Banning Woman Named 'Voices For Children RivCo's' Volunteer Of 2023

BANNING, CA — The Voices for Children Riverside County CASA Volunteer of the Year is Banning resident Peggy Huetten, the organization announced in a recent news release. She was recognized for her work as a court-appointed special advocate on Tuesday, December 12, at the Riverside Elks Lodge.

"Peggy was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and lived in a multicultural community, growing up with a sense of appreciation for different cultures. Her upbringing led her to have a career working with disadvantaged populations in higher education," according to the release.

She has worked in education, social services, and non-profits before taking on the role of advocate.

"Peggy has strong interpersonal, organizational, and technical skills. She is a dependable, responsible, caring person who is innovative and resourceful when helping others in need. When Peggy moved to California, she was retired and looking for a new volunteer experience. She first heard about Voices for Children when her son advised her to consider becoming a volunteer advocate as he felt she had the skills to advocate for children and would be a good fit for the organization.

In 2018, Huetten took on her first child case. Since then, she has advocated for four children over the last five years, including her current youth, who met Peggy in May 2022 when she became an advocate for the then-17-year-old youth who was seven months pregnant.

"Peggy has been a shoulder to lean on, a listening ear, and a steadfast advocate for her youth and newborn baby. She has been called a fierce champion for children in foster care.

"Many advocates hold educational rights for their assigned child, which means they serve as the point-person for the youth's academic needs until they turn 18. During her advocacy work, Peggy has worked tirelessly to help her youth be a first-time mom and understand her responsibilities as she becomes an adult.

"Peggy was a key resource who dedicated time to teaching her how to navigate the healthcare system, ensuring that her baby received necessary healthcare services," the release said.

"The advocacy of CASA volunteers is vital to promoting the health and safety of children and youth in foster care," according to the release. "Children in foster care have often experienced abuse and neglect. Foster care placement compounds their already challenging circumstances with court hearings, social workers, attorneys, new homes, and new schools.

"Advocates like Peggy can, over time, become a hopeful presence in a child's life, and the person the child knows is always there to listen," a spokesperson wrote.

"Peggy has worked through many challenges in her cases, all with the utmost perseverance. Her goal for all her case children has been to create an individualized path to success. Not only has she accomplished this goal, but she has exceeded expectations every time. Peggy is a 'glass half full' individual, which shows in her advocacy.

Huetten shared her thoughts on winning the award.

"Becoming a CASA has changed my lens on the world. I am a better person as a result, infinitely more empathetic and less judgmental of others, more patient, persevering, and above all, more grateful for the blessings I have in my life. It has been an honor to serve as a CASA in the community."

Voices for Children's President & CEO Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS, spoke on Huetten's role as an advocate.

"Peggy radiates positivity and joy in everything she does, and her welcoming personality puts everyone at ease. In her time as a CASA, she has visited children, schools, foster homes, and parents and provided the court with insight into what is in the best interest of her case children's lives," Muñoz said. "Peggy displays resourcefulness, empathy, and perseverance on behalf of her assigned youth. We are grateful for her advocacy and her dedication to helping our community's most vulnerable children for the last five years."

There are 173 youths in Riverside County foster care on Voices for Children's waitlist for a CASA volunteer. To learn more about the valuable work of CASA volunteers and take action to make a difference, please visit speakupnow.org.