This month, we’re proud to spotlight Nicholas Aguilar for his dedication to SHOWING UP for our foster youth by supporting them as they achieve their dreams and providing them with new and fun experiences.
CASA Volunteer: Nicholas Aguilar (pronounced NIK-uh-luhs AH-gee-lar), he/him/his
Years of Service with Child Advocates of Silicon Valley: 5 years
Number of Children Served: 6
TAKING THE FIRST STEP

Driven by a desire to serve his community, Nicholas began volunteering five years ago. Since then, Nick has mentored and advocated for more than six youths of varying ages.
“I love service; being able to give back is the primary reason I’m here. Before learning about Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, I started thinking of ways to give back. Coincidentally, I found out about the CASA Program at a jazz fest, where a social services booth had an informational pamphlet. From there, I decided to look into the program.”
Thanks to his dedication, Nick has made a significant impact on the lives of our foster youth. One of the longest cases Nick has worked is with Alexander, a teen learning the basics of adulthood.
IMPORTANCE OF HAVING FUN
As a CASA Volunteer, Nick advocates for Alexander’s needs and exposes him to different experiences. He emphasizes the need to have fun and supports him in experiencing activities that are usual for youth his age. These experiences include taking him to concerts, local events and our CASA events.
“I often try to take him to fun places like concerts and our CASA events. I do talk to him about goals and continue to advocate and mentor him, but when this becomes the only focus, conversations can start to feel punitive, which is why it’s so important to also show support by having fun. It’s important that he feels like a teenager.”
Our CASA Program events are possible thanks to our community partners, donations and staff. These events focus on providing our youth with positive childhood experiences, which support them in combating the effects of trauma and creating resilience and agency within our youth.
“Alexander is excited to participate in CASA events, during these events he is able to take part in new experiences and speak with peers who have gone through situations similar to his own. It’s a good chance for him to connect with others and go out.”
Nick advises CASAs to encourage our youth to experience new things, as this can help them keep their minds open and explore their interests.
“Explore what the youth wants, but also encourage them to try new things. Many of our youth are hesitant to try new things so it’s important to model this behavior for them.”
CONTINUING SERVICE
For many of our CASAs, volunteering has also had a positive impact on their lives. For Nick, this experience has provided a sense of community by giving back and connecting with other CASAs. It has also supported him in finding his own life purpose in serving others.
“Being a CASA has impacted my life in such a positive way – I always think to myself ‘I should’ve done it sooner.’ I have loved this experience so much that I am now pursuing continuing to be of service through social work.”
*An alias was used to preserve the privacy of the child.
FUN FACTS

TV Show Recommendation(s): Dexter and Dexter: New Blood
Favorite Comfort Movie: 50 First Dates
Book Recommendation(s): The Four Agreements
Favorite Music Artist: Stevie B.
Favorite Type of Food: Thai food
Favorite Place: San Diego, CA
Favorite Hobbies: Traveling
Support Foster Youth Today
Here are just a few of the ways you can SHOW UP for foster youth this month:
- Take the first step to advocating for foster youth. Attend an informational session to learn more about becoming a CASA Volunteer.
- Support our CASA Program and invest in our foster youth with a financial contribution. You can also check with your company to see if they match employee donations.
- Become a Corporate Champion by sponsoring an activity or one of our fundraising events. Email us at development@childadvocatessv.org to learn how your company can be a part of the solution for foster kids.