For a young person in foster care, having someone who consistently shows up can make an important difference. Through milestones, challenges, and periods of change, a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer can provide encouragement, advocacy, and a dependable connection.
For more than four years, CASA Nancy has been that person for one young woman living in Riverside County foster care.
Since becoming her CASA, Nancy has remained a steady presence through changes and challenges, as well as some of the young woman’s biggest accomplishments. She has been there to cheer her on at dance recitals, graduations, ceremonies, and more, making sure important moments were recognized and celebrated.
One tradition began when the young woman shared a simple wish: she dreamed of having someone bring her red roses to a dance recital. At her next performance, CASA Nancy arrived with a bouquet. She has continued bringing roses to her recitals ever since.
CASA Nancy has also played an important role in supporting the young woman’s educational and career goals. After graduating from high school, the young woman pursued her interest in beauty and enrolled in cosmetology school. CASA Nancy advocated for resources to help cover expenses associated with the program, including tuition and equipment, helping ensure that financial barriers did not stand in the way of her goals and dreams. In April 2026, CASA Nancy was there to celebrate another major accomplishment when the young woman graduated from a cosmetology program and received her certificate. It was another moment CASA Nancy was able to witness after years of encouraging her growth and independence.
Nancy says her favorite part of being a CASA has been watching that transformation.
“Watching her build self-confidence, direction, and self-love has been incredible. I’ve watched her bloom into an accomplished, secure, and independent young woman. Being part of her life journey is my favorite thing about being a CASA!”
CASA Nancy’s commitment also extends beyond her individual CASA assignment. She is an active member of Voices for Children’s CASA outreach team, regularly volunteering at events and helping others learn about the opportunity to advocate for young people in foster care.
Nancy’s story demonstrates what years of consistent advocacy can look like: showing up for the challenges, supporting a young person’s goals, and being there in the front row when it’s time to celebrate how far they’ve come.
Name: Nancy O.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Retired administrator
Became a CASA in: 2022
Favorite part of being a CASA: “Building a relationship with a teen that has been through hardship, pain, rejection, and loss. Watching her build self-confidence, direction, and self-love has been incredible. I’ve watched her bloom into an accomplished, secure, and independent young woman.”
You can be the steady, caring presence a young person living in foster care needs. CASA volunteers help youth feel grounded through life’s most difficult transitions, offering guidance, encouragement, and someone they can count on. If you’re ready to stand beside a child and help them move toward a brighter future, learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer today.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
