2025 Linda Egbert Outstanding Advocacy Award: Lauren Groves

“With all I have been through I have found that I have trust issues in adults but when I met Lauren, I knew that would talk to her about stuff.”

“You are always kind, and we’ve never seen you angry. You always play games with us, and we love walking with you because you always pick the best days to go on a walk, and when we talk it’s very fun.”

In the summer of 2021, Lauren Groves met the twin siblings who would later write the above words to their advocate. Lauren is a dedicated mother of three and works for her church yet still finds time to give so much to CASA. Perhaps most profound is the lasting impact Lauren has made in four years of advocacy for the twins, who experienced years of neglect, instability and three removals from primary caregivers in their first nine years of life. Lauren has been their unwavering advocate and the one steady presence in their lives.

Through every transition, Lauren brought consistency, compassion and fierce dedication. In lives filled with uncertainty, she offered hope and showed them what it means to have a trusted adult who genuinely cares for their wellbeing. Her presence planted seeds of safety, trust and love that will undoubtedly continue to grow for years to come.

Her heart, persistence, and natural leadership make her an extraordinary CASA, and it is an honor to recognize the difference she makes in the lives New Hampshire’s children.

– Excerpted from Lauren Groves’s nomination, written by Alison Wheeler, Advocate Supervisor

About the Linda Egbert Outstanding Advocacy Award

In September of 2017, CASA of New Hampshire unexpectedly lost a dear friend and outstanding advocate, Linda Egbert of North Hampton. A dependable, compassionate, and true champion for the children with whom she worked, Linda touched the lives of 26 children over her 10 years as an advocate. Linda was also a longtime member of our CASA Cares and Spring Fashion Show committees. Her dynamic personality and passion for CASA is deeply missed.

With the generous support from Linda’s husband and family, CASA was honored to create the Linda Egbert Outstanding Advocacy Award. The recipient exemplifies the role of the CASA volunteer — someone who has gone above and beyond in their advocacy work and made a tremendous impact in the lives of children. The unique gift for the award winner was designed and created by Linda’s daughter Marla, a world-renowned jewelry designer.