Use Your Story to Change the Life of a Child

By Erica Fischer-Kaslander, Executive Director

As Executive Director of Child Focus, I have the privilege of witnessing stories of transformation – not just in lives of the children we serve but in lives of volunteers and staff. Becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer isn’t your average volunteer opportunity; it’s stepping into a child’s life during vulnerable and critical moments to offer stability, hope, and guidance. Each volunteer and staff member bring something deeply personal and irreplaceable: their own story.

We carry our histories, experiences, and passions with us each day, shaping how we see the world and connect with others. For me, it’s a combination of childhood experiences: my parents were foster parents for medically fragile children, my relationship with my youngest brother, after he joined our family at age 12, my passion for child safety after seeing close friends in high school suffer when their safety was at risk, as well as my adult experiences with my husband’s siblings, five of whom were adopted from foster care. 

Serving as a CASA volunteer is not about being perfect or presenting a certain professional background. It’s about showing up with consistency, empathy, resilience, and a willingness to listen. Every CASA volunteer builds a relationship with a child as unique as the both are. Your story – challenges you’ve overcome, lessons you’ve learned, values you hold – is a source of connection and inspiration for a child feeling isolated and unheard.

Volunteers from all walks of life – teachers, business people, retirees, college students, working parents – bring their authentic selves and make an extraordinary difference as an advocate. One volunteer recently shared how growing up with a single parent provided  insight into the struggles of the child they serve. Another shared how their background in art helped them bond with a teen passionate about drawing. Yet another advocate proudly disclosed that his ability to play poker opened a connection with a teen in a residential treatment center who had resisted conversation for weeks. These sparks of personal connection make the CASA program so powerful. Children are reminded, or even taught for the first time, that they are more than a case number. They are seen, valued, and loved for exactly who they are.

Being a CASA volunteer isn’t always easy. It requires navigating complex situations, advocating in court, and witnessing the impact of trauma. But the role also comes with profound joy. From seeing a child reconnect with siblings or be placed in a safe, permanent home, to hearing them dare to dream for their future. These moments are testament to the power of showing up, consistently and wholeheartedly, for a child in need.

We need more people to answer this call. Right now, there are children in our communities awaiting a CASA volunteer, and more enter foster care each week. They need someone to listen, to stand up for them, and to help them feel less alone. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, this is it. 

Know you won’t walk this journey alone.
At Child Focus, we provide training, resources, and ongoing support to ensure you are prepared and feel confident in your role. You’ll also join a community of dedicated individuals who share your passion to make a difference.

So, bring your story. Bring your heart. Bring your commitment. There’s a child who needs exactly what you have to offer. Together, we will ensure every child in foster care has a champion in their corner.

Reach out, learn more, and take the first step here. Becoming a CASA volunteer will change a child’s life, and yours.