Joining us today is Ashley Rhodes-Courter, author of the New York Times and international bestselling memoir, “Three Little Words,” and its sequal, “Three More Words.” She’s an international keynote speaker, licensed clinical social worker, and founder of The Foundation for Sustainable Families. 

Since her first national keynote at age 14, Ashley has shared her story with thousands in the United States and in more than 7 countries. By the age of 3 she was in Florida’s foster care system where she spent almost 10 years being shuttled between 14 homes—some quite abusive—before being adopted from a children’s home at the age of 12.

We’re going much deeper in today’s show to discuss a topic that affects all communities—child abuse and neglect and how, through CASA, a National, non-profit court-appointed special advocate and guardian ad litem organization, communities and individuals are changing a child’s life-story by advocating for children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. 

And, how even just one small act of kindness or a little bit of encouragement can have a positive ripple effect on someone’s life.

In this episode, Ashley shares how the gift of a book from her fourth-grade teacher inspired her love of literature and writing, the impact her CASA had on her life, and how she came to write her first book, Three Little Words, which started in her teen years as an essay to raise money for college. The book is now being made into a major motion picture.

And joining us from East-Central CASA in South Dakota, are Julie Wermers, Terri Mielitz, and Amy Henrich. We’ll learn about the CASA organization, how it serves some of the most vulnerable children and youth in our communities, including those targeted for sex trafficking, kids affected by the opioid crisis, and advocating for children with incarcerated parents and preparing young adults to age out of the foster care system, plus we’ll talk about the many ways we can all get involved.

We hope after listening to Ashley’s powerful story, you are inspired to learn more about CASA in your area.

You can find Ashley Rhodes-Courter’s books, “Three Little Words,” and “Three More Words,”  here or at many independent bookstores. The Nook on Main Street in downtown Brookings, South Dakota will soon have copies on their shelves. Connect with Ashley Rhodes-Courter on her website rhodes-courter.com.

Learn about East Central CASA at eastcentralcasa.com and connect on Facebook East-Central CASA. Purchase tickets, bid on auction items, or donate to Fire & Ice, visit CASAgala.GiveSmart.com. For more information, call 605-697-6106 or email [email protected]. 

Learn about National CASA and find a CASA program near you at nationalcasagal.org.

(00:00) Intro

(3:27) Julie Wermers

(28:00) Terri Mielitz

(50:21) Amy Henrich

(01:21:50) Ashley Rhodes-Courter

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