On Jan. 21, 2013 millions throughout the nation came together to volunteer and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, who never stopped asking the question, “What are you doing for others?” The MLK Day of Service is a moment to work together to fulfill King’s vision for a better America.

Here is a suggestion: consider helping the most vulnerable in our society, the children who have been abused or neglected.

Currently, in Sampson County, over 140 abused and neglected children are involved in the court system at no fault of their own. The Guardian ad Litem Program is charged with training community advocates to speak on behalf of these children so they have a better chance of finding a safe, permanent home.

By choice, some of our advocates have committed to two or more cases to help ensure that our children have a voice in court. Additionally, some Sampson County children are being represented by volunteers who live in Duplin County. But, that is not enough. There are several children who are in court without an advocate, and without a voice, because they do not have a Guardian ad Litem.

So, what are you doing for others? You could be the catalyst to help stop the cycle of abuse in a child’s life by becoming a trained Guardian ad Litem. You could make a difference by being the voice for a child. As Dr. King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

For information on how you can receive free training to become a Guardian ad Litem, please contact our office at 910-275-7021 or by email at Patrick.l.giddeons@nccourts.org