This month, we are proud to honor CASA Ron as our CASA of the Month. His unwavering dedication and advocacy have made a profound difference in the life of 16-year-old Ryan*, who has faced significant challenges since entering foster care at the age of 14. Ryan’s journey has been difficult, but with Ron’s steadfast support, Ryan now has hope for a brighter future.
At age 14, Ryan experienced the passing of his adoptive father, a tragic loss that left him without a stable home, financial support, or a guardian to make critical decisions for his well-being. Being moved around between relatives for some time, he experienced abuse and neglect as he grieved the loss of his adoptive father. Ryan entered foster care, and the need for a trusting adult in his corner was evident. Then he met his CASA, Ron, who has been with him every step of the way, offering the stability and guidance he needed.
CASA Ron has been a steady presence in Ryan’s life for over a year, visiting him twice a month and consistently showing a commitment to his well-being. His involvement goes beyond providing emotional support; he actively advocates for Ryan’s education and attends all of his Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meetings and Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings, ensuring that Ryan’s voice is heard and that his needs are met.
CASA Ron has also encouraged Ryan’s interests in social activism-based activities. One remarkable example is how CASA Ron helped Ryan prepare to deliver a formal speech at a school board meeting advocating for the equitable treatment of LGBTQ students and other minority groups at his high school. This experience was a huge boost to Ryan’s self-confidence and enabled him to use his voice for change. Additionally, CASA Ron supported Ryan’s interest in joining Future Farmers of America (FFA), a program that has since empowered Ryan to become a sectional leader for the local FFA chapter—a major accomplishment that showcases Ryan’s potential.
One of the most significant moments in CASA Ron’s advocacy came when Ryan shared news of a family in Germany—close friends of Ryan’s late father—who were willing to take him in and possibly adopt him. CASA Ron quickly took action, passing along a formal letter from the family to Ryan’s social services practitioner for review. CASA Ron then advocated for Ryan’s future, writing a thorough court report that included his struggles in math, the need for financial support for FFA activities, and Ryan’s request for a bicycle to help him feel safe traveling home after evening FFA meetings.
Thanks to CASA Ron’s diligent work, Ryan’s future has been shaped in ways that will have lasting effects. The court issued crucial orders that allowed Ryan to travel to Los Angeles for an expedited passport and a plane ticket to Germany to explore the possibility of living with his late father’s family friends. Additionally, Ryan was granted behind-the-wheel training, math tutoring, and reimbursement for FFA-related activities. While the request for a bicycle was not met, CASA Ron was determined to fulfill this need for Ryan, so he reached out to Voice for Children, and through One Simple Wish, Ryan now has a bike to travel safely without fear.
Ryan’s future would likely look much different without CASA Ron’s consistent advocacy. His consistent presence as a CASA volunteer demonstrates the significant impact of male role models in the lives of young boys, especially those in the foster care system. Ryan’s journey has been marked by instability and uncertainty, but with CASA Ron’s dedication, Ryan now has hope for a brighter future.
Name: Ron S.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Police sergeant
Became a CASA in: 2023
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “The symbiotic relationship with my CASA kid. Every opportunity I seize to help make something better in my CASA kid’s life (however slight) helps me feel better about myself. ”
You, too, can make a significant difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Your support and advocacy can be a beacon of hope for young teenage boys like Ryan. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
