I hope that you will listen in to this episode of By Their Side as I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with two dedicated CASA volunteers, Patty and Denise! Both have incredibly rich experiences in the field, and they join me to share their personal journeys and insights into their important work. Denise, who I collaborate with at Voices for CASA Children, speaks about her motivation to join CASA after advocating for her daughter with special needs, and her story is truly a powerful reminder of the power of using personal experiences to drive meaningful change!

Patty, on the other hand, came to CASA after moving to Arizona and was inspired by a high-profile community initiative. Her involvement was further fueled by a life-changing event, and she has since made a profound impact through her volunteer work. We discuss how both volunteers have dealt with complex and challenging cases, how they overcame their initial challenges, and the rewarding aspects of their roles.

One especially poignant theme in our conversation is the significant role that CASA volunteers play in providing stability and support for children in the foster care system. Patty and Denise shed light on the personal connections they form with the children they advocate for and how these powerful relationships have a positive impact on the youth. They also touch upon the unique challenges of working with placements, including group homes, and the importance of persistence and empathy in their advocacy.

In addition, Patty and Denise stress the fact that the system often fails by not ensuring consistent therapeutic relationships, which are needed for emotional healing. They both describe the importance of humility and teamwork, with Patty even recounting having rebuilt trust after a heated exchange with a group homeowner. They encourage potential CASAs to ask questions, seek support, and understand that while the commitment is significant, the impact on a child’s life is incredibly profound!

I am so excited for you to hear their stories and learn more about the heart and dedication behind CASA work. If you have any questions or want to dive deeper into the conversation, be sure to jot them down because I will actually be hosting a listener Q&A with Denise and Patty soon! Until then, thanks for tuning in!

Highlights:

[1:41] - Motivated by advocating for her daughter, Denise joined CASA to help other children.

[2:54] - After retiring and surviving the Las Vegas mass shooting, Patty joined CASA to make a meaningful impact.

[5:16] - Denise stresses that every single case is different and complex in its own unique way.

[6:28] - Patty found her first case challenging but learned valuable lessons about advocacy and communication.

[9:10] - Denise stresses the importance of identifying herself as a volunteer with no personal stakes.

[10:24] - Denise explains that initial skepticism from families tends to fade as they see her consistent support.

[12:48] - Denise recalls a child’s surprise at her continued presence despite many changes and moves.

[15:24] - Hear how Denise builds relationships with kids by taking them out and spending casual, quality time together.

[16:29] - Hear how Patty allowed a child to guide outings, leading to excitement and trust through consistent promises.

[19:11] - Patty advocates for normal experiences in care, addressing challenges while supporting a child’s self-worth.

[21:27] - Patty recounts stepping in for a last-minute Heart Gallery event and building a close relationship with a child.

[22:37] - Schools tend to appreciate when Denise communicates with them, improving support for children in care.

[23:31] - Patty describes the challenge of preparing a teenager for adulthood with practical skills.

[26:25] - Frustration with the system’s inefficiencies and a child aging out unprepared are major challenges that Denise faces.

[27:46] - Patty describes a case, involving supporting a teenager eager for independence.

[30:53] - Patty describes an emotional moment showing how meaningful and impactful being a CASA can be.

[32:36] - Denise stresses the importance of consistency and showing up to build trust with traumatized kids.

​​[35:25] - Patty argues that the system fails to properly foster youth by not providing stable, lasting therapeutic relationships.

[38:01] - Kids might initially resist therapy until they experience consistency and emotional safety from a trusted adult.

[39:21] - Denise reflects on how therapy became effective once the child had a long-term therapist and room to emotionally grow.

[41:01] - When unsure, Denise consults trusted team members and fellow CASAs.

[43:44] - Hear how Patty uses empathy and assertiveness to advocate for others.

[45:56] - Hear how Patty had a heated discussion with a group homeowner and then apologized and rebuilt a strong, collaborative relationship.

[48:32] - Denise begins positively with case managers, offering help to ease their workload and build trust with them.

[51:15] - Denise reflects on having discovered that a six-year-old child enjoyed visits with her mom, despite what the team believed.

[53:41] - Patty stresses the importance of asking questions and embracing support, highlighting CASA’s impact on children and families.

[56:16] - Denise recommends attending an info session to understand CASA’s meaningful and rewarding commitment.

Links & Resources: Voices for CASA Children - Website

National CASA/ GAL Association for Children