In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we’re shining the spotlight on our Court Appointed Special Advocate, Cindy Aviles, for her commitment to LIFTING UP foster youth with developmental disabilities.
CASA Volunteer: Cindy Aviles (SIN-dee ah-VEE-les) She/her/hers
Years of Service with Child Advocates of Silicon Valley: 1
Number of Children Served: 2
A NEW JOURNEY
With more than 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry, three grown kids and one grandchild, Cindy understands the importance of both committing to a mission and offering a nurturing environment. As her kids moved out to pursue college, Cindy began revisiting options where she could offer her energy back to the community.
”I looked into Child Advocates about 15 years ago, but at that time, my kids were young. I attended an orientation, but after realizing the commitment, I realized it would’ve been hard to juggle. As my kids started going to college, I decided to look back into becoming a CASA Volunteer.”
After 15 years of knowing about Child Advocates, Cindy has proven that it is never too late to begin your advocacy journey. Since last year, she has begun advocating for Carlos and Raquel, two siblings between the ages of 10 and 12.
STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN
Like many of our new CASA Volunteers, Cindy was nervous about beginning to advocate for Carlos and Raquel. This feeling increased as she found out that Carlos was diagnosed with autism.
“When I found out I’d be assigned to two kids, I’ll admit, I was nervous,” she says. “I didn’t have a background working with youth who have developmental disabilities either, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.”
She leaned into the resources available through Child Advocates and her CASA Supervisor, who guided her through the early steps of her advocacy journey. “A lot of the training has been so helpful, especially in understanding child development. My supervisor sends me resources where I can learn more about things like meltdowns and how to respond to them. That’s been incredibly helpful.”
“I discovered his disability through court documents,” Cindy explains. “Now he has an IEP at school, which is a big step in the right direction.”
ADVOCATING FOR EDUCATION
As she got to know the kids more and learned how to support Carlos, Cindy realized that Raquel also needed support in school.
“Because the school had an IEP in progress for Carlos, there was a lot of focus on him. I realized that Raquel may also need to be tested for additional school help,” Cindy says. “I emailed the teacher and met with him after school. I asked to visit the classroom to see where Raquel sits and to better understand her environment. Her caregiver was having a tough time navigating the IEP process alone. I knew I needed to step in. ”
After meeting with Raquel’s teacher and advocating for additional help, both siblings now have the support they need in school.
This level of advocacy comes with its emotional weight. “Her teacher did inform me that I was the first person to meet with him and ask about Raquel. That experience broke my heart. You don’t realize what they go through – all the placement changes, being behind in school through no fault of their own….it’s a lot. Raquel is concerned with her education. I reminded her that it takes time, and she’s doing better now. She talks a lot about her friends.”
THE POWER OF SHOWING UP
Cindy’s presence has made a difference in more ways than she imagined. She was there when their mother passed, helping them navigate unimaginable grief. She’s also watched them grow more confident, like during visits to the CASA Store. “At first, they were shy about taking things. But with a little encouragement, they got more comfortable. The next time we went, they left with four full bags!”
Reflecting on her journey so far, Cindy shares how much this experience has changed her. “Volunteering has really opened my eyes. As a parent, you try to give your kids everything. But when you see kids going through so much and still able to laugh, you realize—you’re helping give them something they really need. Learning about childhood development and the dependency court system is a whole world I didn’t know existed. Now, I’m so much more aware of the needs in our community.”
A moment in particular stands out for her: “One was after I met with Raquel’s teacher. I walked out emotional, thinking—what if I hadn’t spoken up?”
Her advice to others considering becoming a CASA: “Go for it. Even though it tugs at your heart, the difference you make is real. Go all in and be ready to do so. You’ll fall in love with what you’re doing.”
*An alias was used to preserve the privacy of the child.
FUN FACTS
TV Show Recommendation(s):The Jeffersons
Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting
Book Recommendation(s): Habits of Health
Favorite Music: R&B
Favorite Type of Food: Soups
Favorite Place: Point Lobos, CA
Favorite Hobbies: Solo Camping
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.
- Sign up for the 9th Annual Foster5k and Kids Dash, a 5k race in benefit of Santa Clara County’s foster youth.
- 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.