Every young person deserves someone in their corner, especially when facing life without a strong support system. That’s what Amir found in his CASA Volunteer, Dinyar.
Amir entered foster care just two months before turning 18. With no one other than his aunt in his life and having difficulties completing his high school degree, Amir was looking for support. When his social worker asked if he would be interested in connecting with a CASA, he thought, “That could help.” And it did.
Dinyar, a tech professional and talented painter, was inspired to become a CASA after hearing about the program from his wife, who is also a CASA Volunteer. From the beginning, he recognized Amir’s potential and was committed to helping him succeed in any area needed, especially in school.
When Amir struggled to stay motivated with online coursework, Dinyar stepped in. He drove Amir to class daily and sat with him on silent Zoom calls to encourage his focus. With Dinyar’s consistent support, Amir graduated with his high school diploma in December 2023 and is now enrolled in San José City College, with an interest in pursuing a degree in economics.
Yet Dinyar and Amir’s bond goes beyond academics. The two have built a friendship rooted in trust, laughter, and growth. They’ve explored museums, including a trip to the Tech Interactive, Amir’s first museum visit since childhood, which sparked his interest in science. Dinyar has helped Amir receive essentials from the CASA Store, like a scooter that he could use for transportation, a gift made possible through community donations..
“Having a CASA is a growing experience. You get to meet someone you might not be so sure about at first because you don’t know them, but over time, you grow on them and they grow on you,” Amir shares. “Dinyar is kind and a very nice person who believes in paying it forward. This has influenced my perspective. I used to be more guarded and less helpful, and now I’m a lot more giving—even to people I don’t know.”
Because of caring adults like Dinyar, Amir now feels more confident, motivated, and hopeful about his future.
To SHOW UP for youth like Amir, we need you!
With your support, our youth thrive through the toughest of circumstances—with a dedicated adult who believes and invests in their success, and the support of our community at their back.
We are grateful every day that we get to SHOW UP for our CASAs, just as they SHOW UP for our youth.
To SHOW UP the way we do, we need you.
*This story is a closed Dependency Court case. The photos and case are shared with permission from Dinyar and Amir.