CASA Brian was assigned to Kevin* earlier this year. Kevin is an 11-year-old boy who has been learning how to navigate life after being abandoned by his biological parents. Due to this, Kevin is understandably shy and defensive with new people and new experiences. However, CASA Brian has learned how sweet and special of a child Kevin is, and together they have enjoyed trying new things.
When CASA Brian first met Kevin, he did not want to talk and had little interest in going outside. Kevin didn’t have many hobbies at the time because, for so long, his main priority was simply to survive. CASA Brian slowly introduced the idea of different outings they could go on or new foods they could try. Kevin was hesitant but slowly gained more confidence to try some new things. As CASA Brian and Kevin share the same cultural background, CASA Brian introduced Kevin to traditional foods that Kevin had never tried. Kevin enjoyed the new foods and now asks to return for his favorites, such as Phở.
Kevin shared with CASA Brian that he had never done much outdoors and did not think he would like being outside since he was used to always being indoors. Nonetheless, CASA Brian continued to share different opportunities for outings. One day in the summer, Kevin surprised CASA Brian by telling him he would like to go to the San Diego Zoo. CASA Brian worked with Voices for Children to obtain tickets, as this was the first time Kevin had wanted to do an outdoor activity since Brian was assigned to his case. They had a great day together, and Kevin showed a fantastic amount of growth, being open to such a new experience and showing curiosity and interest in new things.
Since then, CASA Brian and Kevin have attended other outdoor events, such as the Voices for Children summer sendoff party, and Kevin continues to blossom in his interactions with others. He shows genuine excitement about activities out of his comfort zone and keeps an open mind when making friendships with his peers. Kevin has demonstrated significant improvement in school, having the confidence to ask more questions in class and excelling academically.
Name: Brian K.
County: San Diego
Occupation: Account Manager
Became a CASA in: 2023
Favorite thing about being a CASA: “In my opinion, the most valuable resource we have is time. There is no feeling quite like spending that valuable time to build a relationship that could last the rest of your life.”
You, too, can make a difference in the lives of youth in foster care. Learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer.* Names and details have been changed to protect confidentiality
Riverside County – CASA of the Month – November 2023