CASA Stories
Advocacy in action.
Connected to Her Community…
One of the challenges our advocates have faced during the pandemic is ensuring foster youth continue receiving support and services. One of our advocates recently provided assistance to enroll her CASA youth in art classes through San Benito Arts Council; encouraging her participation in enrichment and extra-curricular activities while also keeping her connected to her community!
Every Step of the Way…
This young man’s CASA was there every step of the way, encouraging his interest in sports, providing him the opportunity to meet one of his personal heroes, and supporting increased communication and bonding between he and his mother. During his time in out-of-home care, his mom went above and beyond to complete the necessary steps and seek additional support to become the independent, dedicated parent she knew she could be. We are so grateful to our CASA for supporting this young man and his mother in their successful reunification, and wish them all the best!
Six Years, Six Foster Homes…
6 years, 6 foster homes, 4 schools, 4 social workers; the only constant? 1 advocate. As a teen, this young man struggled academically, but with significant support, consistent communication, and a lot of love from his advocate, he successfully graduated high school. Now that he is a young adult, his advocate continues to be his greatest cheerleader while he pursues his dreams attending vocational school.
Celebrate the Accomplishment…
Advocacy in Action: With so many celebrations and events postponed, modified, or cancelled in recent months, our advocates have found creative ways to ensure their assigned youth are still recognized for their achievements. For example, one of our CASA youth’s 8th grade promotion ceremony was replaced with a drive-through certificate pick-up event. Her advocate, wanting to ensure this milestone was still acknowledged, sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a thoughtful card to celebrate the accomplishment. A simple act of kindness making a positive, memorable impact.
Promotes Their Love of Reading…
While working with toddlers could be seen as a unique challenge, one of our newest CASAs agreed to advocate for two sisters, ages 3 and 4, without hesitation. Currently, their favorite activity is reading stories to each other via FaceTime; a fun activity that encourages the girls’ imagination and creativity, increases literacy, and promotes their love of reading.
A Consistent Source of Support…
Coming from a small, rural community, this young man faced numerous challenges prior to entering foster care. Once assigned to CASA, his advocate quickly became a consistent source of support by assisting the young man in assimilating to his new community. This included obtaining tutoring services, practicing language skills during their weekly visits, providing cultural guidance, and mentoring.
Received the Additional Support…
Mr. John was assigned as Adam’s CASA to ensure a smooth transition as he returned to his mother’s care. The two hit it off, enjoying their visits to the park, playing board games, and hunting for bugs. During one of their outings, Adam had an outburst. In speaking with Adam’s caregivers, Mr. John learned that this wasn’t an isolated incident. Mr. John worked closely and kept consistent communication with Adam’s therapist, social worker, and caregivers to ensure Adam received the additional support he needed before the case closed and he was successfully unified with his mom.
*Names have been changed.
A Sense of Normalcy & Inclusion…
With Halloween* right around the corner, one of our advocates had noticed her 8-year-old CASA youth had been avoiding her questions about dressing up or celebrating the holiday. Upon asking his caregiver (and great-grandmother) she learned great-grandma’s fixed income didn’t allow for many extras. Not wanting him to miss out his school’s Halloween parade and festivities, his advocate and the CASA program were able to assist with purchasing his costume, providing the young man with a sense of normalcy and inclusion.
*Halloween 2019
