Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Gary Stevenson
Gary Stevenson was sworn in as an Alcovy CASA Volunteer on August 17, 2006. An Army Veteran and retired Centers for Disease Control professional in the emergency management department, Gary has been a consistent, positive, and dedicated advocate for children experiencing foster care in our community as well as the Alcovy CASA program in general.
When Lindsay Dycus, Alcovy CASA’s Executive Director, started as an Advocacy Coordinator at our program back in 2008, Gary shared his extensive knowledge of and experience in the Juvenile courtroom with her. “He taught me by example,” says Lindsay, “the incredible impact a CASA Volunteer could have not only in the life of a child, but how a CASA report could change the trajectory of a hearing. When deciding permanency for a child, the Judge would confirm with Gary’s report before making a ruling. The Honorable Judge Michael Waters once stated, on record, that he knew the permanency option for a child was the right move when all parties agreed with CASA.”
In the last twenty years, Gary has been featured in local news stories for his exceptional volunteer work, including the Newton Community Magazine in 2023. In their article “Servant’s Touch,” written by Michelle Floyd, Gary shared that no matter what kind of day he has had, visiting with his assigned CASA children changes his perspective of the whole day. “As CASA Volunteers,” said Gary, “we receive from these kids as well.”
His positivity and dedication is also a gift to the Alcovy CASA Staff. Gary is light-hearted, fun to be around, and always has a smile. He frequently shares advice and his volunteer experiences with new classes of trainees when we host CASA Volunteer panels, answering questions and concerns from those who have not yet had their first case assignment.
Just a few short months ago, Gary volunteered his time for our Holiday Help program, organizing donations for local children during the holiday season. A few days later, the teenage brothers Gary is advocating for came to the office with their foster mother to pick up their holiday gifts. The boys were anxious about being in a new place. When Lindsay told them that she worked with “Mr. Gary,” both boys lit up and visibly relaxed. Just the mention of working with “Mr. Gary” was enough to let these young men know they were in a safe place.
Gary’s volunteerism is driven by a sense of purpose and urgency for children experiencing the foster care system. He shared in the Newton Community Magazine article, “Why not? If I do not volunteer for the CASA kids, what will happen to them?” He takes an honest and straightforward approach with his assigned children, shares Advocate Coordinator Sharon Gustafson, all while remaining compassionate and relatable. Gary has consistently chosen to advocate for adolescent males from underrepresented backgrounds. In addition to his CASA Volunteer duties, he acts as a dedicated mentor, providing these young men with an example of professional success from someone who looks like they do. He ensures that the children’s voices are heard and that the children feel seen by someone who is backing them up.
Like many volunteers, Gary has taken time off between his case assignments when big changes or major events happened in his life. Though his tenure as a volunteer pre-dates our office’s filing system and all of the current Alcovy CASA staff, we estimate he has taken over ten cases during his time with our program. We were proud to submit Gary Stevenson’s name for the 2026 Karen N. Sibley CASA Volunteer of the Year Award.
Gary was a drill sergeant in the United States Army and brings his experiences from the military into his CASA Volunteer role. “One thing about the Army,” says Gary, “you never forget your drill sergeant. The CASA is the same way: you never forget your CASA. Because he or she is consistent in being a part of your life to get you where you need to be.”
