STORIES
Spotlight Frances Allsup
by Jaimee Bishop
by Jaimee Bishop
“All I want to know is when I close the door behind me that I've made my parents proud.” Frances Allsup grew up in what she calls a 'perfect home' with parents who taught her how to be a Christian through more than words. “They were just the most kind and patient people you'd ever meet, and they touched many lives,” Frances says. Modeling her life after her parents is Frances' life-time goal, and to most people's standards, she's achieved it.
Starting the early 1990's, Frances began helping abused and neglected children through the Jackson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) when it was a self-supporting non-profit organization. “While I enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing I was making a difference in the lives of innocent children painstakingly thrown into abusive situations, it was such a hard job to have to both “run” an organization and take on the emotional part of working cases as well. It was a 7-day a week job, and I had small children at home too,” Frances admits. The pressure mounted and the job became too hard to handle, so Frances stepped down.
“I really hated to leave, but it was the right thing to do for my family.”
In October 2006, Frances received an unexpected call from Jackson County Judge Sharon Sigalas asking her for a favor - to take over the local CASA once again. “It was such a hard decision to make, especially because I had just landed my dream job at the Mississippi Supreme Court. But I knew deep down inside that it was a calling from God. This was my place…to be the hands and feet of Jesus in Jackson County. And the job would be a bit easier since the organization is now funded through JCCSC and the United Way,” Frances added. And the rest is history.
Frances now oversees more than 20 volunteers and hundreds of abuse cases every year. If you ever think your life is bad, just listen to what she's seen, and you'll quickly count your blessings. Frances has the daunting task of giving a voice to powerless children and helping them find a safe havens. “I am such a sensitive person and this job makes me cry everyday, but I know I'm doing exactly what God has called me to do.”
