Advocate Stories - Coastal Bend CASA

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: MIDGE EPSTEIN

Serving with Heart on the Island For the past several years, Midge Epstein has been a dedicated CASA volunteer and proud resident of Padre Island. Since being sworn in as a CASA advocate on August 4, 2021, she has served on eight cases and stays connected with many of the families she has supported.
Midge first learned about CASA years ago, but it was not until her retirement that she found the time to get involved. Before volunteering, she worked with the American Heart Association as Executive Vice President from 1995 to 2020. Midge and her husband, Richard, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist in Corpus Christi, have three children—all pursuing graduate degrees in the medical field.

Finding Her Calling
After retiring, Midge wanted to do something new. When she saw an advertisement for a CASA of the Coastal Bend Info Session, she decided to attend—and was immediately drawn to the mission. “It’s rare that you are put to work so quickly as a volunteer,” she said. “I saw an immediate need and was given meaningful work within days of being sworn in.”
Midge thrives in CASA’s structured, well-organized environment and appreciates how seriously the judges take the advocates’ recommendations. “You really feel that your voice matters,” she shared.

A Case That Changed Everything
One of Midge’s most memorable cases involved a sibling group diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Having just completed training through the American Pediatric Association, Midge recognized the signs and advocated for evaluations and services for the children.
Her advocacy extended to the parents as well, both of whom struggled with alcoholism. Midge personally helped the mother by transporting her to an inpatient rehabilitation program. Although the parents have been over a year sober, it was determined by all parties involved that the children be adopted by their foster parents. Midge remains in touch with everyone involved and through her advocacy, she has been able to encourage positive and open communication between the birth parents and the adoptive parents. “Seeing the compassion between the birth and adoptive families has been a blessing,” she said.

Advocating Beyond Expectations
Her early experiences as a CASA volunteer taught her resilience and creativity. On one case, she reached out to her Padre Island Neighbors Facebook group to find furniture, appliances, and essentials for a mother in need—and the community responded generously. “People were so giving,” she said. “Within days, the family had everything they needed.”

A Lifelong Learner and Advocate
Her commitment to learning extends beyond her cases. Midge approaches every case with an eagerness to learn and grow. She even attended the 9th International Research Conference on FASD in Seattle, Washington. “Every case teaches me something new,” she said. “As much as I put in, I get so much more out of it.”
Her faith is central to her volunteer work. “In a world so filled with hate, this is a way to show love,” she shared. “Fulfilling what God has called me to do means more than any reward.”

Advice for Future Volunteers
When asked what she would tell someone considering volunteering, Midge said she could not have taken on the role until after retirement—but now, she cannot imagine her life without CASA. “The family is at the core of our society,” she said. “Some children are born into healthy families, and some are not—but we have the opportunity to help every child have a healthy supportive family.”

Life Beyond CASA
In her spare time—what little there is—Midge volunteers with St. John United Methodist Church in Austin, serves on a CASA planning committee, enjoys reading, and stays active with daily workouts at Island Fitness.

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