CASA Nadia Reunites Kiddo with Sister


March 20 , 2025

CASA Nadia Reunites Kiddo with Sister

by Nancy McCullar
CASA Nadia Waltz

Greyson (not his real name) comes from a large family that was placed in foster care two years ago. Initially, he and his older sister, Odessa (not her real name), along with their three younger siblings, lived with distant relatives. However, caring for all five children proved too difficult for their kinship caregivers.

As the eldest, Odessawho was over 18left the kinship home to begin her adult life, losing touch with her siblings in the process. Meanwhile, Greyson, a young teenager, struggled to fit into the family dynamics of his much younger siblings. Eventually, his kinship caregivers requested his removal, and he was placed in a group home several miles away from his family in Reading.

In June 2024, CASA Nadia was assigned to Greyson. Over the summer, he grew comfortable with her visits and confided that he deeply missed his grandmother and older sister, Odessa. Determined to help, CASA Nadia searched through records and found a phone number for Odessa. When contacted, Odessa was overjoyed to hear that Greyson wanted to reconnect. A visit was soon arranged, during which Odessa drove their grandmother to see Greyson at his group home.

Since that first reunion, the bond between Greyson and Odessa has strengthened. Recognizing Odessas commitment, Nadia explained the steps required for her to become Greysons permanent guardian. The process is extensive, as all involved want to ensure that Odessawho is only five years older than 15-year-old Greysoncan provide a stable home. To prepare for guardianship, Odessa secured permanent housing and moved out of the apartment she shared with roommates. Her new home includes a separate bedroom for Greyson, a crucial requirement for approval.

Last month, Odessa and Greyson received the exciting news that Odessa has been approved to host Greyson for weekend visitsa critical step toward reunification. In the last few weeks, the two siblings have had several successful weekend visits.  Next step is for Odessa to gain legal approval to become Greyson's guardian. 

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