Al Hallgren

Albert Hallgren didn’t finish high school. Instead he enlisted in the Marine Corps. After World War II, he worked at IBM. Now a retiree, Albert’s new passion is volunteering. He brings a wealth of common sense and humor to CASA of Dutchess County, where he has been a CASA volunteer for three years. At 80, Al is the program’s oldest volunteer and is now serving on his second CASA case.

A widower, Al told CASA Program Director, Mary Rich, that he was volunteering because he needed something to keep him busy. The real reason, though, is his love of working with children. He currently advocates for five siblings who were in three different foster homes when he took their case. Al has helped bring all five children together in one home.

Al sometimes finds it is challenging to gain access to all the information that he needs in order to compile the full and comprehensive reports to help the judge make decisions that are truly in the best interest of the children. However, the experience of helping the children makes it all worthwhile.

Al also volunteers with the American Cancer Society and, until recently at the Northern Dutchess Hospital. The Dutchess County Office of the Aging named Al “Male Senior Volunteer of the Year” for 2007.

 

 

CASA: Advocates for Children of New York State
32 Essex Street

Albany, NY 12206
Phone: 518-426-5354
Toll-Free: 877-80-VOICE
Fax: 518-426-5348
E-mail: mail@casanys.org