In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Child Advocates is spotlighting CASA Asucena Carreras for her commitment to SHOWING UP for Hispanic foster youth.
CASA Volunteer: Asucena, she/her
Years of Service with Child Advocates of Silicon Valley: 1
Number of Children Served: 1
A Shared Connection
With a passion for volunteerism and interest in one day becoming a foster parent, Asucena was happy to begin Child Advocates Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) training with her partner to get more involved in the system.
In June of this year, Asucena received her first placement, a smart teenage girl named Itzel, whom she’s been enjoying getting to know, while learning how to be the mentor she needs. In these first few months as a CASA, she has found that giving herself grace and leaning on others, like her partner or advisor, helps to smooth the transition.
“Being a CASA, at first, it’s a sprint. Trying to get through the trainings in person, the trainings online, all the documents that you have to submit, everything,” says Asucena. “But then once that’s all done, once you graduate, once you get your child, it becomes more of a jog, and you’re just kind of strolling and going with the flow, but in a much more relaxed way and on a much more personalized way with your child. Being a child advocate looks like hanging out with this wonderful child that you know needs a constant person in their life.”
Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Asucena heavily values her Hispanic upbringing. Coming from a rich culture and being able to share the same heritage as Itzel has opened up space for a deeper connection, giving Asucena better insights into Itzel’s life and how to best mentor and give her advice.
“It allows for us to understand each other in a way that we otherwise wouldn’t, if we weren’t both Hispanic,” she shares. “It allows for her to potentially feel more comfortable and just be a little more open with me, because she knows that maybe I’ve experienced the same thing growing up that she had, because we both grew up in a Latino household.”
Creating a Trusted Bond
Although their time together is limited due to distance, Asucena has learned how to make the most of her time with Itzel. By prioritizing keeping an open line of communication through text and phone calls when she can’t be with her in person, Asucena hopes to create a safe space where Itzel can check in and ask for help whenever she needs.
As their bond grows, Asucena has been excited to not only be a support for Itzel through challenging issues but also participate in fun activities together. One of her favorite memories thus far was being able to take Itzel to a petting zoo for her birthday.
“I asked her, ‘What do you want to do for your birthday?’ The one thing you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t, and she said, ‘Go to a petting zoo.’ So it’s SHOWING UP in the serious ways of, ‘I’m here for you, you can talk to me about everything,’ but also in the fun ways, and doing fun activities, and just being that person that’s there.”
Take the Risk, Do the Hard Thing
Becoming a CASA can be a big change, but Child Advocates is there every step of the way, making sure each CASA is equipped with the necessary knowledge and support they need to be a successful advocate for foster youth. And as Asucena knows, making a difference in the life of a foster child is the biggest reward.
“Take the risk, do the hard thing,” she says, “because the reward is huge! You’re making a difference for one of the most vulnerable types of people out there, which are children. If there’s any sort of ounce of interest, just start with the info session. There’s no commitment, there’s no pressure.”
*An alias was used to protect the privacy of the child.
FUN FACTS:
TV Show Recommendation(s): How I Met Your Mother
Favorite Movie: Cars
Currently Reading: Whatever her Book Club is reading.
Favorite Music Artist: Sin Bandera
Favorite Type of Food: Tacos
Favorite Place: Home or the beach
Favorite Hobbies: Reading, gardening, hiking, home projects and spending time with her pets.
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.
- Register for the Passion Fashion and Everything Bold event taking place this October 19th at Signia by Hilton in San Jose, CA.
- 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.
- Follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.