Riverside County – CASA of the Month – June 2023

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer Brandi has significantly impacted the lives of *Allison, Penny, and Diana. Since being assigned to the three girls, she became aware that Diana confided to her sister Polly about concerning situations she had experienced in their current caregiver’s household. CASA Brandi immediately took action, and went to see Diana and Polly the next day and took them to lunch. Having built a trusting relationship with the girls, CASA Brandi attentively listened as Diana opened up about everything that had occurred at the caregiver’s household. CASA Brandi was empathetic and ensured Diana felt seen, heard, valued, supported, and less alone. Because of CASA Brandi’s immediate outreach and swift actions, the girls were removed from the home that night. The day the girls were removed, CASA Brandi was with Diana until a placement was found. She also went to see Diana and Penny at their new placement that first weekend to take them out and reassure them that she would stay present in their lives. CASA Brandi helped ease the girl’s transition to their new school. CASA Brandi knew Diana’s school was especially important to her, so she went the extra mile to reach out to her prior school, get a yearbook for Diana, and coordinate with her teacher to have all her friends sign it so she would have that as a treasured memory. When Allison graduated, CASA Brandi was right there in the audience, cheering her on.

CASA Brandi changed the trajectory of Diana’s and her sister’s lives. The work of a CASA volunteer can sometimes be challenging, but the lasting impact of all the small and big actions a CASA takes to advocate for their case youth makes all the difference.

Volunteer Name: Brandi A.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Homemaker
Became a CASA: 2022

Favorite part about being a CASA: “Being a CASA is rewarding, as I can lend my voice to underprivileged and vulnerable children. Volunteering for VFC is humbling, as I am exposed to the realities of children in foster care. My girls wait outside for me on visits and come running to my car with arms wide open. There are days that it is emotionally taxing, but their thankfulness for me makes the whole experience worth it.”

 You, too, can make a difference in the life of youth in foster care. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer.

*Names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality