It’s been two years since I had the thrill of being initiated into the Omicron Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta. For those of my readers who don’t know, Kappa Alpha Theta is the first Greek letter fraternity known among women — founded in 1870 — and my favorite nonprofit, CASA for Children, is Theta’s official philanthropy.

I’m still in awe of the tremendous amount of energy Theta women put into everything they do — especially their passionate support of CASA for Children.

In an interview with Theta magazine, I once said, “There are no children more disadvantaged than those who get caught up in the foster care system.” I still believe this, with one exception: The kids in the foster care system who have a CASA volunteer have a huge advantage! Those children have a caring adult matched with them one-on-one; an adult who is trained to give that child a voice and who will lift up that child’s best interests in court.

CASA volunteers are just as passionate as my Theta sisters about the work that they do. The stories I hear from young people who have “aged out of the system” start with such tragedy, but they end in victories for each child who was listened to and who made his or her way to the safety of a forever family.

That is why I am so grateful to each and every Theta. Whether my Theta sisters are still in college or university, or whether they are alumnae who, like me, haven’t been students for more than a few years, the energy these women pour into their support of CASA makes my heart soar.

My Theta sisters are about to enjoy a fun-filled, information-packed Grand Convention in Tucson. I wish I could be there with them! Since I can’t be, I’m writing this message to wish every Theta sister a whole lot of Theta love!

Please do your part to help abused and neglected children! Visit iamforthechild.org and add your voice. Thank you!