Cindy K. Booth, Esq.
Chief Executive Officer, Child Advocates, Inc.
For the last several weeks, life as we know it has been altered forever by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here in Indiana, except for essential services, the majority of businesses had to switch to working remotely or otherwise close in order to keep its citizens safe. But what about children in foster care? They still need to be regularly monitored to ensure their safety and well-being - especially now. I checked in with my friends at Child Advocates, Inc., and was graciously granted an interview with the agency’s Chief Executive Officer, Cindy K. Booth.
N: Before we begin, I’d like to let my readers know about the unfortunate loss of your colleague Nikita who passed away unexpectedly last year. She was a great lady with a kind heart and whose shoes are undoubtedly hard to fill! How have you and your staff been coping since?
CB: Thank you. It was difficult, as she was a favorite for so many people, and continues to be missed. We dedicated all of last year’s events to her memory.
NOTE TO READERS: I had the pleasure of knowing Nikita through the agency’s holiday toy drives for 2015 and 2016.
N: How has the quarantine impacted the work of Child Advocates - with staff as well as the children you serve?
CB: It was a challenge when everything started to shut down, including the courts and our office, but there were still foster children who needed to be monitored throughout Marion County. Eventually, we started doing things on more of a virtual basis, like with Zoom calls, so that we can check in with the kids as well as staff and other contacts. Overall, the shift to doing things more on a virtual basis has been one positive that we are glad to implement as part of what we do, even when everything opens back up again.
N: In looking back to when life was “normal” in 2019, you received the 19th Annual Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity for Leadership in Diversity Award. Congratulations on such an honor! What has the accolade meant to you?
CB: Thank you! I’ve always felt it important to bring awareness to the problem of racism, and the award really reflects on how well our staff and volunteers serve the children. So, while I appreciate the award, I care more about what it means for the agency itself and what we have been able to accomplish, through the education offered in our regularly scheduled class series Interrupting Racism for Children.
CB: Thank you! I’ve always felt it important to bring awareness to the problem of racism, and the award really reflects on how well our staff and volunteers serve the children. So, while I appreciate the award, I care more about what it means for the agency itself and what we have been able to accomplish, through the education offered in our regularly scheduled class series Interrupting Racism for Children.
N: Tell us about a teacher/mentor who set you on your present path?
CB: My mentors in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Not-for-Profit world were and are the female directors of other large, urban CASA programs around the country. I met them early on and we continued to encourage, inspire, and hold each other accountable via regular contact and at least one in person meeting each year. They are examples of strong women leaders and it is always great to be with them.
N: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, what would you say was your greatest challenge in working for Child Advocates, Inc.?
CB: Helping people understand what we do and the nature of our work in breaking the cycle of child abuse. So much of it is confidential because it happens behind closed (court) doors, so it’s hard to describe in just a sentence or two.
N: Do you consider yourself a dreamer or a doer?
CB: I would say I do dream a little, as that is part of being a visionary leader, but I also like to tackle a project or issue with action.
N: Describe your typical day (in and out of the office).
CB: I do a lot of things, both in and out of the office, and I like to keep busy. I devote much of my time to various meetings, which I’m able to do more of without the extra driving time needed, thanks to Zoom conferencing. When at the office, I typically have an open-door policy, to encourage staff to reach out and ask any questions they might have.
N: How has working in the non-profit sector, particularly with children, changed how you view the world?
CB: I’m impressed by how many people want to help children even before they have ever met them.
N: What advice to do you have for anyone interested in volunteering as a CASA?
CB: Our website has a good section on what it means to be a CASA. I also suggest interested community members participate in an Info Session. We are doing those virtually now. The Info Session does a good job of explaining in real terms what a CASA does. Our Volunteer and Juvenile Court teams value and appreciate volunteers and want to ensure the volunteer opportunity is a good match.
N: Are there other causes or charities you support?
CB: In addition to Child Advocates, anything to do with animals.
N: What do you do for fun?
CB: Walking (including dog-walking!) and reading.
N: If you possessed a super power, what would it be?
CB: Well…my fun answer would be flying. But if I had a super power that solves a world problem, it would be the ability to make sure children are free from abuse.
N: What’s your strategy for getting to know your staff/volunteers as well as the children you serve?
CB: I keep the connection to staff and volunteers through Zoom meetings now, but normally, I meet with people in person.
N: How many events per year does Child Advocates Inc. hold? How many have you had to cancel or reschedule?
CB: We host a total of 4 types of events per year (including multiple day offerings per month of Volunteer Intro sessions and the Interrupting Racism for Children class), all of which have either been cancelled, offered virtually, or pushed back to later this fall. One that will still be happening as scheduled in July is our Child Fair, but it will be altered to follow the CDC and local governance guidelines. In years past, this was a carnival-type community event held in the Child Advocates, Inc. parking lot, with plenty of games and other activities, and every child received back packs and school supplies for the new school year. This year, however, the families we serve will be invited to attend a drive thru event where they will receive back packs filled with school supplies. Thanks to the many generous donors who have helped make that possible for us to continue doing, even without the “fair!” The other event that will happen for sure will be our annual holiday toy drive in December.
N: In your experience, how have your past jobs prepared you for your current role?
CB: Having used to be a music teacher before starting with the agency, I’ve often said how being here is like leading an orchestra or band.
N: Do you have any professional or personal goals you’d like to accomplish within the next 5 years?
CB: Retirement! Professionally, it will involve empowering the next level of leaders so they’re ready to advance by then. After I retire, I have plans to keep busy on some projects that may center around teaching in some way, but without having to grade papers!
N: What’s your favorite quote or saying?
CB: I actually have two quotes:
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” - Abraham Lincoln
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
