weathered countless changes over the last twenty five years.  Nothing has ever pulled her focus form the children we serve.

Recently, Linn was overheard on the phone with a CASA volunteer who was retiring form their career.  She said, “Oh gosh! I don’t think I could be retired for more than two days; maybe I’ll never retire. CASA gives me a purpose.”

We are so thankful that Linn has found her purpose at CASA of Larimer County.  Her work and passion are invaluable to CLC, the CASA’s and the children we serve.

Congratulations to Linn for this well deserved award! We couldn’t be more proud and lucky to have you as an anchor on our team.