What made you decide to become a CASA? My volunteer experience working with non-profits - generally on projects or events - left me hungry to be part of an organization that allowed me to to work with individuals . Honestly, I am not sure it was what I “wanted” but after a lot of consideration, it was definitely what I felt a responsibility to do. As I prayed about it, the word CASA kept coming up. So I investigated the website, signed up for an orientation, then the training. It was inspiring!
What has been the most rewarding part of being a CASA? After just over a year of working on my case, I am madly in love with the five brothers that are my CASA kids. The deep connection I have felt with these boys as we have had time playing games, reading books or meeting weekly on the all sibling zoom call has given me the energy and determination to walk with them until they have a forever home.
Please share a special moment with us about your advocacy work with your CASA kid or on your case. One snapshot of my experience was a phone call from my 15 year old after he had experienced a series of hard times while living in a residential treatment center. He said to me “If I couldn’t talk with you, I don’t know what would have happened. I’d probably be in jail or something.” It was shocking to hear him express that. That is the reason I’m a CASA. I want my boys to know that I love them, that I believe in them, that they have a hope and a future.
I now tell anyone and everyone that they can be a CASA. If you have ever loved another person, you can love a child in the foster system. In my boys lives, I am the only constant. Collectively they have been in more that 50 placements over the last 3 1/2 years. They have had multiple case workers and a myriad of foster parents and care givers. Every time one of my boys moves (they are all in separate placements) I show up wherever they are and tell them that I love them, I am for them and I am not going anywhere.
I know I cannot change the lives of all the children in the foster system, but I can show up for 5 boys that need to be reminded constantly that they are seen, they are valuable and their lives are just getting started.