Fictitious names used: Edward (Advocate) and Steve (Youth)
Matched with his CASA Advocate, Edward, in March 2024, Steve was a 16-year-old youth navigating probation and school challenges. Now 17, Steve's journey is one of resilience, growth, and the power of advocacy.
Steve, a bright and energetic teenager, lived in a stable home with a loving family and attended church regularly with his mom, to whom he was very close. Yet Steve had been on probation since January for a series of minor offenses and was in need of the right kind of support to highlight his strengths and keep him moving in a positive direction.
When Edward entered the picture as Steve's CASA, a great rapport quickly developed between the two. Meeting every Friday at 3 p.m., Edward and Steve worked together to identify prosocial activities and set goals. Steve, computer-savvy and naturally social, enjoyed these sessions and would often look up opportunities for himself—whether it was summer soccer, a fire academy program, or wrestling during the school year. Edward played a key role in encouraging Steve to explore these new activities and helping him access resources like uniforms through the CASA Children's Fund.
Despite his charm and strong sense of responsibility for his younger siblings, Steve faced behavioral challenges, particularly at school. He struggled with authority, testing boundaries with teachers and others. Edward, however, never experienced this side of Steve. Edward provided a steady, supportive presence, attending school meetings and helping Steve and his family navigate disciplinary issues and the terms of his probation.
Edward's guidance wasn’t about fixing Steve but about fostering self-awareness and growth. He offered Steve suggestions on how to interact respectfully with others, how to build trust, and how to take responsibility for his actions. As Edward advocated for Steve to remain in his current school despite concerns about disciplinary incidents, Steve began to mature. By the start of the fall term, his behavior improved—he took his obligations more seriously, listened to advice, and began to take ownership of his future.
Completing the terms of his probation in November 2024 was a milestone for Steve. His accomplishments were celebrated at the CASA house, surrounded by family, community partners, and his Advocate, Edward.
Steve’s story is a testament to the difference a CASA can make. With Edward’s guidance and advocacy, Steve found pathways to channel his energy positively, learned to value respectful relationships, and discovered new opportunities for growth. Most importantly, Steve knew he had someone on his team who believed in him and celebrated his strengths—a powerful foundation for any young person’s future.
