Michele McKee always knew she wanted to work with children. She once planned to use her teaching credential in the classroom, but life took her in another direction. Still, the desire to support young people never left her. After retiring from a long career in accounting and working part-time at Recovery Café San Jose, she knew it was time to follow through on something that had been in her heart for years. “If I’m not going to do it now,” she had said to herself, “it’s never going to happen.” So she signed up to become a CASA Advocate and has never looked back.

When Jordan was told he couldn’t attend prom because of his past, his CASA stepped in. But here’s the thing—CASA could only open that door because Jordan did the work to turn his life around. From facing multiple charges to closing his case, sealing his record, and graduating high school, this teen proved what’s possible with support and self-determination.

When 6-year-old Mark* returned home to his mother Cindy* after 18 months in foster care, he was full of energy, curiosity, and happiness to be back where he belonged. CASA Advocate Judy’s first meeting with Mark and Cindy was at the family’s home. Cindy, who had asked for a CASA, was warm and welcoming. The three of them headed out for hot chocolate that day—and right away, they started building trust and connection.