Bridging the Gap: CASA Advocacy Turns Hardship Into Hope for Siblings


May 9 , 2025

Bridging the Gap: CASA Advocacy Turns Hardship Into Hope for Siblings

by Nancy McCullar
CASA Lisa Kepner

Asher, 17, and his 16-year-old sister Alex live with their ailing father in a small rental apartment in rural Berks County. The family faces extreme poverty. Their home lacks proper heating and has unreliable running water. Without a car and relying solely on their fathers disability check, daily life is a constant struggleespecially when their father is frequently hospitalized due to a chronic medical condition.

When CASA Lisa was assigned to the case , she quickly saw that the teens basic needs were not being met. Neither had proper clothing for school, and their medical issues had gone unaddressed. Asher was in significant pain from impacted wisdom teeth, while Alex was falling behind in school due to poor vision.

CASA Lisa sprang into action. She found a dental clinic in Philadelphia that could treat Asher and accept his insurance. To solve the transportation challenge, she arranged for an Uber to take Asher and his father to the clinic and back. For Alex, Lisa scheduled an optometry appointment to assess her vision. Recognizing the familys broader needs, CASA Lisa also contacted Keystone Family Alliance, a volunteer organization that raises funds for families in crisis. Within a week, they had gift cards to buy new clothing and shoes for both teens.

Despite the hardships, the family is determined to stay togetheravoiding foster care placement for Alex. With the father's disability income, they can manage rent and food, but other essentials remain out of reach.  CASA Lisa continues to support the family with regular visits.  (Please note: names & some details altered to protect family's privacy)

November 22, 2025

Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program

byNancy McCullar
pictures of therapists counseling youth

Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.

At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.

To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.

Why Volunteer Therapists Matter

Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:

  • Build confidence and emotional stability

  • Strengthen coping skills

  • Navigate significant life decisions

  • Develop healthier relationships

  • Feel supported during an uncertain time

Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.

What the Role Involves

Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.

This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.

Who Were Looking For

We are seeking licensed professionals such as:

  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)

  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)

  • Licensed Psychologists

If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.

Learn More

We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.

Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.

Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.

November 22, 2025

Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program

byNancy McCullar


Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.

At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.

To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.

Why Volunteer Therapists Matter

Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:

  • Build confidence and emotional stability
  • Strengthen coping skills
  • Navigate significant life decisions
  • Develop healthier relationships
  • Feel supported during an uncertain time

Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.

What the Role Involves

Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.

This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.

Who Were Looking For

We are seeking licensed professionals such as:

  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
  • Licensed Psychologists

If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.

Learn More

We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.

Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.

Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.

 Return To List

November 22, 2025

Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program

byNancy McCullar


Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.

At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.

To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.

Why Volunteer Therapists Matter

Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:

  • Build confidence and emotional stability
  • Strengthen coping skills
  • Navigate significant life decisions
  • Develop healthier relationships
  • Feel supported during an uncertain time

Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.

What the Role Involves

Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.

This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.

Who Were Looking For

We are seeking licensed professionals such as:

  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
  • Licensed Psychologists

If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.

Learn More

We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.

Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.

Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.

 Return To List

November 22, 2025

Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program

byNancy McCullar


Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.

At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.

To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.

Why Volunteer Therapists Matter

Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:

  • Build confidence and emotional stability
  • Strengthen coping skills
  • Navigate significant life decisions
  • Develop healthier relationships
  • Feel supported during an uncertain time

Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.

What the Role Involves

Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.

This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.

Who Were Looking For

We are seeking licensed professionals such as:

  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
  • Licensed Psychologists

If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.

Learn More

We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.

Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.

Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.

 Return To List

November 22, 2025

Volunteer Therapists Needed for CASA Berks Youth in Transition Program

byNancy McCullar


Each year, young people in Berks County age out of foster care and step into adulthood without the consistent support many of us take for granted. They face the same challenges every young adult encountershousing, employment, relationships, financesbut often without a stable network of guidance and emotional support.

At CASA of Berks County, we see the resilience of these young adults every day. We also see the gaps.

To help close those gaps, we are launching our Youth in Transition program, designed to provide short-term counseling for young adults who have recently exited foster care. And we are inviting licensed therapists to be part of this critical new initiative.

Why Volunteer Therapists Matter

Young adults aging out of foster care have often spent years navigating systems, instability, and trauma. A safe, reliable therapeutic relationshipeven for a short periodcan help them:

  • Build confidence and emotional stability
  • Strengthen coping skills
  • Navigate significant life decisions
  • Develop healthier relationships
  • Feel supported during an uncertain time

Your clinical training and compassionate presence can be the anchor they need as they move forward.

What the Role Involves

Volunteer therapists provide short-term, trauma-informed counseling tailored to each young adults needs. Sessions can be scheduled based on your availability, and CASA Berks provides structure, support, and coordination throughout the process.

This is a flexible way to offer your professional skills to a population that often struggles to access mental health care.

Who Were Looking For

We are seeking licensed professionals such as:

  • Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists (LMFT)
  • Licensed Psychologists

If you believe every young person deserves someone in their corner, and youre passionate about creating equitable access to care, wed love to talk with you.

Learn More

We invite interested therapists to attend an upcoming information session or reach out directly to our program coordinator.

Contact Tiffany@casaberks.org for details.

Together, we can ensure that no young adult leaving foster care has to take their next steps alone.

 Return To List