Interested in a challenge?

Try being a volunteer for the Voices for Kids CASA Program of Southeast Virginia.

The non-profit needs volunteers to serve as court-appointed special advocates for children who have been abused, neglected or are suffering from other issues that lead to them winding up in the court system. The agency serves Isle of Wight and Southampton counties and the city of Franklin, and it has plans to expand into Suffolk.

It’s a job that takes a commitment that could be well worthwhile. These kids need someone to represent them in the legal system, to make sure they get what’s best for them. These are the kids who have been shortchanged in life, many times through no fault of their own.

If you’re not exactly sure what volunteering will involve, don’t worry. You won’t be thrown to the dogs.

An open house will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the Isle of Wight Ruritan building. Training will begin Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the agency’s office at the Isle of Wight Courthouse. Three-hour sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings. New volunteers undergo 35 hours of training.

Right now this program has 20 volunteers, and another 20 are needed to help the children who are not served.

If interested in volunteering, call 357-2170. For more information, go to www.voicesforkidsofSV.org.