Former foster youth here in CASA's target demographic age and circumstances. I can't speak to any of the work they do because it's all access restricted by a woman named Betsy, the mentor coordinator.
Vicki is the director and ignored emails from case managers and myself for a few months before finally passing me to Betsy to access services. Betsy started off the process by saying she would call me the next day and then not following up until I checked in two days later by saying I never received a call. This is a habit of hers. Betsy has put me in a mental health crisis situation on multiple occasions due to a general refusal to do anything that she says she will.
I've been trying to get help since July. I've given them all information they have asked for. Other case managers have reached out on my behalf several times to try to get something, anything, started with CASA. Betsy has a habit of making promises and not following through or following up with people despite active promises to do so. I've been homeless, hungry, and out of work several times in the past year and they still won't help me - but strung me along for months with the promises of help. CASA has passively watched my mental health decline with me ACTIVELY asking for help, with not a care in the world.
I am sick and tired of this being the general experience of foster youth seeking help and I am extremely frustrated at what CASA has put me through. No organization designed to help (former) foster youth should actively make situations worse through lies, false promises, and abysmal communication skills.
Stakeholders, please give your money and time elsewhere that actually does the work foster and homeless youth need - this place only makes situations worse.
CASA of Jefferson & Gilpin Counties does amazing work helping kids in the foster care system. Caring volunteers from the community are matched with a child or set of siblings who have been removed from their home due to abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers are responsible for building a relationship with their CASA child, being a steady and consistent adult in the child's life, advocating for the child in court, and providing essential information so the judge can decide on the best living situation for the child. I've been volunteering for the organization for 5 years and love making a difference in the lives of kids in need.