CASA Daniel’s unwavering commitment provides guidance, advocacy, and support to Non-Minor Dependent Corey.
A Life of Service and Protection
As a retired fire captain-paramedic, Daniel is no stranger to a life of service and protection. He began his career as a volunteer and worked his way up to fire captain, subsequently spending 27 years serving his community, all while continuing to volunteer with programs that support youth, and teaching life-skills classes at the local middle school.
His work as a firefighter served as a catalyst for his interest in working with youth and led him to look for more opportunities to expand his volunteer roles even after retirement.
He was first introduced to the foster care system and the opportunity to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA ) by his sister, a CASA in Chico, California. Hearing about her experience and the impact she’s made pushed him to learn more about the program and join himself.
“I realized that I had a gap in my life, and I really wanted to get back into community service more. I’ve got this great thing, and I just want to share the bounty that I have.”
As Daniel saw that over the years, many of the volunteer projects he had been a part of were in need of reliable male volunteers who could step up for the children in the community. As a CASA, he is able to create fun experiences, while being the reliable adult that his foster youth can lean on.
“One of the big things about CASA that really was meaningful to me is that I have a role besides just connecting with the child I have,” shared Daniel. “I have a responsibility for helping them in court, and having that larger role for the kids feels very special to me.”
Creating a Village of Support
Almost two years ago, Daniel became a CASA to a teenage boy named Corey. While they are not always in communication, Daniel has made it a point to be there for Corey whenever he needs.
With the help of CASA Supervisor, Daniel stays up to date on any issues Corey may be facing, so that he can step in and help Corey at any moment. Whether it’s showing up for him in court or helping him secure supplies and necessities, Daniel is showing up for his foster youth in simple yet impactful ways.
“I’m really grateful for my CASA Supervisor, she’s always keeping me up to date about what’s going on, which has been really nice. Even when there has been distance between us, just getting some updates about Corey makes me feel connected,”said CASA Daniel.
One of their most memorable moments together was getting to attend a “Feast with the Niners”, where they had a VIP experience meeting, dining, and shopping with the San Francisco 49ers—Corey’s favorite team.
“They paired us up with two 49ers, who stuck with us the whole time. He just loved it,” said Daniel. “They spent all this extra time with him—they really focused on him and shopped the whole 30 minutes together. He really enjoyed interacting with these young men, and it made a big difference. I was so touched by the generosity of the 49ers. It was a highlight for me.”
Giving Up is Not an Option
Most recently, Corey has looked to Daniel for help preparing for future job interviews. This process has Daniel thinking about Corey’s future, and finding ways to better equip him with resources and skills he can use once he ages out of the system.
As a Non-Minor Dependent (NMD), Corey will soon be leaving the system and embarking on life on his own. One way Child Advocates is helping set up NMDs like Corey for success is through the new Essential Life Skills Program, which teaches valuable skills like budgeting, shopping, searching and applying for housing and more.
Daniel is committed to staying connected with Corey for as long he wants, to SHOWING UP for him whenever he needs support, and being a part of his village as he transitions to adulthood.
“I’m sticking with him,” says Daniel. “I feel like this could be a phase where it might be even more valuable to him, you know, when he’s not as connected in the system as he was.”
Help us Embrace our Foster Youth in Silicon Valley
Your donations help us recruit, train and support over 300 CASA Volunteers like Daniel, who support more than 350 local youth every year. It is our job to embrace foster youth and give them the support they need to feel loved and cared for. Help us today by making a difference in their lives.
*Aliases were used to protect the privacy of both the foster youth and CASA.