Success Story: Ava
“It’s 100% possible to fall in love with a child you’ve never met.” —Cat, CASA Volunteer
You’ve felt the fear and anger that struck us to the core over this last year. Frustration and grief over problems you wish you could fix but didn’t know where to begin. What do you do?
Cat shared in your sadness. She knew she couldn’t let kids fall through the cracks of the foster care system. Like you, she chose to give herself to our kids. Thank you for giving them your heart!
“I felt powerless. I literally googled ‘how to help a kid in foster care’ and was flooded with stories about the good CASA has done – I have been on the ride of my life ever since.” Cat has been Ava’s CASA volunteer since 2020, and because of your support, she channeled her sense of powerlessness into generosity.
Ava entered foster care as a teenager after abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Ava’s CASA volunteer, Cat, is working to find a permanent home for Ava before Ava turns 18 and “ages out” of foster care. Cat is a critical support of consistency and urgency in getting Ava’s needs met before it’s too late. Cat couldn’t have become a CASA without you. Instead of feeling powerless, you put your compassion into action. Your compassion is transforming Ava’s life. Cat has been the one person Ava has confided in. “I feel like Cat is the only one who cares about me and listens to me.” – Ava, age 17.
You are there. You are a part of their journey –
…from putting their treasures, stuffed animals, and clothes into a trash bag,
…to unpacking and hanging up photos in their forever home.
Because you care, you give kids like Ava dignity and hope. Even little things like brightening Ava’s day by video chatting with Cat’s dog, named Moose. That consistent contact and encouragement to keep Ava going – you make it all possible. Ava will feel the impact of your kindness throughout her life.
Because of you…
Cat’s advocacy resulted in a judge ordering Ava into a safer foster care placement,
Ava is now moving into a therapeutic placement to support her trauma needs,
Ava is receiving therapy to heal and recover from her abuse,
Cat is working to find a family to surround Ava with support for the rest of her life.
You fight the loneliness Ava feels today with your donation. Your generosity makes a lasting impact in Ava’s life. All the help Ava receives is born out of your compassion for a scared girl in foster care. You give these kids your heart. We are inspired by every smile spreading across a kid’s face, by every life you transform. Thank you for touching their lives!
A child like Ava was taken out of their home and placed in foster care yesterday, right in your backyard. They are a part of a drastic increase in children entering foster care in 2021 because of the emotional and mental turmoil we all felt this past year.
As heartbreaking as their stories are, we are inspired by your commitment to children in foster care. We are thankful to see your generosity in every child served: We see your fingerprints in the life of Ava. Thank you for letting us be a part of your legacy of kindness.
P.S. Your gift makes an immediate difference. Ava was living hundreds of miles away last year, but with Cat’s advocacy, Ava is now coming home to Tarrant County where she’ll be closer to family. Your compassion makes visible differences in the lives of children in need!