MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Through October, we will offer readers ways to get involved, both with children already in the CPS system and with families in need. The monthlong effort by

leads up to Make a Difference Day on Oct. 27. Created by magazine 22 years ago, Make a Difference Day is the nation’s largest day of volunteering. For more ideas about how you can make a difference in the community or for more information about

Saving Arizona’s Children project, visit children.azcentral.com. trust.

“We truly are that one person in their life that unconditionally accepts them,” Tyner said. “So, as a result of that, they trust us enough to share things they normally wouldn’t share with anyone else.”

In Arizona, CASA volunteers are required to make the commitment to stay involved until their first case is closed. That could be anywhere from a few months to years. The program requires that volunteers be at least 21 years old, be willing to undergo background checks and complete 30 hours of training.

Only one in nine foster children in Arizona has a CASA volunteer because of the lack of volunteers.

“There’s probably no program that I’m aware of or that I have been involved in that helps me understand gratitude better and to value and appreciate the good things in people and not to be looking for the bad,” Tyner said.