Foster, the CASA Cat
Foster, our office’s resident stray, has been part of the CASA family for a decade. She’s fed daily, watched over lovingly by our team, and has become something of a fixture around here. Yet, despite all the affection and care, Foster remains cautious, skittish even. She might accept a treat or let you sit nearby, but always on her terms, always at a distance.
One day after work, as I was trying unsuccessfully to coax Foster closer, it hit me: this is what so many of the children we serve in foster care go through. Despite the compassion and consistency offered by CASAs and foster families, some kids remain understandably hesitant to trust or connect. They’ve lived through trauma, abuse, neglect, and uncertainty, and those experiences don’t just vanish when an adult shows up for them.
That realization inspired me to write Foster: The CASA Cat, a children’s book that uses our cautious, beloved office cat as an allegory for the emotional journey of children in foster care. The book tells a heartwarming, kid-friendly story that helps children understand why some of their peers might seem quiet, withdrawn, or slow to warm up and how patience, empathy, and kindness can make all the difference.
As a cat lover (and proud kitty mama of two), I’ve always known the unique comfort animals can provide. In Foster, I saw more than a furry friend. I saw a symbol. A way to talk about big, often hard-to-discuss topics with young readers. A chance to help our CASA Advocate explain the role they play. And a tool to help children build empathy and emotional awareness, especially toward those who might feel left out or “different.”
Since joining Piedmont CASA, one of my goals has been to deepen our outreach to schools in our service area. As someone who spent 17 years of my career in a school, as a teacher and as a librarian, this project seemed like a culmination of everything I’ve learned in the classroom, the library, and here at PCASA. I want every child to understand that they have the power to be a welcoming friend. They can invite the shy kid to lunch, include someone new at recess, or just sit quietly beside someone who needs a little extra time. Foster: The CASA Cat is a step toward that goal: a storybook that educates, comforts, and empowers.
The entire PCASA team has rallied around Foster and the message she represents. What began as a quirky idea quickly turned into a shared passion. My colleagues enthusiastically offered feedback, helped with editing, and even read early drafts with their own children, who became my very first reviewers. Like so much of what we do at Piedmont CASA, this book was truly a team effort because our mission is too important, and too big, to carry alone. Former colleagues, school principals, friends, and even the Rotary Club of Charlottesville stepped up to provide the financial support needed to bring Foster: The CASA Cat to life.
The real Foster may never curl up in a lap or let us pet her, but her presence speaks volumes. She’s become our quiet mascot. She’s a reminder that healing isn’t linear, and trust takes time. I hope her story does the same for others.
The JMRL Central Library will be hosting a book launch and reading on Friday, August 8th at 10am. All kids who attend will get a free cat sticker! Books will be on sale, and Foster may even “autograph” some with her pawprint.
