Bryce Brown is a passionate believer in the maxim "do what you love and it's not work." His love is to support and mentor disadvantaged children in the community. He has volunteered for Voices for Children CASA for the past six years. Court Appointed Special Advocates interface with social services, foster homes, schools, parents, attorneys and courts to advocate for the best interests of child victims of abuse and neglect in Boulder County.

CASAs also work directly with children to offer friendship and guidance during the often lengthy court process. This mentorship has a constructive influence in their chaotic lives. "I strive to strengthen them as much as I can so they can contribute to society," Brown said. "I offer a positive path for these boys so their behavior improves and they can do better in school."

Brown spends several hours each week taking children biking, hiking, and fishing. Sometimes they take trips to art museums and do art work together. In October they visit pumpkin farms and watch Halloween movies, and in the winter drive into the mountains to cut Christmas trees.

"Often these kids need a good male role model; someone who can be a major stabilizing influence in their chaotic lives." Brown said. One boy he worked with had been abused since he was two years old and he felt very insecure around adults, "It took a long time for him to develop trust. Eventually he gave me a hug and I knew he had made a breakthrough." said Brown.

Brown is a native of New Zealand, where he said there are no snakes. While hiking with one of the boys they saw a snake slithering away. The boy loved snakes and delighted in telling Brown all about them, and watching his nervous reaction. Brown said he is not much of a fisherman either. "The kids love it when they catch fish and I don't. They take great pleasure in trumping me!" he said laughing.

Brown is also the founder of his own non-profit organization for children - Our Love of Children - to promote healthy and sustainable living for children. "Low income and disadvantaged kids often know very little about food and nutrition." he said, "We're working with BVSD on a program called Wellness Intervention, where we cultivate organic vegetable gardens in the schools. We try to educate the children about healthy nutrition, and promote wellness."

Pam Pullen, with Voices for Children CASA, said "Brown is very special, he always goes the extra mile mentoring these kids - I can't say enough about him."

For information about volunteering with Voices for Children or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904, or go to our Volunteer Central.