Every Friday…

I think that to make the best of our lives we have to appreciate that we are privileged in living through our unique set of experiences. Coming to UVA, I knew it would be a privilege to get involved with Piedmont CASA. I did not know much else, since this was just the start of my adventure in child welfare, but I wanted to give it my best shot connecting with CASA, so I just psyched myself up to say “hello, my name is…” and picked up the phone.

Let’s just say, I did not expect to be interning with Piedmont CASA a few months later!

Every Friday during spring semester, I left the world of UVA and entered the home turf of PCASA. It was an adventure seeing Charlottesville beyond the UVA grounds I walk every day. Watching shops open their doors in the morning, meeting local families and children, I got to know the community CASA serves.

Every Friday, I met Piedmont CASA Advocates, folks giving back to their community by serving children and youth in foster care. Volunteers who are always glad to meet their appointed child, bringing gifts, treats, and a warm smile.

Every Friday, I saw these community members mine their life experiences by helping children in foster care find health, strength, and safety — so they could grow into their own rewarding life experiences.

Helping those who cannot help themselves, making the most of a child’s beginning, and positively impacting lives is what Piedmont CASA embodies to me.

Every Friday, I got to cross the UVA borders into Charlottesville and meet people who make life worth living for the community. Thank you, Piedmont CASA!