Meet CASA Volunteer Jaynie!

Meet Jaynie Howland!
Jaynie Howland has always cherished the blessing of being married to not only the love of her life but her best friend for nearly 25 years. Their life together hasn’t been perfect, but they’ve worked hard for everything they have, facing challenges with laughter and unity. Jaynie and her husband view their marriage as a trinity, grounded in their faith in God. They believe God is the foundation of their love, marriage, and family.

Together, they have raised five grown children and are the proud grandparents of nine incredible grandchildren, ranging from 4 to 20 years old. Jaynie beams with pride when she talks about them, adoring each one deeply. Over the years, they have also fostered over 25 children, whom Jaynie lovingly refers to as her “foster loves.” Their commitment to fostering continues, driven by the many children in need of love.

Jaynie and her husband are deeply connected to their community, friends, and neighbors. For many years, they have celebrated Christmas Eve with their family, reserving Christmas Day to deliver gifts to children who might otherwise go without. Jaynie delights in making children smile, whether through gifts or baking their favorite cookies. She embodies the hands and feet of Jesus, giving of herself everywhere she goes.

Work Life:
Jaynie’s work ethic and diverse career journey began at the age of 14. She put herself through college and has worked in various fields, including catering, cake decorating, photography, restaurant management, insulation, truck driving, office management, teaching, massage therapy, life coaching, and more. She currently manages a company while helping her husband run a landscape business and launching her dream engraving company. Jaynie is excited to turn her ideas of memory gifts into tangible creations for others, fulfilling a long-held dream.

Hobbies and Interests:
Jaynie loves creating memories with her husband, grandchildren, foster loves, friends, and Jesus. She enjoys crafts, cooking, and nature, often taking the kids and her husband to dance in the rain, jump in puddles, and snuggle by the fire. She prefers fishing to fancy restaurants and nature walks to movie dates, valuing time spent with loved ones. Jaynie also loves diamond art and Disney Stitch, and she cherishes her time doing crafts with her CASA children, though she keeps the details of her adventures with them a delightful mystery.

How Did You Hear About CASA?
Jaynie first heard about CASA as a foster parent when a CASA volunteer was assigned to one of their placements. Curious, she learned more about CASA and its mission.

What Made You Decide to Become a CASA?
As Jaynie delved deeper into CASA’s work, she realized the impact she could have. Her experience as a foster parent highlighted the need for more resources and support for both children and foster parents. She saw CASA as a way to make a bigger difference, even if it was just a drop in the bucket. The positive influence of CASA volunteers on her foster children inspired her to join and help fix the broken system.

How Do You Feel You’ve Made a Difference?
Jaynie focuses on being a reliable and supportive presence for her CASA children. She listens to them, advocates for them in court, school, and placements, and helps them communicate effectively. By spending quality time with them, she teaches them healthy coping mechanisms and self-expression. Jaynie also assists with placements, offering resources and support to ensure smooth transitions. Her consistency and dedication provide stability during challenging times.

What Advice Do You Have for Anyone Considering Becoming a CASA?
Jaynie advises potential CASA volunteers to understand the time and commitment involved. These children need a constant, committed presence, sometimes for years. She encourages volunteers to be genuine, have fun, and be honest with the children, helping them navigate mistakes and learn from them. Being a consistent and caring part of a child’s life during their toughest times can make a world of difference.