Despite her busy schedule, Erin Evans knew she wanted to make a difference.
When her mom adopted three children, she learned about Capital City CASA, where volunteers are appointed by a judge to represent the best interest of a child in foster care.
"Seeing the way that (the CASA volunteer) impacted them -- and it was really a constant, consistent person in their life during a time when there really wasn't a lot of that -- was really meaningful, and he's still a huge part of their life, even though that case has been closed for a long time."
She was inspired to get involved and make a difference in the lives of children who need it the most.
Evans recently received the annual Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award. Redemption Inside the Walls and News Tribune partnered to select five good Samaritans who have gone above and beyond to help Mid-Missouri.
CASA volunteers spend time with the children regularly, getting to know them while gathering information to make recommendations to the court. Most children who enter the foster care system do so because of abuse or neglect by their primary caregiver, leaving them removed from everything familiar and without a reliable adult in their lives.
To Evans, CASA is more than simply being a voice. It's the opportunity to be a friend and an advocate to children -- a friend she wished she would've had for herself and her siblings.
"There are so many kiddos out there that need an adult in their life that cares about them, and I'm trying to just be that adult that I needed as an 8-year-old child," she said.
Having a similar background to the children allows Evans to emphasize and connect with their situations to form strong relationships that will leave a lasting impact. Even after a case physically closes, she plans to be there for the children she works with throughout their lives and continue volunteering with CASA for as long as life will allow.
You'll often find Evans taking the CASA children out for ice cream, cheering them on at games, helping them with homework and finding personalized ways to put a smile on their faces.
"I love seeing the smiles on the faces of the kiddos and being able to help guide them through a time of trouble and bring a little bit of light to their life when things can be kind of dark and there's a lot of changes going on," Evans said. "I think that's my favorite part is just seeing the effects this organization can have on them and the effects it's had on me, too. It teaches you a while different level of grace and humility, and it's really impactful."
By being a role model to her son and the children she serves, Evans hopes she is spreading kindness for generations to come.
"I think my biggest passion is truly just trying to help others and being kind," she said. "Kindness is something that is talked about a lot in our house. If you can't be anything else, be kind. I think it can get people a long ways."
Through leading by example, Evans hopes she can inspire others to make a difference.
"I think the more that we can let people in the community see that there's people out there working to make it better, maybe more people will get involved, and I love that," she said.
The other four Fisher Family Good Samaritan Award recipients are Sherrie Downs, Lisa Breedlove, Margaret Thoenen and Heather Gieck.
Related:
Good Samaritans recognized at Redemption Inside the Walls
Lisa Breedlove there for those in need
Margaret Thoenen takes time to care for others
Sherrie Downs remains a caregiver through retirement
Heather Gieck uses past hardships to help others heal