For this Michigan City native, helping those in need of care and compassion is just part of an ordinary day.
Lindsay Malik, the director of the CASA Program, or the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program, has lived in Michigan City all of her life. Malik grew up playing T-ball and softball, which she still plays, and throughout her time at Michigan City High School, always had a part time job. After she graduated from high school in 2007, she headed to Purdue North Central to start her college career.
“I went to PNC after high school,” Malik said. “I graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.”
While she was still in school, a classmate of hers gave a presentation about the CASA Program and how to become a volunteer for the organization. Malik was immediately hooked and became a volunteer in April of 2012.
“I had never heard of the program before, but during the presentation, I learned about the duties and responsibilities that come with being a court appointed advocate and how much of a need there is for volunteers to have a direct impact on children and families,” Malik explained. “I was immediately drawn to the program, so I sent in my application, went through the training and became a volunteer.”
Within a few months, Malik’s supervisor approached her for a new opportunity. Her supervisor was leaving and believed Malik was the right person for the job. So she applied, was hired, did the training and has been there ever since.
“We are advocates for children,” Malik said. “You are assigned to a child or a family and you are there to represent their best interests. Whether it is testifying in court on their behalf, checking in on them at school or at home or making sure they are up to date on their doctor visits, CASA volunteers are there represent the child’s needs.”
In the four years Malik has worked for CASA, the number of children in the program or on the waitlist is at an all time high. And unfortunately, the number of children in foster care or involved with the Department of Child Services is going up, while the number of volunteers is at a standstill.
“We are always in need of volunteers,” Malik explained. “The best thing about this program though is that the people who do volunteer are members of our community. They’re retirees, schoolteachers or stay at home moms. Really, anyone can volunteer and go through the training, and I believe if you are able to help, you should.”
As difficult as the job can be, Malik is lucky enough to say she loves being the director of the CASA Program. The joy and excitement the children have when their volunteer visits is enough to make this job worth doing.
“There aren’t many jobs that allow you to see the impact,” Malik said. “But with CASA, we see the direct influence we are having in the community. Kids are our future, so we need to give them a voice.”
When Malik isn’t helping the children of La Porte County, she loves to read; the last book she read was The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines, but she will read anything from mystery to biographies. Malik loves to travel and has been all over the world.
“I’m a member of this youth worker fellowship called The Journey,” Malik said. “We’ve been to Mexico, Belize and Honduras, but Honduras has to be one of my favorite places! And last year when my husband and I went to Gatlinburg, a bear got into my car and ate a ketchup packet and my lipgloss!”
Every Thursday night, Malik and her best friend of 11 years get together to watch Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal.
“We love those shows,” Malik said. “The best part is that we have matching shirts that say ‘On Thursdays, we watch Grey’s,’ and we wear them every Thursday!”
But the most important thing in her life is her family, large in both her heart and in size.
“I’ve always had a huge family and I love spending time with them,” Malik said. “I have nine siblings and 15 nieces and nephews, who are my life!”
She may have a giant family, but that doesn’t stop Lindsay Malik from taking care of the children who need it the most and treating them like another niece and nephew she loves dearly. As the director of CASA, Malik continued the tradition of not only advocating for children in legal matters, but also advocating for their well-being and life.
“I believe in our mission and our agency whole-heartedly,” Malik proudly said. “It can be difficult at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding.”
For more information about the CASA Program and how to become a volunteer, go to www.lpfamilyadvocates.com.