On Saturday, September 12, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley welcomed 29 CASA Volunteers to the 2026 THRIVE Summit — a morning dedicated to connection, reflection, creativity, and practical learning focused on supporting teens and Non-Minor Dependents.
Throughout the Thrive Summit, CASAs explored how their presence and approach can influence a young person’s growth. Through guided reflection exercises, volunteers considered when to walk beside a young person, when to step in with support, and when to step back so the young person can build confidence and independence.
The day also introduced practical ways to incorporate Positive Childhood Experiences and the seven core health habits into everyday CASA visits.
Volunteers discussed how supportive relationships, healthy routines, opportunities for belonging, and consistent encouragement can help teens and young adults develop greater stability and well-being.
One of the highlights was the ROCA “Stick With It” activity, which transformed theory into a hands-on learning experience using building bricks. Each group selected a realistic goal a teen or NMD might have—such as graduating from high school, finding a job, obtaining a driver’s license, improving their mental health, or securing stable housing. One brick represented the goal. Additional bricks represented the barriers that might stand in the young person’s way, including transportation, anxiety, housing instability, previous setbacks, competing responsibilities, or simply not knowing where to begin. Rather than trying to solve everything at once, CASAs were encouraged to identify one small, youth-directed next step. Brick by brick, participants created a path toward the goal and demonstrated an important lesson: progress does not have to be perfect or linear to count.
“Stick With It” does not mean pressuring a young person to pursue a goal chosen by an adult. It means remaining present while they determine what matters to them, helping them identify a manageable next step, and continuing to believe in their ability to move forward—even after a setback.
CASAs also had an opportunity to tap into their creativity during an interactive art experience with Local Color. The activity offered another example of how art and creative expression can support connection, reduce stress, and provide young people with meaningful opportunities to explore their identities and strengths.
Each CASA Volunteer received four hours of continuing education, along with resources they can continue using in their advocacy. More importantly, they left with practical questions to bring into their relationships with young people:
- What matters to you right now?
- What feels possible this week?
- Would you like help, or would you like me to stay beside you while you try?
- How can we recognize the progress you have already made?
The Thrive Summit was a reminder that CASAs do not need to have every answer or build the entire path for a young person. Their role is to keep showing up, remain curious, notice each brick the young person places, and remind them that their progress still counts.
We are grateful to the 29 CASA Volunteers who brought their energy, openness, and commitment to the Thrive Summit. Their willingness to reflect, learn, create, and grow strengthens the support they provide to teens and Non-Minor Dependents throughout our community. Progress happens brick by brick—and our CASAs are there for every step.
