Kim didn’t set out to change a life—she simply wanted to help

Like many CASA volunteers, her journey began with a quiet pull to do something meaningful. She was looking for a way to give back, to be part of something bigger than herself. What she found was a role that would not only impact children in the foster care system, but change her in ways she never expected.

 

At first, it wasn’t easy. Walking into a child’s home for the first time came with nerves and uncertainty. But Kim quickly learned that being a CASA isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up with an open heart, without judgment, and focusing on what’s best for the child. “You meet them where they are,” she realized. “You listen. You stay flexible. You just… care.”

 

And that care matters more than anything.

 

For Kim, success isn’t defined by perfect outcomes. It’s about connection. It’s about knowing that, in some way—big or small—you made a difference. That belief has guided her every step of the way.

 

Some of her most meaningful moments didn’t come from big milestones, but from simple, everyday interactions. Like the time she mentioned a coupon shopping sale to one of her kiddos. What started as a casual conversation turned into a yearly tradition the child now shares with their family. A small moment, but one that stuck—one that became part of their story.

 

That’s the thing about this work: the impact often lasts far beyond the case.

 

Even after children grow up or move on, the relationships don’t always end. One of Kim’s former kiddos, now in college, still reaches out to stay in touch. And even when there’s no contact, the connection remains. “That child is still on my mind,” Kim says—a quiet reminder that once you’ve been part of a child’s life in this way, you carry them with you.

 

Kim’s story isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about presence. Consistency. Compassion. It’s about being one steady adult in a child’s world when they need it most.

 

And it’s a role more people can step into.

 

Right now, there are children in our community waiting for someone like Kim—someone willing to listen, to show up, and to advocate for their best interests. If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a real, lasting difference, becoming a CASA volunteer might be the place to start.