Story #4 - January 2011
Jessica
* Names have been changed to protect the identities of minors.
When I first met a then 16-year-old Jessica*, she was living in a foster home with other teenage girls, secluded in her room most of the time. Jessica had been in the custody and care of the Department of Human Services since the age of 12. She had suffered a tremendous amount of physical, sexual and emotional abuse inflicted upon her by various family members.
Jessica, like most teenagers, was very confused and uncertain about her future. However, this confusion and uncertainty was intensified due to the nature of her circumstances. As her CASA, I was honored to be able to advocate for Jessica, not only in court, but also in life.
During my time with her, Jessica successfully completed her Life Skills training, was making notable progress in mental health therapy, ceased to create self-inflicted pain and injury and was removed from psychotropic medications. She learned how to set appropriate boundaries with those around her, formed solid friendships and learned how to utilize the resources provided to her.
As Jessica’s CASA, I am proud to announce that she successfully resided in an Independent Living home while finishing high school, learned how to shop, manage money, pay bills and exercise self-discipline. She never missed a day of school or was tardy while living on her own. She graduated from high school and is now a college student at Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Guiding Jessica and advocating for her has been the most rewarding experience I have had in life. As her CASA, I not only made a difference in her life…..but she also made a difference in mine.
Sonia
CASA Volunteer of Adams and Broomfield Counties Volunteer
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