Guardian ad Litem - A South Carolina Governor's Office
Oconee Volunteer Howard Petzold and
former foster youth Heather
Heather's Story...
Howard Petzold, and his wife Norma became volunteer Guardians ad Litem 9 years ago. They are both retired now, Howard from commercial banking and Norma as a stockbroker. Starting from a natural desire to help children, they have found a way to make a difference for young people like Heather.
The Petzolds were appointed to Heather’s case when she was 14 years old, and had just entered the foster care system. “My mom was a child of foster care. She really had it rough, and she ended up with...(read more)
GAL Volunteer Jo Gramling Lopez and
former foster youth Brittany.
Brittany's Story...
When Jo Gramling Lopez, a former Wall Street attorney, left New York and returned to Spartanburg, she had no idea where that path would lead. “I was working across the street when the World Trade Center fell,” she recalls. “The plane hit, and then we were trapped in our building. It made me think I wanted to do something more worthwhile in life.”
That something turned out to be the Spartanburg Volunteer Guardian ad Litem Program. That was 3½ years ago. “The best part about it is getting to know the...(read more)
Spartanburg GAL Volunteer LH Buff and
former foster youth Charlie.
Charlie's Story...
LH Buff got interested in volunteering after reading about the lack of services for older foster youths who were leaving the system. His desire to make a difference for these young people led him to the Spartanburg Volunteer Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Program. As a retired college professor, he knows the challenges facing young people today. Being a volunteer GAL, he knows he makes a real difference for...(read more)