The Couple That Volunteers Together, Stays Together: Meet Pam and David Cox

The Couple That Volunteers Together, Stays Together: Meet Pam and David Cox

Today is Valentine’s Day and we wanted to celebrate by sharing a post about one of our amazing volunteer couples. Volunteering as a couple has numerous benefits as noted in this blog post by GozAround including providing bonding experiences, discovering shared values, trying new things, counting your blessings, and doubling your impact.

Pam and David Cox volunteer together on cases in Bedford County. They went through training together last winter and were inducted seven weeks later. We sat down with them to learn how this experience has changed their lives.

What led to your decision to be CASA volunteers?

Pam: I needed to find an outlet for my nurturing nature, we had just retired, our children are grown and all live a few hours away. I had heard a little about CASA and it sparked my interest. I wanted to give back to my community by helping a child or family. Honestly, I had a conversation with God and asked him if my plan with volunteering was not in his plans, to place obstacles in my way. Everything just fell in place beautifully, so I knew this was the place I belonged.

Dave: I came from a broken home and spent my adolescence years growing up without any parental supervision. A person, who had no obligation to become involved, stepped up and became involved in my growing up. His mentoring most likely kept me out of trouble and played a significant role in who I am today. I became involved in CASA to help troubled children as I had been helped.

As a couple, do you work together or separately and what do you like about that?

Pam: We work together on a case. I feel it’s important to provide an example of healthy relationship to families we work with. We’ve been married for 34 years and raised a family of our own. I feel like working together has brought us even closer as a couple. It’s nice to be able to talk with Dave about what’s going on and to hear another perspective.

David: I agree with Pam in that by working together we provide a healthy example of a parent relationship. In our current case, I sense that the boy needs a male mentor to open up to about his feelings. He lets me know when I ask too much and I don’t push. Pam has an ability to get the mom to open up to a degree that I would not be able to.

How do you pass the time when you are not doing CASA casework?

Pam: I like to spend time with my family and friends, reading books, crafting and making lists on Pinterest for things I rarely get done.

Dave: I spend a good deal of time cutting and splitting wood and working in the garage.

What is meaningful to you about being a CASA?

Pam: I truly believe we would all live in a kinder and gentler world if everyone would just reach out to help one family. I may be helping my assigned child, but I’m also learning about the world outside my own little bubble. This experience is helping my heart, brain and soul to grow.

Dave: I think that being a CASA volunteer has made my heart a little softer. I have a deeper understanding of some of the hardships that exist in our society and a willingness to help.

Find out how you and your significant other can volunteer with CASA. Click to learn more.