I had been drawn to the idea of volunteering with CASA for quite some time. The mission—to advocate for children in the foster care system and ensure they have a voice—resonated deeply with me. As my son grew older and became more independent, I found myself with both the time and emotional space to finally act on this calling. What began as a desire to give back, support vulnerable children, and grow personally has since evolved into a long-term commitment rooted in experience, understanding, and purpose.
When I first joined CASA, I came in with the best of intentions: to help children, contribute to my community, and better understand the systems that impact families in crisis. Since then, those intentions have only deepened. This role has opened my eyes to the complexities of the child welfare system and the family systems surrounding it—the dedicated professionals in social work, the legal teams, and the many service providers who work tirelessly to support families, often with the goal of safe and meaningful reunification.
One of the most impactful parts of my CASA journey has been the relationship I’ve built with a child navigating yet another chapter of trauma in her life. From the moment we met, I was struck by her strength. Over the past year, she’s been enrolled in services and educational supports to help her manage her complex needs. I’ve seen real progress, although her journey is far from over. She remains closely bonded to her biological family while also adapting to life with her foster family. Watching her face these challenges with resilience and courage has been deeply humbling—and it’s a constant reminder of why this work matters.
Being a CASA has not only allowed me to stand beside a child in need, but it’s also taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, strength-based approaches, and the power of simply showing up. I’m proud to be part of an organization that protects the most vulnerable and valuable members of our community: our children.
