For Cindy Shaw, service always has been at the heart of who she is — first as a professional, and now as a dedicated advocate for children.
A wife, mother, grandmother and retired CPA, Cindy spent 35 years working for Mississippi Power Co., serving as comptroller before retiring in 2020. But retirement didn’t mean slowing down. Instead, it opened the door to a new kind of purpose.
Cindy first learned about CASA when the executive director made an appeal on television for volunteers. At the time, CASA was still new to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, but the message immediately resonated.
“Because I believe all children deserve a loving, attentive and supportive family, I was moved to volunteer as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) to try to make a difference for children who are not getting what they deserve,” she said.
That decision was made 14 years ago, and she’s been making an impact ever since.
“Children in foster care are like all other children,” Cindy explains, “except they are going through scary and difficult times. Advocates who can be trusted to speak for them and work to get the best outcomes for them are their lifelines.”
Like many who consider volunteering, Cindy admits she had hesitations at the beginning. The unknowns, what to expect, the emotional weight, concerns about safety and lack of training felt overwhelming.
But those fears didn’t last long.
“I was relieved to discover that I would not be alone or in danger,” she said.
With the support of CASA staff and fellow advocates, Cindy quickly found confidence in her role. She describes the CASA team as both knowledgeable and deeply committed — not only to the children, but to the volunteers who serve them.
“The CASA staff provides outstanding support,” Cindy shared. “They provide training, support, and supervisory oversight. They are knowledgeable about the court process, CPS rules and relevant family law, and they maintain strong working relationships with Family Court and CPS personnel.”
That sense of support extends beyond staff.
“Fellow volunteer advocates with diverse backgrounds are also knowledgeable and supportive,” she added. “There are opportunities for networking and connection.”
For Cindy, that strong foundation allows her to focus on what matters most — being a consistent, trusted presence for the children she serves.
“I have remained with CASA because I believe this organization truly makes a difference,” she said.
“CASA helps protect children who cannot protect themselves by being their voice and providing the judge with the additional insight needed to make the best decision.”
And for Cindy, success is deeply personal.
“Success is building a bond with a child who may otherwise feel alone and afraid,” she said, “and knowing, at the conclusion of the case, that the child is better off.”
Her message is clear: One person can make a lasting difference.
And CASA needs more people willing to step into that role.
For more information on becoming a CASA volunteer, go to casasouthms.org or call 228-344-0419
This project was supported by MS State Victim Services Grant Funds awarded by the MS State Department of Health, Office Against Interpersonal Violence, state administering agency. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the state.