CASA FOR RIVERSIDE COUNTY INC

Having been involved for only a few years, I have had limited experience with this organization. However, I have spent considerable time working with children over the past 46 years. CASA involvement is the latest for me and one I feel most passionate about. The well-being and protection of children in Foster Care is such an important task for me. I worry so much about these children who did not ask to be removed from their homes, but for many reasons they are forced to live with strangers who may or may not treat them with the love and compassion these children need so much. I only wish more people knew what CASA does for these children, If they did they too would be compassionate about this worthwhile cause.

CASA is a great organization! Growing up is hard enough, and unimaginable without family to help you along the way. I see how CASA has impacted many lives for the better including my own. Being paired with my new little sister has been really fun for me. I think I am benefiting from this experience just as much as my little sister. It is a win/win situation.

CASA has completed my lifetime goals and given me the oppoetunity to work with Foster children specifically. I am a retired high school counselor and when I was finishing up my degree at Cal State Fullerton , I was assigned an internship at a local home/school for emotionally disturbed Foster Children. It was a 6 month program and at that time I vowed to return to that child specifically and in a small and personal way, become involved. I am retired now and my goal is being met as I am currently helping a 18 year old mother for the past 4 years. I feel that I have helped her by being the only person in her life that has been a constant unpaid friends, I was fortunate enough to hold her hand during the delivery of her daughter and other events during that time of her life that a mom should have been present. Social Workers in California are overworked and need help. I also use my knowledge as a School Counselor to act as my CASA's Educational Surrogate, helping her make critcal decisions about her future.