I had a basic understanding of CASA through the local news of CASA events and from conversations I had with a friend who had been a CASA. I became involved with CASA after donating a car to them in 2024. The thank you letter was warm and welcomed me to become more involved in CASA. Through the CASA newsletter, I learned about an upcoming training to become a CASA. I enrolled and completed my CASA volunteer training and was proudly sworn in as a CASA this year.
My professional background is in early childhood education and parenting education. When I thought about working with a CASA kid, I was thinking, oh sure, working with a young child would be a good match for me. However, in the extensive training I received, I learned that CASA also works with youth who are in the Juvenile Justice Program. I also felt drawn to serve this group.
My son has been in the “system” for many years, and it is not an easy system to navigate. After graduation, CASA suggested a match for me, a youth who was in the Juvenile Justice program. I read up on the case and agreed to the match. And what a good match it has been!
I met with Felipe Hernandez, my CASA Supervisor, my CASA youth and his sister outside of a coffee shop, and we were off and running. We attended court dates, meetings with his teacher and meetings with his probation officer, Felicia Santiago. Together we navigated his probation requirements, including setting up with the Volunteer’s Bureau his 50 hours community service, which was successfully served at Barrios Unidos.
We attended a Teen Jobs Fair where we met with prospective employers. We visited the Rising Scholars table at the fair and learned about their education programs at Cabrillo College. We went to the Santa Cruz Health Services Agency where he signed up for Medi-Cal coverage and food assistance. We studied the California Driver’s Handbook. He took the driver’s permit test and passed with a good score.
During our drives to and from school, community service and dog walks on West Cliff Drive we had conversations about life — how precious and fragile it is — about growing up and the responsibilities of adulthood.
With the positivity of Judge Vinluan of the Juvenile Justice Court and Probation, and the support from Felipe that was given to the CASA youth and to me, we had a team working together to make the dream work. The youth completed the conditions of his probation 3 months early, his probation was closed, and his criminal record sealed. The work he and CASA did is serving him well.
It is a wonderful thing to IMAGINE a different future for children and youth. Thank you, CASA, for the lessons and growth that I have received through my work with you and youth. I look forward to working together with the current CASA youth I’m matched with and to furthering my education by attending more CASA workshops.
