NOMINEE #4 SHELBY HARDING
This past December, Shelby Harding closed a case that was just two months shy of being open for six years. A lot can happen and change in that span of time, but despite all the transformations that occurred, Shelby’s commitment to her CASA child never wavered. It is for that reason that Shelby is nominated, for the second consecutive year, as Advocate of the Year.
Shelby accepted this case, her first case, in February 2018. At the time she was a student at SHSU and was under the impression that she would be assigned to this case for two years…max. Clearly, it didn’t quite work out that way. When Shelby later graduated and accepted a job in Conroe, we thought that the case would have to be reassigned, but that was never the plan for Shelby! She made it clear that she was in this for the long haul. She had already fostered such a beautiful relationship with this child, whom she had met at just a couple months old.
Throughout the duration of her case, Shelby remained consistent with her visits to the child, maintained contact with all pertinent parties monthly; and when the child started school, Shelby performed (and continues to) a big role in this child’s educational journey. Shelby has never shied away from advocating zealously for anything this child and/or the caregiver said that they needed. As a CASA, she confidently remained the “squeaky wheel” until things got done.
We are so grateful for advocates like Shelby. Her dedication goes beyond this organization. Shelby is truly a committed advocate for the child and family.
