Jody and Forrest Crowl
Meet Jody and Forrest Crowl, both CASAs—Jody with CASA of Yellowstone County and Forrest with CASA of Missoula. As a mom/son dynamic duo of advocacy, Jody is just one of our Yellowstone County CASAs with a family member who is an advocate with a program elsewhere.
Forrest led the way into advocacy. Having been inspired by one of his law professors, Forrest became a CASA first. And after hearing about his experience and from a friend who was already a CASA in Yellowstone County, Jody decided to take the plunge and advocate for one of our local youth. She has been diligently advocating for a teen since July 2020, speaking for her in court and maintaining regular contact during the youth’s out-of-state placement.
Jody and Forrest agree that it’s important to give back to their communities. A stable, healthy and happy home is something they both appreciate but know that not all children experience. They see advocacy as an opportunity to serve children in need in both our communities.
While maintaining confidentiality about their respective cases, Jody and Forrest appreciate being able to share their advocacy experiences with each other and brainstorm resources and different angles from which they can approach advocating for their CASA kids. Advocacy, though in different cities, has brought them closer together.
Previously, we’ve discussed the opportunity to advocate with a loved one here in Yellowstone County. But have you ever thought about encouraging loved ones far away to become a CASA? There are CASA programs in 49 states and the District of Columbia, so if someone you love would be an asset to an abused or neglected child, chances are there is a CASA program close to them. Please consider encouraging them to take the leap and speak for a child in their own community. You might just find that you grow closer together through shared advocacy, even from far away!
For a list of CASA programs across the country, click here. To find out more about becoming a CASA in Yellowstone County, please email emily@yellowstonecasa.org .
