Mollie Campbell walks through her Heights neighborhood with purpose, whether she’s heading to a playdate with one of her three children or to the courthouse, where she serves as a voice for children who desperately need one. 

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Pulaski County, Mollie represents abused and neglected children navigating the foster care system. The mother of Leighton, 12, Riley, 10, and Hudson, 7, completed her CASA training last fall and immediately embraced her first case. 

“My passion is public service, and my natural personality is advocating for the needs and rights of others,” Mollie explains. After earning her Masters of Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service in 2007, she worked in nonprofits until choosing to focus on her young family. Once her children were all in school, she knew the time had come to pursue her longtime goal. 

Mollie’s eyes light up when discussing the children she represents, though she acknowledges the emotional weight of the work. “Although learning the statistics and stories of abused and neglected children was very difficult, I felt so natural and confident in standing up for these precious kids,” she says. 

During a recent court appearance, Mollie stood firmly before the judge, presenting carefully researched recommendations for a child’s placement. The moment exemplified what CASA volunteers do – ensuring judges have complete information to make life-changing decisions for vulnerable children. 

The impact of CASA advocates is significant. Children with CASA representation spend less time in foster care, experience fewer home placements, and perform better in school. Last year alone, Pulaski County CASA served 240 children with 100 advocates – yet 332 children in the county’s foster care system still need someone to speak for them.

Mollie shares, “Navigating the foster care system as a small innocent child can be incredibly scary and unsettling. CASAs are working hand in hand with every single stakeholder, ensuring that every child is safe, loved, and prioritized every step of the way. CASAs fight for a brighter future for every child, leading to a stronger community for all of us. And I consider it an honor to be a part of such an important mission here in Pulaski County!” 

The Campbell family has called The Heights home since 2011. They love the walkability and being close to so many friends. A playdate, walking buddy, coffee date, or happy hour is only steps away. This neighborhood connection fuels Mollie’s dedication to creating similar stability for the children she serves. “Navigating the foster care system as a small innocent child can be incredibly scary and unsettling. CASAs fight for a brighter future for every child, leading to a stronger community for all of us.” 

For those interested in supporting CASA’s mission, opportunities range from becoming volunteer advocates to joining Friends of CASA, attending fundraising events like the upcoming “An Evening in Oz” gala on April 26, or making donations through pulaskicountycasa.org.