The Sister Squad and The Three Amigos are a couple of names they are being called.

Formerly known as the Cruse sisters, Collette Walker, Mary Light and Diane Curtis have become advocates for the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of South Central Missouri. The sisters joined together because they wanted to follow their mantra to “do something good.”

They were recently sworn-in as CASA volunteers at the Phelps County Courthouse by Associate Judge Mark Calvert of the 25th Circuit.

“Our Dad is a part of the reason,” Collette said. “He helped everyone.” Their father is the late Bob Cruse, a longtime Rotarian and a person who reached out to lend a hand to folks in the Rolla area community on a regular basis. He and his wife, the late Carolyn Cruse, owned and managed the Piggly Wiggly Grocery franchise in the former Hillcrest Shopping Center on Highway 72 in Rolla where several family members worked.

Together the couple, also owned stores in St. Robert, Salem and Owensville. In retirement Cruse managed the Rolla License Bureau, which benefitted the Champions of Rolla Education (CORE) at the time.

“We took several mission trips with him,” Mary said. “We’re hoping to make a difference like our father.”

During the years raising their children, they felt that they didn’t have the time.

“But now we do,” Collette said.

The sisters now have their first CASA case advocating for three brothers. “The stories told during our CASA training was tremendous with so much wisdom,” Diane said. “The training was very insightful. It really prepared us for what to expect.”

The nonprofit CASA organization relies on a dedicated staff and community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the 25th judicial circuit which includes four counties, including Texas, Maries, Pulaski and Phelps.

CASA volunteers are advocates, mentors and friends to children in the foster care system. For more information contact the Rolla office at 573-426-5437.