Below are three stories from Children who had CASA Volunteers
Katie Rosenstein's Story
It's very much a wonder to me what foster children did years ago when they didn't have CASAs. I know that I wouldn't have survived court…without Kerry, my CASA volunteer. Kerry was and still is my security. She is the one I go to when I am having problems. She never minded it. She would just talk me through it and tell me how wonderful and amazing I am, giving me smiles and encouraging me to start my dreams and face the world. Seven out of 13 children, neglected and abused, get a CASA. But all 13 need a CASA.
Kids like me, we need compliments and smiles to help us through the hard times. We need guidance and support. All 13 of us. I just registered as an advice giver at a website for abused or hurt teens. I read their stories and see how they are hurt and need help. Then I try to give them advice in a way they will understand. I learned to do that from Kerry. And for that, I am very thankful.
—Katie Rosenstein
Karla Sanchez's Story
Before I met my CASA volunteer, Kim, I was failing all my classes and was not expected to graduate on time. Kim immediately started to help me with my education. She would come to see me once a week. She would make sure I was doing my homework and studying. …In my second semester, I passed my English class with an A. I wish you could have seen Kim's expression when I gave her the good news.
My CASA said that I was working so hard that I deserved to have fun and participate in the senior activities. She convinced me to go to prom. Kim and I went to search for a dress. It was so special for me that she was by my side because I wished my mom had been with me in those moments.
My CASA volunteer not only helped with my education, she would always call me to see how I was doing. Because of her, I got to see my sisters more often than I had before. I was so happy every time I got to see my sisters. That showed me that Kim was really there for me and cared about my happiness.
—Karla Sanchez
Pamela Butler's Story
Pat was there for me the entire way, advocating for visits with my old foster family, making sure I was seeing my therapist regularly, and checking with my teachers to make sure I was managing in school. She told me things can only get better, and that I just needed to hang in there 'til they do.
I never had someone stand up for me like she did. She stood before the judge, the lawyers, my mother, and caseworkers and wasn't swayed by their opinions. It completely amazed me. I trusted her more with every visit and every call and found myself enjoying her check-ups and questioning. She became not only an advocate, but a friend I could truly count on. Earlier this year, I testified to a legislative committee on behalf of the CASA program.
At the end of the testimony I said: "To give a child a CASA is to give them a voice. To give them a voice is to give them hope, and to give them hope is to give them the world." I believe that with all my heart.
—Pamela Butler
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