Elva Benitez As April is National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, Brush Country CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) would like to recognize some of the people that make it all possible, their volunteers.

Elva Benitez, 22, of McAllen, currently a graduate student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, has been involved with CASA since August of 2008.

As a volunteer, Benitez says she has gained valuable knowledge that can be used towards her future career as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

“Working with children and young adults through CASA has helped me realize that I want to work with children in the future,” Benitez said. “I want to be there for children who need someone to talk to.”

Benitez said she is planning to move to Austin and hopes to continue with CASA over there as well.

Benitez first got involved with CASA when a guest speaker came to one of her psychology classes at TAMUK and spoke about what CASA does.

“I had never heard of CASA before then and as a requirement you have to be 21 years-old to become a volunteer so as soon as I turned 21 I called and started training,” Benitez said.

Benitez said she has been around children her whole life and has a special place in her heart for them.

“I have always had a passion for children and as the oldest grandchild in my family and former babysitter I have been around children my whole life,” Benitez said.

Benitez credits Judge Martin Chiuminatto for making the volunteers comfortable in court.

“He really listens to what we have to say and trusts our judgment,” Benitez said. “He has been great to work with.”

Knowing that she is making a difference is her favorite part of the experience, Benitez says.

“Every time you get a thank you or a smile from a child then that is what makes it worth it,” Benitez said. “I’ve never dealt with parents that didn’t want their children in their life so helping them achieve that is a blessing.”