CASA Brenda has been a dedicated advocate for a pair of brothers for several years, standing beside them through a case marked by instability, loss, and significant transitions.
Early in the case, the brothers were able to maintain some consistency in visits with their mother following their removal. Over time, their mother experienced growing challenges that made it difficult to continue visitation. This profound disruption had a visible impact on the boys. As their struggles intensified, the brothers were placed in separate resource family homes. When CASA Brenda joined the case, she quickly recognized that the boys’ behavior was not solely tied to the loss of their mother, but also to the sudden loss of one another. Their bond had been fractured, taking with it a critical source of comfort and stability.
CASA Brenda made it a priority to restore that connection. She committed to visiting both boys regularly, despite the distance between their placements, and went above and beyond to reunite them consistently. Whether coordinating shared outings or personally driving to pick each child up for time together at a park, CASA Brenda ensured the brothers could maintain their relationship.
Over time, she witnessed a remarkable transformation as she championed the boys’ most important connection — their bond with each other. Because of her advocacy, the brothers are happy and healthy. Both now express a strong desire to be adopted and one day hope to be placed together permanently.
Throughout every change and transition, CASA Brenda has nurtured and protected the brothers’ time together, recognizing the vital role sibling relationships play in a child’s sense of identity, belonging, and healing. Her insight, persistence, and proactive advocacy reflect the heart of a CASA’s advocacy: ensuring that children not only have a voice but also the meaningful connections they need to grow and thrive.
Additionally, CASA Brenda is a member of the Voices for Children’s Outreach Team. In addition to representing the organization and sharing her volunteer experience at community events, she also helps with administrative tasks. Every week, she calls people who attended one of our information sessions the week before answer any questions and address any concerns they may have about becoming a CASA. These calls, which can total more than 25 a month, help us recruit more CASAs and serve more children in our community.
We are proud to recognize CASA Brenda for her unwavering commitment and dedication. Her compassionate advocacy reminds us of the profound impact of supporting siblings in foster care.
Name: CASA Brenda O.
County: Riverside
Occupation: Self-employed bookkeeper
Became a CASA in: 2022
Favorite Thing About Being a CASA: “My favorite thing about being a CASA is being allowed to experience and to observe the “weight of the world” coming off their little shoulders as I am often able to help them navigate difficult situations or explain things to them, or answer questions about issues their little minds are obsessing over. Also, being a part of their lives when they grow and achieve goals and milestones such as improved behavior at home or school, grades in school going up, or making friends.”
You, too, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children in foster care. With your steady support and advocacy, a young person facing uncertainty can feel seen, heard, and supported. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer and start making a positive impact today.
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect confidentiality
