How one little boy can tell the story of 30 years

As we wrap up Piedmont CASA’s 30th anniversary year, I’ve found myself reflecting not just on milestones or numbers, but on the children and volunteers at the heart of our work. And there’s one story I keep coming back to because it captures so clearly why CASA advocacy matters.

The story of a little boy who entered foster care at age seven

His life had already taken a difficult path. His mother passed away when he was just a year old, and his father, though present, struggled to care for him. By the time this little boy (let’s call him “J”) came into care, he was living in conditions that were unsafe and unstable. At school, J showed up hungry and dirty. Important educational and health needs had gone unnoticed and unmet.

When J entered foster care, things didn’t suddenly get easier. Over four years, he lived in at least four different placements and worked with five different social workers. There was even an attempt to return him home, but ultimately, it wasn’t safe. Imagine being a child trying to make sense of all that change.

But through every move, every new home, every new professional on his case, one adult never left his side: his CASA, Betsy.

Betsy visited J every month – no matter where he was. She became the one stable, consistent person in his world. While professionals changed, Betsy remained his historian, advocate, and reliable support. She noticed the things others didn’t. She recognized his unmet educational and health needs and spoke up, again and again, until he got the services he needed.

And she stayed. For the entire four years.

Last fall, when J was 11, his adoption was finalized. Today, he is performing on grade level academically, receiving physical therapy for a joint disorder, and has finally received the dental care he desperately needed. His story could have ended very differently but Betsy helped change that.

This is CASA work. This is what our Advocates do every single day.

A year of impact and a reminder of the work ahead

As we celebrate our 30th year, Piedmont CASA Advocates have already served more children than in all of last year. It’s an extraordinary accomplishment, and it’s because of the compassion, persistence, and heart our Advocates bring to every child they support.

But this year has also brought a sobering reality. Right now, 51 children in our community are waiting for a CASA. Fifty-one children who need someone like Betsy. Someone who will show up. Someone who will stay by their side.

Looking forward

This story, and so many others like it, reminds us why Piedmont CASA exists and why your support matters. Whether you are an Advocate, a donor, a partner, or a community member cheering us on, you are part of this work.

As we head into a new year, we’re carrying forward the spirit of our 30th anniversary: honoring our history, celebrating our impact, and renewing our commitment to ensuring every child who needs a CASA has one.

Thank you for standing with us and most of all, for standing with the children who need us.