Dillon County resident Lue Anna McLeod is passionate about helping children in need. As a volunteer advocate with the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program, she and other volunteers provide a voice for abused or neglected children in the Family Court system.
McLeod began volunteering in 2015 after retiring from a career with the federal government and United Technologies. Very quickly she recognized how great the need is when it comes to helping children and their families.
Advocates get to know the children they serve and the adults in their lives, working closely with service providers, school staff and others to ensure the children are provided for, and their needs are met. GAL volunteers also make recommendations to the court regarding what they feel to be in the child’s best interest, to ultimately find the child a safe and permanent home.
“The children I have met have a need for tender, loving care, even if it’s just someone to listen to them, console them and help them build confidence,” said McLeod.
McLeod wants to encourage others to become a GAL volunteer. “I was once in a dilemma about who I could service better, at risk children or the elderly people of the community. I came to the conclusion that time can be made for both. Everyone could use a little help,” urged McLeod.
Thanks to the extraordinary work McLeod and her fellow volunteers perform, many children in our community have an advocate and a voice fighting on their behalf.
If you are compassionate and have a desire to help children in need, perhaps serving as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem is for you. To learn more about the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program and the next training for GAL volunteers, please contact Brian Mercer (843-774-5973). Please visit http://scgal.org, to download an application or for more information.