Marty Smith's compassion for children extends beyond her own family.
About 12 years ago when her own children moved away from home, she decided to help other children and became a volunteer for Minnesota's Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a program that advocates for children in the juvenile court system.
"I had lots of time on my hands and I always loved children," she said. "It just filled a need. All of a sudden you find this place where you're needed by the children."
Smith, 70, still is a CASA volunteer advocate, with the last six years for Douglas County's program. She recently received the 2001 Wallace Galluzzi Volunteer of the Year Award from the United Way of Douglas County for her work.
With CASA, Smith has helped children who were abandoned by parents, sexually abused by a stepparent and caught in the middle of domestic violence. She's now involved in a case where the mother is a drug addict and her children are going to be adopted.
"I enjoy the opportunity to help them and make a difference in their lives," Smith said. "You hope you can make a difference even if it's in a teeny, tiny way."
CASA volunteers follow a case until the child finds a permanent home. Sometimes children are reunited with their parents, and sometimes they are adopted. Volunteers also must maintain contact with the court and people in the child's life, such as parents, teachers and therapists.
But Smith does more.
She takes the children to the park, museums and the pet store. She reads stories and colors with them. She works hard to establish a relationship built on trust.
Carolyn Johnson, CASA's volunteer coordinator, describes Smith as a "concerned citizen" who has spent hundreds of hours with her cases.
"She's like a pretty typical grandmother, but she's not typical," she said. "She has more energy and more enthusiasm and a good heart than just about anyone you could ever know."
Smith said she tries to do what's in the best interest of the children. And although she appreciates the award for her work, she said she does it all for the children.
"I receive awards every day. They're called hugs, kisses, smiles and trust," she said. "That's all anyone needs who does volunteer work."
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